"For Veronica!" Serena held up a glass.

"For Veronica!" All the rest repeated raising the glass's and then drank, all standing on a high point in Arboria, a place with free view of the world tree and the world itself spreading across the horizon, this was the place Serena had put Veronica's staff, planted it firmly in the ground allowing it to be Veronicas final resting spot.

"Man." Erik commented. "It's been eight weeks and still seems pretty unbelievable doesn't it?" he asked as he turned to look at the view. "i mean look at that!" he pointed at Ygdrasil. "We did that! Can you believe it?"

"I will admit, that does seem rather unreal honey." Sylvando replied as he crossed his arms.

"Heh, if I ever tried to tell anyone I helped doing that no one would believe me." Erik smirked.

"Just come to Heliodor. You will have our word and people will believe you." Jade offered in a smirk.

"Njah, that's okay." Erik stated. "I didn't really set out to become a hero or anything. I just wanted to make up for what I did to Mia."

"And you did." Serena smiled warmly.

"Yeah." Erik nodded. "It was only possible, thanks to Veronica."

Hendrik sighed. "I wish I could have known her." he admitted. "Or at least thanked her."

"She would have liked you." Serena stated in a smile. "She would have loved to play pranks on you and make you as embarrased as possible."

"Oh, she was that kind of a lady?" Hendrik asked.

"Uhu, she could even give Erik a run for his money." Serena smiled.

"She was a spitfire." Sylvando agreed.

Hiro silenced.

"Hiro?" Serena asked.

"Sorry, I just." Hiro shook his head. "So many died, when Ygdrasil fell." he commented. "What if… We had done things differently. What if.."

"Hiro." Serena stopped him. "There is no use thinking like that. Things turned out as they were supposed to. Yes, many were lost but… Just as many were saved. And if we got the option to have a do-over… Don't." she asked. "Everyone we saved, they matter to! And because Veronica saved us, in a way she saved all of them! Because we couldn't have saved anyone if she didn't saved us first. She saved everyone!" she stated. "Veronica knew exactly what she was doing when she saved us. Saved Hendrik and Carnelian too."

"I have been wondering about that." Hendrik admitted. "Why she would safe Carnelian and I, I mean… We were enemies. And if she hadn't spend her energy on us, she might have been able to safe herself."

"Veronica was never that kind of a person." Serena informed. "And she never believed you were bad people. Even if she did believe that. It wouldn't have mattered. She wouldn't just let people die like that."

"I will take inspiration from that." Jade stated. "I can't imagine a finer way to live."

"And Serena, Jade and I informed king Carnelian of what Veronica did." Hendrik informed. "He was very touched by her sacrifice, and if there is anything you could ever want or need. He wishes to help."

"I just want us to stay friends." Serena stated. "That's what Veronica would want too. She would want me to live, and get a lot of friends, and just be happy."

"Well no problem there honey, of course we'll stay friends." Sylvando winked. "In fact! Suggestion! Let's make this an annual thing huh? One year from now! Let's meet again, right here!"

"I can deal with that." Erik stated.

"Wait." Serena stated. "Next year, let's meet in Cobblestone. Then Rab wont have to make the journey."

"Oh lass, don't think about me." Rab asked.

Jade looked at him. "It wouldn't be right without you." she stated, smiling a little sadly. "Of course we'll go to Cobblestone. It will be easier for me and Hendrik anyway."

"It's all the same for me, I will be travelling anyway. To sell the merch." Erik grinned.

"And I will be mostly travelling between Puerto Valor and Heliodor, so yes. It will be on the road anyway." Sylvando shrugged. "It is more convenient for just about everyone anyway."

"The way I see it, it doesn't really matter where we meet. As long as we are meeting!" Erik grinned. "Ones a year sounds good!"

"How wonderful." Serena beamed. "Veronica would love this so much! And I would love it, so much!" she beamed.

"It wont be an entire year before we see each other again, eh. Right buddy?" Erik grinned at Hiro whom blushed.

"Oh yes, I do believe we have a wedding to attend." Jade commented.

"Yeah." Hiro nodded. "Oh and if you got someone you want to take with you that's fine."

