(AN: And apologies for this taking so long. As a 'reward' for finishing this story I bought as a Christmas present for myself Darksiders III. And then proceeded to binge-play it over the last week and finish it, albeit on Easy. Anyways, the reason this took so long (in addition to the gaming distraction) was that I had written a scene in Svonguarde where Crosby was subjected to a Lover Tug of War between The Horseman Fury and Aela the Huntress. It was funny initially but as I tried to integrate it into the chapter it was stretching even my Hand-Waving abilities...so I chopped it. Not to worry, it will be in the 'Deleted Scenes Chapter' for anyone who wants to see it.

A big Thank You and Merci to all who commented and/or messaged for the final chapter. I had Crosby's death scene written four and a half years ago, when ZSNT as a story was sketched out and not just a one-shot Familiar of Zero crackfic. I'm glad it had the emotional impact that it did. Now, we get to see what will become of Bowles, Alex, Forbes, and the others. Fair warning, I just churned this out, so there may be grammatical errors...

Enjoy!)

Princess Henrietta emerged from the palace and blinked away the bright light. Her eyes were still sensitive from being in the darkness for so long, and from crying. She felt a hand gently squeeze hers and looked up. Prince Wales Tudor's youthful face creased into a smile.

"It's good to be in the light, after being in the darkness for so long."

She lightly laughed.

"How right you are..."

Several Royal Sharpshooters approached, their weapons at the ready. Henrietta realized that some of them were in the cadre with Agnès de Milan when she was under the sway of Zombie Wales. She stepped forward and raised her scepter.

"Peace! This is the true Prince Wales, who was revived when the Evil One's magic was destroyed, along with Him."

A couple of the Sharpshooters looked at each other questioningly, but they shrugged, and lowered their weapons. They then genuflected as one, and bowed.

"Your Majesty Princess Henrietta, it is our regretful duty to inform you that the Palace of Tristainia has been damaged by the enemy! We were unable to prevent it!"

Princess Henrietta smiled gently at the group.

"Palaces can be rebuilt, I am just glad that no one was hurt..."

A shadow crossed her pretty face, and Henrietta's periwinkle-blue eyes shimmered as she spoke.

"Well...those who did die did not die in vain."

She looked over to the large crowd of nobles that had gathered around a ruined section of the palace. Among them were the Outworlders McPherson, Lugo and Forbes. It shocked the princess to see that not only was Princess Charlotte, aka Tabitha, was there but also her 'little sister' Illococoo. Henrietta finally saw her childhood friend Louise. When she saw the tears streaming down the pinkette's face, the princess ran to her best friend.

"Louise, my dear! What is wrong?"

The pinkette looked up at Henrietta, but just burst out and collapsed to her knees, sobbing. Saito finally spoke.

"It's her bodyguard, Sir Crosby..."

He paused, and held back tears himself.

"He's...he's dead. He sacrificed himself to ensure that Alduin would be defeated."

Henrietta's hands flew to her mouth and dropped down to embrace Louise.

"My poor dear! I-I'm so sorry for your loss."

Louise regained a bit of composure and wiped away tears.

"Th-thank you Henrietta. Sir Crosby was so brave...I-I always thought he could endure any challenge."

The pinkette looked up and saw Prince Wales approach. The prince must have seen both Louise and Saito tense up, as well as some of the Outworlders, so he held up his hands.

"Please...it really is me this time...I was a prisoner in my own body when I was brought back by the Evil One's fell magic, and with His death the spell was broken."

Saito looked back at Lt. McPherson, Sgt. Lugo and SSG Forbes. None of the soldiers seemed convinced. Forbes pushed Illococoo and Tabitha protectively behind him and unslung his M4. Lugo stepped forward.

"Not that we don't trust you, kid...but we don't trust you. Last time we encountered you, you almost killed the colonel."

"The boy speaks the truth, John Lugo."

Lugo and the soldiers of the 33rd turned their attention to the person who interrupted. The elf Tiffania approached, with Gordon in tow and the rest of the elf mages. The Keeper looked over to the prince and princess, then back to the Delta Force sniper.

"He was imprisoned by the World-Eater, unable to move on the afterlife...but when the Evil One was defeated he had a choice; either to move on or come back."

She saw the adoring looks Henrietta was giving Wales and smiled.

"He chose life."

Sgt. Lugo looked over to Lt. McPherson, who shrugged. He finally responded.

"Okaaaay, this isn't the weirdest thing that's happened today."

Tiffania giggled, but then straightened up.

"I am sorry for your loss of Sgt. Crosby, but know that his death, like Konrad's, was not in vain. His death will bring a new life to Helkeginia."

She caressed her stomach.

"...and hope."

The Keeper looked over towards the soldiers.

"It is time, Outworlders."

McPherson cocked his head to one side.

"Time? Time for what?"