"Great! Mia would love it!" Erik beamed.

"I'm sure my father would like to come too." Jade stated. "If that's okay."

"Of course it is." Hiro smiled. "The people of Cobblestone has not forgotten what he did for them, how he helped and defended all of them."

"He'll be glad to hear that." Jade smiled. "Even if he still does feel guilty about giving the order to destroy Cobblestone in the first place… Even if it wasn't even him and he doesn't even remember giving that order."

"Is he doing okay?" Hiro asked honestly wondering.

"He's fine." Jade assured amused. "Things are just… A little bit confusing."

"Carnelian always was a proud man like that." Rab chuckled amused. "He'll be fine, I'm sure of it. And when he isn't he has you for support Jade." he stated. "And Hendrik of course."

"And you got all of us Jade." Erik grinned. "So no worries!"

"Yes indeed." Serena smiled. "I don't know what help I could be. But if I ever could be of help, don't hesitate."

"Well, a sage might be pretty useful." Jade commented. "Also since you are the only sage I even know of."

"We are all having each others backs! It makes me so happy!" Sylvando cheered. "The followers of the luminary. Together to the last."

Hiro shook his head. "Don't call yourself that, you're just… You." he pointed out. "You're my friends!" and they all grinned.

"We get it." Erik assured. "First and foremost, we are friends!" he grinned.

"Just like Veronica would want it." Serena nodded and smiled, shining like the sun. "I'm so happy!"

"In the name of the goddess, I now declare thee! Man and wife! You may now kiss the bride!"

There was a great cheer as Hiro leaned over and kissed his lovely bride, both were wearing white, yet their white clothes was rather simple.

Jade had of course offered any sort of help, they could have held the wedding at Heliodor castle. Gemma could have had the finest dress in silk covered in gems, Jade would have been happy to arrange for the finest food in the land brought by the best chefs the world had ever seen.

And Hiro and Gemma had declined every last single one of the offers. They wanted the wedding to be at Cobblestone, their home! They wanted the food they had grown up knowing and loving, they wanted wedding attire that represented who they were. Just two normal people living in a humble village which they loved dearly.

The church though had been packed! Every single villager from Cobblestone was there, all of Hiros friends from his travel! Erik stood with him as his best man while he sister was sitting among their friends. Carnelian was there too, wearing much more modest clothes than normal. He had wanted to come as just another ordinary guest and not a king.

Only three of Sylvandos men had been allowed to follow him around in here, the rest he had send out to check on villages in the land. Those three men though seemed absolutely delighted to be at a real wedding and it was pretty obvious Sylvando had been planning some sort of show with them as they were all giggling, sounding like they were talking about their soon to be revealed splendour.

The man himself, Sylvando was sniffing as he dried his eyes with a handkerchief. "What a beautiful wedding." he stated.

Amber sitting right beside him though put his tears to shame as she was outright bawling. "My little girl and my little boy!" she cried and cried. "All grown up, I can't even believe it."

"There there." Sylvando padded her on the shoulder.

Everyone was still laughing as they got outside and Gemma beamed as she threw her bouquet in the air, only for it to land in Hendriks hands all naturally and he looked wide-eyed at it as everybody laughed loudly.

Soon the music became, and people were cheering and dancing.

Hiro danced with Gemma, but soon had to give her up as Erik pulled her away. Then Gemma insisted to dance with Rab as well as Jade took over dancing with Erik, then both pulled an objective Hendrik up so they could all dance together and Sylvando happily joined.

Carnelian smiled on the side-line as he observed it all, soon joined by the only one older at him there, Rab.

"Lord Robert." Carnelian greeted him.

Rab sighed. "How many times do I need to say it, I am no lord anymore." he stated.

"I must insist though." Carnelian stated. "I have not forgotten, when I was first crowned king. Your guidance and support was invaluable. I would not have known what to do otherwise, and… I owe you Jades life. Many times over." he stated. "She has become such a fine young woman, every day it astounds me and surprises me. Just looking at her… It is you I have to thank for that."

"Nonsense, she was a good child already when we started travelling together." Rab stated. "And it was the thought of saving you that kept her strong."

Carnelian smiled amused. "Thank you." he stated. "For taking such good care of Jade, for keeping her safe."

"You're welcome." Rab stated. "She saved me too, without her. I would not have had to will to go on. Excuse me." he asked as he groaned having to walk a few steps so he could sit down.

"Are you okay?" Carnelian asked.

"Aye, me old bones are just creaking." Robert sighed deeply leaning his hands on his cane.

"Your travel." Carnelian commented. "And in your age."

"It was all worth it." Rab stated. "I mean, look at that." he looked at them all cheering and dancing just as Sylvando picked Mia up and she screamed in laughter while Hendrik bowed for Serena inviting her to a dance. "This… This was what I was born for, trained for at Angri Lai, and fought for."

"It is amazing." Carnelian had to agree as he sat down beside Rab. "I swear, I will do my best to protect these people. This… this is what a king ought to protect."

Rab nodded. "Aye…. Knights, royalty. It is important we all remember, we are here. To protect them." he looked at them. "But you knew that already, that is what makes you a good king."

"Thank you." Carnelian replied. "That is very kind." he quieted.

"Carnelian?" Rab asked.

"Jade… Hendrik." Carnelian commented. "They are so strong on their own now." he stated. "I wonder… If it is soon time for me to retire. Let them lead the way to the future, and then just help them when I can."

"Well." Rab hesitated. "If you ask me, yes. I think Jade would be ready." he stated. "How-ever, I also think she would appreciate a few years to be a princess. And the people would have an easier time if they got to learn to know her as a princess first."

Carnelian nodded. "That is reasonable." he agreed. "Thank you Lord Robert, I think that is what I will do. Give it a few more years and then, it will be time for them to lead the way."

"Aye." Robert nodded.

"Man, you're hitched now." Erik commented as he sat next to Hiro on the grass, both holding a mug of beer. "How does it feel?"

"Honestly?" Hiro asked. "It feels amazing."

"Huh, maybe I should find myself a nice girl." Erik reflected. "Man, becoming an honest merchant, planning to settle. Phew, if you had told me all of that a year ago I would have called you nuts!" he stated laying down on his back.

Hiro smirked amused. "I'm happy for you. You found a direction in life."

"Meeting you made me a better person. Well I guess, meeting everyone." Erik commented. "Don't tell Sylv that by the way."

"Sure." Hiro chuckled amused. "Meeting all of you made me a better person to." he stated. "I think I can be a way better husband now than before."

"And of course, there is a world where you can be a husband. And raise children and what-ever… oh man, you might soon end up having kids." Erik realised. "Geesh."

Hiro blushed. "Maybe."

"Gonna name one of them Erik?" Erik asked.

"No." Hiro stated.

"Aww come on! Why not?" Erik asked.

Hiro laughed. "You're still alive!" he pointed out. "You would be like an uncle to them."

"Don't say that! It's making me feel old!" Erik exclaimed.

And Hiro laughed, then Erik smirked to and grinned.

"Fine. But if I die, you better name the kid Erik!"

"What if it's a girl?" Hiro asked.

"Then name her Erika, gesh, do I need to think of everything?" Erik asked and Hiro chuckled.

"All right, if you die. It is going to be Erik or Erika." Hiro promised. "Don't die though, i'll be really mad."

"Fine." Erik sighed. "I'll live and become law abiding, and settle, and get old.. and become really really boring." he stated he halted.

"Erik?" Hiro asked.

"You know… becoming all those things. And becoming boring." Erik hesitated. "It sounds pretty nice."

"Yeah." Hiro agreed. "It does."

"Hahaha, wee!" Serene laughed as she twirled and danced, then grabbed Sylvandos hand allowing him to tip her over and back.

"Darling, you are tiring me out and that is saying something." Sylvando had to admit.

"I just, I feel like I could keep dancing for-ever! I want to dance the entire night!" Serena beamed as she made another twirl. "Hendrik! Dance with me!" she merely want for the next one.

"How does she keep up this energy?" Hendrik asked as he was pulled into the dance and Serena chuckled.