"Time for you to receive your closure. You have already faced down your demons, and defeated them. But now you are at a crossroads."

She looked over to Louise, whom Henrietta had helped to her feet.

"Since you are a Void Mage I will give you the sacred words to perform the spell."

Louise looked puzzled.

"Spell? What spell?"

"The spell of the Void Portal."

The elf mage Luctiana stepped forward from the retinue.

"But Tiff-er I mean Keeper! That Void Portal is Sacred! Only the Keeper is allowed to perform that spell!"

Tiffania smiled.

"But this is the first step in unifying elves and humans."

She turned her attention back to the soldiers.

"This portal is not just any portal, it is one that will grant you access to your world."

Every single one of soldiers reacted the same way, shocked surprise. But Lugo was the first to speak.

"Wait, what? You mean to tell me that you, I mean the Keeper had that spell in her arsenal all along?"

When Tiff nodded, the Delta sniper snorted.

"So, why didn't you tell us? Or even tell our Russkie buddies?"

The Keeper shrugged.

"It was not the right time. But now, now that the Evil One is defeated, it is the right time."

Lugo looked over to his wife Siesta.

"Well babe, you wanna see my world?"

Siesta squealed with glee as she whirled around in her schoolgirl uniform.

"Oh yes! Absolutely John!"

Forbes stepped up.

"I'll come back, at least for a bit."

He turned his attention back to Tiffania.

"It is a two-way trip, right?"

The elf giggled and nodded.

"It is."

The older sergeant chuckled.

"Then count me in, I'd like to get a pizza and a beer while I'm there."

Illococoo popped out of nowhere and pressed his elbow against her bust.

"Oh wonderful! I'd like to come too!"

Lt. Bowles, holding hands with Jessica, walked up.

"What Sar'ent Forbes said..."

PFC Alex Walker felt conflicted, and his gaze fell to Agnès next to him. The female knight's eyes were shimmering with tears as she and the young sniper shared a longing look. Alex knew that she too, was conflicted; torn between desire and duty. He smiled lamely.

"Um, I guess this is good-bye...I'm sorry, babe..."

Agnès shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"No, mon cheri, it is I that am sorry..."

Princess Henritta had been watching this exchange, and finally cleared her throat.

"Agnès, Chevalier de Milan, come forward!"

The blonde knight obediently approached Henrietta, and genuflected in front of her monarch. Henrietta spoke up in her regal voice.

"You have served the crown faithfully as the Captain of the Gunpowder Corps for many years. It is high time that I bestow a boon upon you."

She raised her scepter.

"Let all who are loyal subjects to the crown of Tristain, hear my words...Agnès de Milan, I now release you from your oaths, but before you go I have but one last order for you as my bodyguard."

Agnès looked up, and saw the princess smiling.

"Go with the young Outworlder boy, and live your life to the fullest, my dear."

Foregoing all decorum the blonde knight let out a loud squeal and jumped up, she ran over to Alex, enveloping him in tight hug that knocked them both over.

McPherson saw Agnès covering the young sniper in kisses and grinned.

"Well, it's a consensus, all soldiers of the 33rd will converge in...let's say ten mikes?"

Then a voice piped up behind him, causing the officer to shudder.

"But you're not leaving without me, John!"

Lt. McPherson looked behind him and saw Éléonore standing there. The bespectacled blonde smiled evilly at the lieutenant.

"Remember what I said about your nose, my darling!"

He chuckled nervously.

"Er-ah, of course not dear, you're welcome to come with!"

He looked over to the duchess.

"If it's already with your mother, that is."

Duchess Karin de La Vallière, who had been focusing on the ground, finally looked up. She gave a sad smile as she wiped away tears.

"It is the duty of any wife to follow her husband, wherever he goes. Of course it is alright."

She turned her attention back to where Crosby's body was, but let out a yelp of surprise. All eyes turned to where her gaze regarded, and were equally shocked.

There was no body.

The stone wall where Crosby had propped himself up was still stained with his blood, but there was no sign of his body, or his helmet or other gear that he dropped. Lugo was the first to speak up.

"What th-what happened?"

(At that very moment, Svonguarde, Shor's Hall of Valor, ? local time)

The Dragonborn placed a liter-sized tankard in front of Crosby, who picked it up. The Zulu Squad sergeant had only just arrived in Svonguarde, at this Halls of Valor, when he was invited to drink some of the local beer with the Dragonborn. The warrior called Hrodar clanked tankards with the Zulu Squad sergeant and grinned.

"To our Epic Tale!"

Crosby could smell the potent, hoppy beer, based off the smell it was very potent. Fuck it, just chug it, he thought to himself. That way at least he wouldn't taste it. Holding his breath, the sergeant gulped down the tankard of potent brew, draining the tankard to its dregs. Crosby made a face and spent a full five seconds fighting to keep it down.