"Isn't life wonderful?" Serena asked. "Just that music! The air, it's so nice! And the stars!" she looked up at the glittering carpet above them. "Dancing feels so good. Sylv… Hendrik. I AM SO HAPPY TO BE ALIVE!" she beamed. "I want to dance! And keep dancing until sunrise!"

"Heh, you should join my brigade." Sylvando commented as he took over relieving Hendrik of the burden. "We do like to party and bring smiles."

"What a wonderful idea!" Serena gasped.

"Oh you are interested?" Sylvando asked.

"You help people right?" Serena asked. "And bring them food, I can heal people too." she pointed out. "Maybe I can follow you around for a bit."

"You would be more than welcome." Sylvando assured.

Hendrik smiled lightly. "You seem to do well Serena. That's good."

Serena smiled as she turned to him. "I wont lie, sometimes it has been hard." she stated. "I still get moments where I am surprised Veronica isn't where I thought she was and I remember she wont be coming." she stated. "But then, I remember what she did, and I become so proud and I just want to live life!" she stated. "I want to treasure this gift she gave me and use it! I want to taste new good food, I want to listen to music, I want to snuggle up in a soft blanket and I want to dance!" she laughed. "Everything is so wonderful, and I get to see it, because of Veronica! My sister is a hero!"

"Well darling, if you are going to dance the night away, why not learn some new steps?" Sylvando asked grabbing her hand and then gently held her waist. "Follow my lead." he instructed. "Okay, step back. And follow the beat, one, two, three. One, two, three." he counted.

Serena bit her lip but followed.

"You got it honey." Sylvando grinned. "Now turn!" he swung her around. "And switch partners!" he thrusted her on Hendrik.

Hendrik sighed but continued the steps.

"You know this dance too?" Serena asked.

"It is part of a knights training, part of our training in etiquette." Hendrik admitted.

"Knights are also supposed to be gentlemen." Sylvando smiled. "Always treat a lady with respect!" he recited. "And never take advantage nor take a lady's company for granted."

"Everyone has always been so nice to me." Serena smiled as she danced with Hendrik. "That's it I have decided! I am going to help the both of you! I'll follow Sylv for a bit and then Hendrik."

"Oh." Hendrik realised. "Well, you will be welcome." he stated.

"I hope I wont be in the way." Serena said.

"Not at all, I know you can take care of yourself." Hendrik. "You would be of great help, time to switch again." he stated and Sylvando took over.

"And if you need anything, you can ask us, we are your friends." Sylvando pointed out.

Serena nodded. "I know. Thank you." she smiled leaning towards Sylvando. "I sure am lucky."

Sylvando padded her on the shoulder. "It's all right darling, you are never alone. Not really."

"Yes." Serena breathed.

There were only a few left awake, Rab had removed himself to a hilltop where he could observe those whom were still dancing, sitting on a bench, resting his hands on his wand that also worked as a cane. That was when a woman was approaching him.

A beautful woman with long black hair, wearing a simple green dress for the ocassion.

"Hallo Jade." Rab smiled without even turning his head.

"Heh, I suppose you have become so used to my foot steps you will always know it's me." Jade commented.

"That is hard to deny." Rab admitted as Jade sat down next to him, her hands in her lap.

"I suppose… I can't talk you into going to Heliodor with me?" Jade asked. "There would be a place for you in the castle. Anything you'd ask. It would be yours."

Rab smiled amused. "That's very kind Jade." he stated. "I am though, very content here."

"Yeah, I had figured." Jade admitted and she sighed deeply.

"Lass, you don't need me." Rab pointed out. "You are a strong woman now. Even more, you got your real father back. And you got Hendrik and Sylvando to help you too, and so many others."

"I know." Jade stated. "That's not." she sighed. "These last eight weeks, it was pretty weird, not having you around." she admitted. "I… Missed you."

"And I missed you too." Rab assured. "I kept wondering how you were doing, and I guess part of me were still worried."

Jade looked at the old man.

"But this is how it should be." Rab stated and Jade glanced down. "I love you Jade." he stated. "I love you as much as I loved Eleanor. And I am so proud of you, of the woman you have become. That's why I want you to live your own life now, a happy one."

Jade swallowed. "I love you too Rab." she stated. "I love you just as much as my dad." and she leaned over and hugged him.

Rab smiled as he returned it and they sat back, looking lovingly at her. "Did I ever tell you about when you were born?" he asked.

Jade shook her head.

"Ah well, I suppose it is a rather heavy story." Rab commented. "I guess that's why I didn't tell it. You had much to worry about all ready. How-ever, there's no reason you shouldn't know."

jade looked at Rab, quite interested.

"Well you see. Carnelian and his wife, Queen Janette, they had been married for a long time." Rab informed. "But… They had never succeeded in getting a child. And they were starting to get that age you know, where it is very unlikely for a woman to have a child. They had both been convinced that having a child of their own, simply was not possible for them. Janette was not happy about it, she was a very proud woman." he stated.

"I… Never met her." Jade commented.

"Aye, and I am getting to that." Rab stated. "Janette felt like she had failed her role as a Queen failing to deliver as much as one child. Carnelian came to me with his worries, he also told me about a plan he had come up with… He was seriously considering adopting Hendrik and Jasper as his own. There was just one major problem with that." he stated.

"What?" Jade asked.

"Well, if Carnelian officially adopted them it would solve the problem of an heir, but it also meant he would have to choose who of the two would be that heir. And he didn't want to choose between them, he couldn't. And he didn't want them to compete among themselves either." Rab stated. "Carnelian lost many nights sleep over this issue, he loved both the boys but didn't want to create such a great schism between them."

"I can see how that would be worrisome." Jade agreed.

"Then, a miracle happened. Janette became pregnant with child!" Rab stated. "We were all so surprised. None of us thought she could even have a child, and even if she could we thought she would be past that age!" he stated. "It was such a relief to Carnelian, now he no longer had to choose. It though also meant he never adopted them, and he never told them about his former plan. Thing is if he had adopted them, they would be males older than you and ones again all three of you would have to compete for the throne, he didn't want that." he stated. "So instead, he wrote Hendrik and Jasper into his will and named them both his wards."

Jade swallowed. "You think, if we wouldn't have had to compete for the throne, he would have adopted them?"

"Yes." Rab nodded. "I think he would have. Well, Janette was with child. Though as it happened… The pregnancy itself had been so unlikely, it was in such a late age for her. It took a toll on her body, it was very rough on her. She got sick. The Doctor came and informed halfway through the pregnancy that if she went through with it, her survival would be unlikely. Your survival would be unlikely too. It was very dangerous for her to continue. Carnelian was very scared, he asked about the options as Janette became more and more sick. The safest thing would be to terminate the pregnancy. How-ever the moment it came up, Janette became furious."

Jade blinked.

"I'll never forget what she said. She said this." Rab cleared his threat. "I am Queen, the most important duty I have is to ensure the royal line! To have this child! This child, will be the hope and future of Heliodor! Don't you even dare touch this child." The old man shook his head. "Janette was well aware that the birth was likely to kill her. She was ready for it though, she had already decided she was more than happy to give her life to give birth." he looked down. "She gave birth, it took the last bit of strength out of her. She managed to hold you one time, she was so happy when she held you. She said, you were the light and hope of Heliodor, she didn't regret a thing as she held you." Rab informed. "That's how she died, happy and smiling."

Jade breathed. "Wow, that is quite a story."

"She was a proud woman. Queen Janette, you do remind me of her sometimes." Rab commented. "And sometimes you remind me of Elanor, that kindness you always show those around you."

"I am thankful to both of them." Jade stated. "It is because of them I am even alive. And you."

"They would both want you to live." Rab stated. "And so do I."

Jade nodded. "It is easy to see where Eleanor got her kindness from. Being raised by you." she stated as she stood up, looking towards the horizon. "Don't think I wont come visit." she then stated.

Rab chuckled. "Of course! Any time Jade!" he stated. "I expect to her wonderful things about what you are doing in Heliodor."

Jade swallowed. "Rab." she breathed.

"Yes Jade." Rab replied.

"You..." Jade halted. "You don't have a whole lot of time left, do you?" she asked.

"That is hardly any surprise is it?" Rab asked. "I was already old back when you were born."