His companion laughed a hearty laugh, and upended his tankard as well. Based off the Dragonborn's reaction, he might as well have been drinking water.

"You see! I told you he was no milk-drinker! This is a true hero!"

The Dragonborn turned to face the other warriors, and gestured to Crosby.

"This man, he should have been born with Dragon Blood in him!"

The mead-hall erupted in loud cheers and the sound of tankards clanking on the tables. Then, a serving wench approached their table, with a large drinking horn. The Dragonborn took it, and handed it to Crosby.

"Robert Crosby leader of Zulu Squad, drink of this drinking horn. If you finish, then we are Oath Brothers."

He leaned in, and Crosby could have sworn he saw the Dragonborn's eyes glitter.

"...but if you don't finish your manhood will be forfeit!"

The Dragonborn gave a chuckle.

"No pressure, friend."

Crosby laughed and put the horn to his lips. As he tasted the drink, there was a hint of some sort of tangy fruit, but then as he started to swallow it, he felt the fiery liquor burn his throat on the way down. When he finished Crosby coughed up vapors that probably would have set fire to the table, but Hrodar clapped him on the back, laughing heartily.

"See! Now we are Oath Brothers!"

A nubile young blonde maiden, wearing a cropped mail breastplate and a fur loincloth, and nothing else, sidled up to Crosby.

"So Hrodar Rockbreaker...who is this handsome man who is your drinking companion?"

The Dragonborn grinned.

"A Great Hero, one who has conquered a dragon! And not just any dragon, but the Word Eater Himself! And he is also my Oath Brother."

The maiden gave a coquettish giggle, and dropped into Crosby's lap. She took pleasure in rubbing her bare buttocks against the warrior's leg, and ran her hands over Crosby's assault vest. She seemed fascinated by all its various pouches and pockets, especially the velcro straps and the funny noise they made.

"My, your raiment is different from all the other heroes in this hall. But I would love to hear about your adventures."

She leaned in, showing more of her cleavage.

"Please?"

The hall ground to a stop, and became so silent you could hear a pin drop.

At that moment a beautiful creature with radiant features, long flowing green hair and raiment that seemed to glitter, stood at the threshold of the hall. Lord Shor handed His goblet aside to an attendant and rose from His throne. The Lady with the Green Hair, The Weaver of Fate, The Mistress of the Empyrean, The Wielder of Telperion, this Being had many names. She was very very powerful, and to visit Svonguarde was a rare occurance. He gave a low bow.

"Lady with the Green Hair, you honor us with your visit."

The Lady said nothing, but looked out into the assembled throng. Lord Shor shifted in His armor nervously. Such entities as the Green Lady were always an enigma, whose powers exceeded even His own, being able to reweave the very fabric of Fate itself. He cleared his throat.

"I beg pardon for the impudence in asking, my Lady..."

She turned her gaze and directed her beautiful green eyes at Shor. For a moment even the King of the Old Gods was bewitched, captivated by her beauty and hypnotized. A good thing His wife Kyne was absent, or there would be trouble, He thought. He coughed and stammered out a response.

"...but what business do you have in my Hall of Valor?"

The Lady then bowed and gave a formal curtsy, her thin purple and gold raiment billowing as if by an unseen breeze. She then spoke, or rather sang in a voice so beautiful it entranced every male (and many females) in the hall.

"I seek out a warrior, one in black and white armor. One in whose breast beats the heart of a true Hero. He will be one of a kind."

"He...he is over there, by the Dragonborn."

The Lady did not respond, but turned without another word, her green tresses swished as she maneuvered around the warriors and heroes, each and every one captivated by her otherworldly beauty. Until she stopped in front of Crosby.

The angelic beauty's radiant features creased briefly into a frown as she regarded the scantily clad girl straddling Crosby's lap. The maiden was wise enough to get the hint, and hopped off, finding other things to do. The Weaver of Fate glared at the girl, but then turned her attention back to Crosby, and her gaze softened.

"Well, I guess you tracked me down. Am I busted for spending too much time at the bar with the boys?"

She let out a musical giggle.

"No, but I did miss your company."

She leaned over.

"You don't mind if I take him, Dragon-slayer?"

The Dragonborn hastily stood and also gave a low bow. The Stonebreaker had heard many stories told of the Lady with Green Hair, how She had the power to control Fate itself, and sometimes even defy Shor in bringing others from the brink of death, such was Her power.

"No, my Lady. I wouldn't dare offend you."

'"Tis no offense, indeed I am gladdened that you have been keeping my Beloved company."

"He...he is your True Love? But I heard the one you entranced was an ancient warrior."

"He is..."

For a moment the Lady had a faraway look in her eyes, as if going to elaborate. But then she turned her attention back to Crosby, and gave a light wave of her delicate hand.

"...But 'tis a long story, one I won't bore you with."