Jade looked down.

"Don't worry, I am going to enjoy my last time." Rab exhaled deeply. "It is so peaceful here. Kids are running around playing, people are having fun at the local bar. I could stand hanging around here for a while."

Jade was still silent.

"You're going to be fine Jade." Rab stated. "You've become so strong."

"I know. Still I.." Jade swallowed. "Yes! I will be fine!" she looked up. "You wont have to worry about me Rab! You made sure I could defend myself." she wiped away a renegade tear them turned around to showcase the smile on her face. "And what-ever happens, I will always remember all the things you taught me."

Rab smiled warmly. "That's good. I'm happy." he smiled. "And don't forget to come visit!"

"You bet." Jade smiled. "And I'll bring Hendrik and Sylvando to sometime. But not always, sometimes it will be just me alone."

Rab chuckled. "Sounds wonderful."

One year, one year had past! Since they had all met up in Arboria, and ones again they all met, this time in Cobblestone. Their happiness over seeing each other being just as great as one year ago, even if they had seen each other at different times over the year regardless.

This though was the first time in almost a year all of them were to be found at the same place.

"Okay!" Hiro beamed. "You are all here! Then you can all meet her!" he beamed.

They all looked questioning at him just as the door opened, and out game Gemma, holding a little bundle in her arms.

Almost everyone shrieked. "A BABY!"

"Oh my god! She's so cute!" Sylvando exclaimed. "Look at those tiny hands!"

"Woah!" Erik gasped. "And such a chubby face!"

"Rab, you knew about this?" Jade asked the older man sitting down.

"Of course I did, I live here." Rab chuckled. "The little lass was born just one week ago!"

"What is she called?" Serena asked.

"I don't know!" Rab admitted. "The kids wont tell me."

Hiro laughed as he took his daughter. "I wanted it to be a surprise." he stated. "Gemma and I talked, and we both agreed. Everyone, meet Eleanor!" he beamed.

That made Rab halt, his eyes widened. "Eleanor?" he asked. "Hiro." he gasped, then he swallowed, his eyes growing wet.

"Grandfather." Gemma walked over to the old man. "You want to hold her?"

Rab nodded and accepted the child, then looked down at her giggling face. "Eleanor." he breathed. "She.. She has her fathers eyes." he pointed out. "Her grandmothers eyes."

Hiro smiled proudly as he wrapped a shoulder around his wifes shoulder.

"Man, that's incredible." Erik commented sitting down on the ground with crossed legs. "You two made that thing! You made a little human!" he beamed.

"Makes you want to get one yourself." Serena cheered.

"Yes." Hendrik nodded making everyone turn to him. "What?" he asked.

Jade smiled amused then she turned back looking at the child. "Eleanor. Now grow up and become a beautiful kind woman. Like the woman you were named after. Can I?" she asked Rab and Rab nodded handing her over. "She does have her eyes." she agreed and the child laughed as she reached for Jades face, and then managed to grab her ponytail pulling in it. "Auw!" Jade exclaimed.

"Sorry!" Hiro exclaimed running to Jades rescue getting her hair out of the babies hand.

"She's strong." Jade commented. "Like her dad it seems."

"Elly come here." Hiro took the baby. "She likes grabbing peoples hair, I should have warned you." and the baby laughed. "Elly." he sighed deeply.

"That's all right." Jade smiled. "She is a strong and healthy girl! The future, right there." she stated. "The reason why we fought!"

"Yes indeed." Serena beamed. "Aww look at her! I want one!" she repeated.

Hiro smiled as he held the girl. "Because of you, there is a future for her to have." he stated. "Elly." he smiled. "I would do it all again, to meet you and make sure you have a good future." he stated leaning his head on her forehead.

Gemma smiled happily. Looking at her husband and child with only pure love in her eyes.

And as everyone gathered around the little wonder, the little girl laughing clearly happy to get attention, there were no doubt in their minds.

For this moment, they would all do it all again. The future was right there in front of them, in the form of a little girl. And it was a wonderful and beautiful future, worth protecting, worth fighting for. Worth every tear and every sacrifice they had made.

For now, everyone was happy.

The End.