The Dragonborn wisely accepted the Green Lady's light brush off, and offered Crosby his helmet, goggles and balaclava back.

"If I had know you had stolen the Green Lady's heart...well, I would have done a few things different, Warrior Crosby."

Crosby shrugged his armored shoulders.

"Eh, you probably wouldn't have believed me anyways."

As they turned to leave Crosby leaned over to whisper to the Weaver.

"So, where are we off to?"

The Weaver of Fate smiled.

"One final stop, to meet some friends."

(BGM: Gladiator OST: Elysium)

(Washington D.C. The Pentagon, January 19th, 2012, 14:30 hours Local Time)

"Colonel? Colonel John Konrad, can you hear me?"

Konrad opened his eyes, and for a moment his eyes were blinded by a bright light. As his vision cleared the colonel saw that he was in some sort of room that looked like a hotel room. Everything that looked so normal seemed foreign to Konrad, and as he glanced about the room he saw a soldier wearing ACU's standing at attention in the doorway.

"Sir? It's time..."

Konrad then remembered. He was back, stateside, and awaiting the results of his court-martial. The colonel rose his bed and yawned.

"Thank you, Specialist, can you give me ten minutes to freshen up?"

The soldier nodded.

"No worries, sir. We have an hour before the proceedings..."

As Konrad shuffled to the bathroom in his hotel suite (or was it some high-end holding cell in the Pentagon?) he turned on the faucets and splashed some water on his face. Recollections of dreams surfaced, a bizarre world of magic, with kings, queens and princesses. The colonel flushed at the memory of a pretty young princess who had a crush on him as he dried off his face.

Colonel Konrad straightened the tie on his dress uniform and looked at himself in the mirror. In his old-school 'pickle suit' Class A's, the colonel cut a dashing figure, somehow he felt the need to straighten out the ribbons on his chest. Then he crisply did an about-face, and left his room, escorted by two MP's. As he walked down the hallway Konrad recognized that he was in the Pentagon, which mean that his suite must have been a room reserved for visiting dignitaries. Which seemed odd, given his war-crimes. They approached the elevator, and one of the MP's pushed the button. The other one, a young Private, turned to the colonel.

"Sir, I-I know what you did was wrong, disobeying orders, but I...I want you to know that the boys in the Army think you did the right thing, sir!"

Konrad smiled thinly.

"Thank you private, I just hope the Top Brass think the same way as you do."

The doors to the elevator closed, and they began the slow ascent to the 7th floor. The elevator groaned to a stop on the 2nd floor, and more uniformed soldiers and officers filed in. Most didn't recognize Konrad, and some even avoided eye contact with him. Then the elevator stopped on the 4th floor, and most of the passengers disembarked, with the exception of Konrad and his two escorts.

The colonel had kept his eyes down, unable to see the disapproving looks in some officers that he knew and many he didn't. Then he heard a voice.

"Jeez, John! Lighten up, you look like Sir Thomas More on the way to his execution..."

Konrad knew the voice, but he couldn't believe it. He looked up, and saw LTC David Long stepping into the elevator. Like Konrad he was dressed in his Class A's, although he sported the Army's newer dark blue uniform. His subordinate grinned as Konrad continued to gape at him.

"What's wrong, John? You look like you just saw a ghost."

Long's superior worked his jaws for a full minute before he could finally find the words to speak.

"The...the Evacuation?"

Long nodded.

"It was a resounding success, and if I may say, regardless of the outcome of this court-martial, it was the right call."

Konrad let out a long sigh. He felt as if a large weight had been lifted off his shoulders. He still didn't believe it, and felt that at any moment he would wake up in a military prison cell. The colonel heard Long continue.

"...don't worry colonel. They aren't going to send you to Ft. Leavenworth. All those civilians you saved in the Evacuation have been singing your praises to any news outlet that will listen."

The doors to the elevator chimed open, and Long stepped aside.

"After you, sir."

Konrad gave Long a small smile.

"Thank you, Dave. Thank you for everything..."

"Colonel Konrad, please stand."

Konrad rose from his seat. He was in a large courtroom, the largest in the Pentagon. There were no reporters, they were confined to the halls outside, but the courtroom was teeming with soldiers, both in ACU's and dress uniforms. He could feel the gaze of his men upon them, and there was a mixture of relief and shame. The presiding generals were a US Army general and a Marine general. The Marine stood up and spoke.

"Colonel, before I read the verdict of this Court Martial hearing, I wish to say something. This was a difficult decision for us to make. The charges against you were serious and grave indeed, and under normal circumstances you would be facing a long prison sentence. However, we took into account your exemplary service record, and the testimony of the civilians who are still alive because of your actions, even the testimony of the members of the 33rd. This doesn't lessen the seriousness of the charges."

He took a piece of paper, and spoke out loud.

"On the charges of dereliction of duty, and your...actions that transpired in Dubai...this panel finds you...not guilty."

There rose a cheer in the audience, as well as the soldiers. The general held up a hand.

"On the charges of disobeying orders, this panel finds you guilty. Under normal circumstances that charge, especially since it was committed in Time of War, would bring mandatory jail time in Fort Leavenworth. However, we decided that it would be a disservice for an officer of your record. As such, the punishment will be a dishonorable discharge, but you may keep your Medal of Honor and any benefits from that award. Given the circumstances, I think this is fair."

Konrad closed his eyes, at let out a breath he had been holding since asked to stand to receive his sentence. He then opened then and spoke.

"Permission to speak, sir."

The general nodded.

"Permission granted, Colonel Konrad."

Konrad looked back at his men. He could see their faces; SSG Forbes, Lt. McPherson, Lt. Gordon, and more. Then he saw LTC Long, who gave him a broad grin. The colonel then turned his attention back to the panel.

"What is to become of the Damned 33rd, sir?"

The US Army general stood and replied.

"The 33rd Mobile Infantry Battalion suffered some casualties during the Evacuation, but is operating at 90% capacity."

He looked into the audience.

"Under the circumstances, I think it only fair that command be handed over to a known quantity. Lieutenant Colonel Long will assume command, pending an inquest."

The general looked over to his fellow panel members.

"Anything else to add, gentlemen?"

When there was no response, the general rapped his gavel on the desk.

"In which case, this court-martial is adjourned. Colonel Konrad, you are free to go under your own recognizance, pending a discharge hearing to be set at a future date."

There arose a great cheer in the audience and as the panel members filed out, Konrad felt hands clap him on the back and congratulate him. Then he looked up, and saw someone stand up and approach. It had felt like an eternity, and Konrad didn't know what to say.

It was his Elizabeth, with young Jeremy in tow. She wordlessly came up to Konrad, and said nothing, but blinked back tears. The colonel finally broke the silence.

"Elizabeth, I'm so, so sorry for putting you and Jeremy through this...I know, what was done cannot be undone, what was said cannot be unsaid."

He looked down at Jeremy, and continued.

I would like us to...keep in touch-"

He saw her chock a sob and hastily held up a hand.

"I-I mean, only if you want to..."

But Elizabeth cut him off by embracing him, sobbing into his shoulder. Finally after a full five minutes she spoke.

"John, you're alive, that's what's important...Of course...you should know I signed the divorce papers, but..."

She pulled back and smiled at him.

"I'm...I'm staying with my mother, but you are always welcome to see us."

She looked down at Jeremy.

"And Jeremy would like to visit you on the ranch."

Elizabeth wiped away her tears.

"As would l...John. Welcome back, my hero."

The colonel kneeled down to be at eye level with his son. The boy also looked like he was fighting back tears.

"Jeremy, I...I want you to know that when I went away, it wasn't because I didn't love your mother or you."

He looked over to the military officers.

"Also, Jeremy, you're too young to understand, but someday, people will tell you things about your father."

He lowered his head, his voice breaking.

"And for that, I'm sorry."

But he was cut off as the boy hugged his midsection tightly.

"Dad! I love you so much, I don't care what happened! You're home! Everyone said you were dead, and you're alive!"

Konrad looked up, and saw two persons approach. He stood up, with his wife and son beside him, and as they got closer Konrad could make out the details. One was his battalion 1st Sergeant, Robert Crosby. The senior NCO also had a beautiful lady hanging off his arm. Before the colonel could respond Wolfe beat him to the punch.

"Sarge, you've been holding out on us, who is this lovely lady? Someone you picked up in Dubai?"

Crosby glanced over to the lady, and grinned.

"Something like that."

The lady gave a light bow, and both the officer and the senior NCO were able to get a good look at her. She had fine, exotic features, porcelain skin and large beautiful eyes. She had her black hair done up in a complex hairstyle and was dressed as if going out on a night on the town. When she spoke in was in a refined, musical voice.

"He is my hero, that is all for me."

Konrad noticed that she was wearing some sort of silver tiara on her head. She turned her attention to Konrad.

"Thank you, Colonel Konrad, you are also a hero, and not just to your men. You did the right thing."

Something in the lady's poise and beauty jogged a half-remembered memory in Konrad's mind. The lady smiled at him, as if being able to read his thoughts. Jeremy approached the lady and looked up at her.

"You're very pretty!"

She gave the boy a gentle smile and ruffled his hair.

"Thank you, young man. But your flattery will make my beloved jealous..."

The colonel coughed, remembering his wife was nearby, and he turned his attention back to Crosby.

"So, you're EAS'ing, Crosby?"

The sergeant nodded and reached into the pocket of his dress Class A's. He pulled out a folded paper and held it up.

"And for the record, I have my DD214 so I will soon be an Ugly Ass civilian."

Crosby felt the lady squeeze his hand in hers.

"...I've earned some R&R, that's for sure."

He gave a salute.

"It was an honor serving under you sir, in both those places..."

Konrad once again was reminded of something, but pushed it aside as he returned the salute.

"Carry on, sergeant. And don't be a stranger."

He then saw a group of soldiers approach. He recognized them as the soldiers in the front row of the stands. SSG Forbes was the first to approach, wearing his ACU's and his garrison cap stuffed in his pocket. He too, apparently had picked up a girlfriend. She was tall and pretty, appeared to be in her early twenties was clutching his elbow, and wearing skinny jeans and a long tie-dyed tee shirt. The oddest thing about her was her hair, which was was dyed a bright blue.

"Sergeant Forbes, good to see you."

Forbes saluted Konrad.

"Thank you sir, it was an honor being commanded by you. We did the right thing."

Konrad returned the salute.

"Thank you sergeant."

He looked over to the girl, who was looking up at Konrad with large blue shimmering eyes.

"So, where are you off to, going on a date in DC?"

Forbes looked down at the girl and smiled.

"Actually, I promised her I take her to Chick & Ruth's Delly. She wanted to do the eating challenge."

That shocked Konrad as he looked over to the girl again. She was tall, but based off her slim figure it looked like she subsisted on birdseed.

"You...sure about that, Sergeant?"

The girl then spoke up, speaking in a sing-songy voice.

"Oh, I already ate there before the court-martial! I just wanted seconds..."

Forbes chuckled at the shocked look on Konrad's face.

"Yeah, she ate this pound and a half Reuben and a six pounds of milkshake...did it in six minutes. And chugged a diet coke."

Konrad was still in shock as the girl nodded once.

"Um-hum! It was delicious! But now I want to try their burger!"

The colonel chuckled, then turned his attention to a young officer and a young man with Specialist insignia. The officer Konrad recognized as Lt. John McPherson, commander of 2nd Platoon, Kilo Company, but the young Specialist he didn't recognize. He looked awfully young, still in his teens to be that rank, but the colonel's thoughts were interrupted as McPherson saluted.

"Colonel, well done, and thank you!"

Konrad smiled wryly as he returned the salute.

"And I half-expected you to be bringing your girlfriends as well, lieutenant."

McPherson glanced down at the Specialist, and they both shared a secret grin.

"Well, we left them at the hotel. They're...a bit of a handful."

Konrad nodded, then looked over to the specialist. He looked Japanese-American, with large blue eyes. The young man gave a salute as well.

"Specialist Saito Hiraga, sir! And it's been an honor!"

The colonel smiled and returned the salute.

"The honor is mine. I just wish I could remember your name. But, then again, the Damned 33rd is a big battalion."

The last two soldiers approached, these ones Konrad recognized as platoon leader Lt. Gordon, and PFC Walker. They, too gave their support, before leaving into the crowd.

Konrad felt at peace, even the roaring din of the reporters in the hallway couldn't dim his contentment. He felt his wife hand take his, and his son Jeremy take his other. They all walked away, on to better lives.

(Ending Credits BGM: Fight For Freedom, Manowar)

(Stinger #1, Sasha's Bosom, ? local time)

The elven afterlife is often misconceived by humans as a conventional afterlife; complete with fluffy clouds and harps. The farthest couldn't be from the truth. Sasha's Bosom is the name given to an oasis that was created by Sasha over six millenia ago. And like any civilization, it has evolved and grown. Now a full-blown city on a vast verdant green hill, its population bustles about on their business to shops or to visit loved ones. Along the main thoroughfare is a vast ediface that is the center of attention. A large tower, flanked by two smaller towers, rise up to the heavens.

If a visitor was to push open the two double doors, the first thing that would capture their attention is a four-story atrium lined with floor-to-ceiling bookcases, themselves groaning with every sort of grimoire and informative book imaginable. In this setting, at a table, studying a particularly large grimoire, sits Asha Bel'inor, former Keeper of Memories.

Another approached her, she at first appeared to only be a maiden, with short silver hair and grey eyes. Asha looked up and smiled.

"Well met, sister."

Sasha returned the gentle smile.

"Well met, my dear Asha."

She gestured to the large, leatherbound tome opened on the table.

"Enjoying your pursuit of knowledge, my dear?"

Asha nodded, and looked around her.

"This is an exact copy of the Great Library at the College of Magic in Winterhold, isn't it?"

Sasha nodded as she looked around.

"It is, a pity my people burned down the original in their quest to exterminate humans."

Her grey eyes shimmered.

"My Father was the first Memory Keeper, back then it was a men-only club, you know. And in fairness to him, he saw what the humans would do to us in the future generations. How ironic, that our children's misfortunes were caused by his actions."

Sasha placed a small hand on the grimoire that Sasha was reading.

"But with this knowledge we can communicate with our Seers, and advise our Keepers not to make the same mistakes our forebearers made."

She gestured around.

"That is ultimately why we spend our time here, and why I built this place."

Sasha glanced down, and noticed a looked of melancholy on her sister's face.

"What troubles you, dear sister."

Asha looked up from her book.

"It is nothing."

Sasha sat down next to her sister, and smiled.

"'Tis true I only knew you for barely a century before that human took me as a Familiar. But even then I knew when something was wrong."

Asha closed the leather-bound tome, and sighed.

"It is just regrets, nothing more."

A look of comprehension glowed in Sasha's eyes.

"Ah, yes that human. That human Outworlder with the bizarre name. Vasaly, Vasil-what was it?"

Asha smiled, and flawlessly pronounced the Russian's name.

"Vasiliy. Vasiliy Ivanovich Bylinkin. He preferred to go by 'Vasya.'"

"He must have meant quite a bit to you, my dear."

Asha's eyes shimmered as she spoke.

"He did. For over six centuries he kept me company. I admit for the first two decades I was unsure. We had him as an honored guest, because he and his crew used an Iron Beast to repel back some marauding humans. But I was fond of the human. He was so different from all the others, so honest, blunt, sometimes coarse and unfined, but kind. He was always kind, not only to me, but to all elves. Then fondness grew into friendship, and friendship grew into love."

She giggled.

"His young subordinate had a whole harem of elf maidens at one of the oasis' at his disposal."

Sasha smiled.

"So, if you could see this human again, what would you do? What would you say to him?"

Asha looked up at her sister, and a tear streamed down her cheek.

"I...I would never know. He is a human, humans aren't allowed here."

She glanced over to two other elf maidens pouring over texts. Both had green hair, but one had a silver streak in her hair, and the other had violet eyes.

"I know there were...exceptions made to that rule, but in the end only elves are allowed."

Sasha gave a gentle smile.

"But you know the beauty about being a goddess, sister?"

When she didn't respond, Sasha continued.

"I wrote the rules."

Then there was a knock at the massive doors to the library.

Asha looked sharply over to her sister, her eyes wide with anticipation.

"Well, dear? Go answer it."

Asha sprang up and ran to the door, pulling it open.

There stood a man. He was not a youth, but not an old man either. He had youthful features, save a small scar above his left eyebrow. She also realized that he did not have pointed ears like the elf men. He was wearing a black tanker's uniform with impeccably polished black boots. She didn't recognize the clothes at first. But then the man smiled, and his light blue eyes lit up when he did.

"Vasya?" She breathlessly asked.

"Da. It would appear I was allowed-"

But that's as far as Captain Vasiliy Bylinkin got. Asha Bel'inor grabbed him in a tight hug, and kissed him passionately.

"Well, now we have an eternity to be together, my dear."

She glanced over and saw his younger subordinate standing at the base of the stairs that led up to the College. Sitting on the curb of the street was idling a large blocky construct that was their Iron Beast. She looked over to Vasya with shimmering eyes, her hands clasped. The Russian eased himself into a chair and yawned.

"Where is your dacha? I want a place to kick off my boots and put my feet up."

He then looked up at Asha and grinned.

"And I expect supper to be served promptly at six. Preferrably borscht."

Vasya heard Asha giggle uncontrollably and swat him playfully.

"Oh my beloved, you are still as insufferable as ever!"

Captain Bylinkin grinned as he glanced around.

"And please tell me that somewhere in this paradise grows potatoes or at least some sort of grain. I'll need to make vodka."

He heard his Prapor chuckle.

"And oil to fuel our T-55, Comrade Captain!"

(Ending Credits BGM: March of the Soviet Tankers)

(Stinger #2, Charming Fairies Inn, 1235 hrs local time)

Bowles looked up from polishing the beer tankards.

"Yeah, sorry Saito, I missed reuniting with the colonel."

The young lieutenant was still wearing a coyoted brown tee and ACU trousers, but was wearing a bartender apron. The young specialist and his wife the Walking IED just appeared, literally, a few minutes ago when she cast a Void Portal. Saito glanced around the tavern. Very little had changed, except that now Jessica's father Scarron was dressed in regular clothes, and bouncing his newest grandson on his knee. Several other children ran laughing throughout the inn, some looked like Bowles, others looked more like Jessica.

Saito also saw that Lugo was there with his wife Siesta, sharing a table with Guiche de Gramonth and his girlfriend Montmorency. He also saw the his girlfriend had once again caught him ogling the barmaids, and was berating him. Saito heard Bowles chuckle.

"You know, they're both college seniors now, but some things never change."

He looked over to Saito, who was enjoying a tankard of ale.

"So, where are you off to?"

The young specialist looked back at Louise and grinned.

"We're off the the Vallière duchy, to see her mother."

He saw Louise blush slightly.

"We-we have wonderful news...mother is going to be a grandmother..."

The two soldiers shared a laugh, and Bowles brought another round on the house.

(Ending Credits BGM: Kisushite Agenai by Rie Kugimiya)

(Stinger #3, Lutèce, Capital of Gallia, the Gallian Palace, 0623 hours local time)

The stillness of the early morning in the courtyard of the palace, by a loud harsh voice that carried and echoed against the walls.

"Atten-Huit! Maggots I got some bad news!"

SSG Forbes glowered at the recruits from under the brim of his campaign hat. He had the royal haberdashers make an exact replica of the one the Weaver had 'borrowed' for him back when they were placing Princess Charlotte, aka Tabitha, on the throne of Gallia.

Still dressed in impeccably pressed ACU's, Forbes stalked up and down the line of recruits. This was the fourth generation of new recruits into the Gallian Army, but fortunately he had help. Standing beside him was Colour Sergeant Dany LaRoux, also wearing ACU's and a female DS hat.

Unlike Forbes, Dany just glowered and seethed at her platoon, an all-female rotation of recruits. She didn't even flinch as Forbes bellowed at his own recruits.

"Alright maggots, lissen up! Who in the actual fuck left a pubic hair in my beautiful pristine latrine? You nasty fuckers fuck up everything! You don't know how good you have it!"

Dany stepped up and spoke in her best DS voice.

"I'll testify, we didn't have nice clean latrines, we had to shit through a hole in the floor! And we had to burn the shit afterwards, we didn't have indoor plumbing! And we still had to keep it clean!"

Forbes continued in his DS voice.

"And while we're on the subject, I just got back from the barracks. Why in the hell and holy fuck do my barracks smell like beatyermeat creme, nutsack, taint, and ass gravy pri'ates? You know what, too easy I got this."

He stood even straighter.

"Platoon, Atten-Huit! Half-Right Face! Front Leaning Rest Position! Now PUSH until I get tired!"

While Forbes smoked the recruits, Dany stepped up and yelled out, addressing her recruits. She too, had been receiving training on how to be a proper DS.

"Alright! Females, Human-type! Riddle me this, riddle me that, who's damned vagina is so damned fat, that they can't feel a tampon falling out of the shower?"

She glared at the female recruits, who quailed under her gaze.

"You fuckin' bleeders are more disgusting than the custard shooters over there! Who did it? Who the fuck did it?"

There was only stunned silence.

"It's nobody's? Nobody gonna claim it, alright, too easy Half Right, Face!"

Meanwhile, as Forbes and his protégé smoked their respective recruits, Illococoo was busy in the kitchens, preparing food. She had went to several very expensive culinary colleges in Gallia, first, because she loved food, and second she found that she like to make food as well as eat it.

Right now she was busy making a Germanian apple strudel for Staff Sergeant Forbes, as well as a nice steaming pot of coffee. Some of the mixture for the filling of the strudel spilled, and the blue-haired girl gave a squeal. She had worn her best flower sundress to have breakfast with Josh after morning P.T., and she didn't want to get it dirty.

Thankfully the spill was caught by the apron she was also wearing. As she prepared the apples for sautéing, Illococoo turned an apple over in her hands, then abruptly shoved it into her mouth, crunching on it effortlessly.

She never understood why she liked apples so much. She always felt urge to eat them after shapeshifting, and never, ever she was able to resist it. Sure, they were sweet and tasty - but for her, it was something more. It was like she needed them like Outworlders' machines needed the substance they called "fuel"...

Illococoo finished the apple, and then promptly reached for another, this one to pare and slice, but froze when something flicked between her fingers. Something so so familiar, and so blue. Slowly, she pulled her delicate hand back and saw another flick of blue.

No, it cannot be, she thought. It simply cannot be.

She took another apple, and munched on it, then concentrated hard. This time the skin on her hand turned blue and scaly, just for a moment. She stopped, looked over at the apples, then smiled mischievously as she glanced an aside to the audience.

+FIN+

(AN: To quote biohazard115, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away, and a truck of apples a day keep your girl's inner dragon fueled."

Quick point, yes that is the Weaver with Crosby after Konrad's court-martial. She looks unrecognizable because Lúthien's natural hair color was black with grey eyes, not green hair and green eyes. I just did that as change of pace and because, well I could. And yes, she makes it work because she can exist outside of time and be a Reality Warper.

Well, thanks for putting up with all the stingers. Hopefully that ties everything up into a nice, neat bow. I'll be posting a deleted scenes chapter this weekend, one that is the Warhammer 40K chapter, and another, shorter one. There's one that is a big, jumbled mess that I might just delete. Failing that, once again I thank you all for your interest. The quasi sequel probably won't come out until later in January or early February. Depends on my schedule and how things go. Until then...

*the author stands up from his easy chair, stretches, yawns and gives a low bow*

A Big Merci! To you all!)