*Please do not hate me for taking so long to finish this story! My husband and I have had a lot of excitement and I fear I let myself get too busy on other things. We are expecting our first baby, a girl, in 6 to 7 weeks. So, again sorry if I took forever! I understand if you are annoyed and do not read any more of my stories. Hope you like the ending as I suck at ending things.

Chapter 22 - finale

It had been a week since she gave birth and she was finally healed thanks to D's accelerated healing. Her babies were growing quicker than normal babies and already went from newborn diapers and clothes to size 3 months. They ate more and D was really helpful with that. He was so comfortable with them now it was a beautiful sight to watch. Her hormones were finally going back to normal and they could soon leave. She knew D was itching to get out after sitting around and not hunting for so long.

Vlad had been so helpful with everything how could they ever repay him? Even D realized this and was trying to not fight with him overly much. Vlad had been helping with arrangements to get them to their new home which he bought them as a surprise. Their own little farm in the mountains where their children could grow and play. Doris missed her old farm so much…..Even though she planned on going with D for his hunts regardless of his reluctance (after the children were old enough to come of course). It would be a place they could all come back to and rest.

According to records they could find and D's own experience their children would grow at least twice if not three times as fast as normal children. They would stop growing whenever their bodies reached full metabolism and never age. They, like Doris, also healed quicker and had powers and abilities. From D of course. They were set to leave in a few days. Vlad insisted no one left until he had everything ready for them in their new home.

Walking with her two children in a carrier in front of her sleeping she listened to the peace and quiet. She would really miss it here. She had so many good memories here. She also knew they were safe here. The real world would always be a whole different issue. Using her senses she headed to the practice room where Vlad kept all his weapons. Practicing again, she assumed, since he had not been hunting for so long.

Opening the door she shut it quietly and leaned against the frame. With speed, concentration, and power he thrust his sword and jumped. His movements perfect and agility almost so fast the human eye would not catch it. It amazed her now even more as they were connected. She could see so much clearer his speed and movements and feel his concentration. The twins began to move and opened their eyes as if they sensed their daddy. Watching him they were amazed and quiet. Destiny giggled and Daniel was just transfixed.

Stopping D put down the sword in his hand and walked over to them. He had sensed them come in.

"I am sorry if I interrupted. I was taking the twins on a walk and telling them all the wonderful things here. They probably won't remember but I will."

Saying nothing he looked down at his two children and felt these emotions he had yet to name and was still very new to. They were already taking on personalities of their parents. Destiny was like him in temperament and Daniel was like Doris.

"They will remember. I could remember back as far as few months old."

Hearing his voice snapped them out of their quiet spells and destiny squirmed and reached for her daddy. Still a little awkward he took a few seconds before picking her up. Daniel didn't want to be left out so he reached for Doris. Picking up her son she walked to the window with D behind her. Looking down she took in the views and the sounds. Soon they would leave and all this would be behind them. What would they face next?

"Doris, I won't leave you to deal with the hardships all alone. We will get through as they come."

Turning slowly she put her mind at ease. She forgot he could sense her emotions and thoughts just like she could sense his.

"I know. Now, let's go take a walk together with the twins. I was going to show them the rest of the palace. I want to do that before we leave in a few days. If they do remember it will be great memories for them. If they do not well we have those memories."

Holding out her hand to D she watched as he took her hand slowly. Somehow, in such a short time they had become so close and things had become so different. It made her smile to think of the D she knew and met all those months ago.

-Three days later-

The carriage was ready and all their things loaded. The twins were dressed and ready. Although they were currently clinging to their grandfather looking sad. Vlad held them both and talked to them smiling. Still, Doris could see the sadness in his eyes. He would miss them terribly. After all he was great with them. D stood awkwardly watching and looking around. Searching for words and then refusing to speak. Doris just found herself wanting to walk the palace one more time and wishing she had a camera.

"I guess it is time to go. We have a few days trip to the new farm. It being first trip this long for the twins and all."

Sighing, Vlad handed Destiny to Doris and began putting Daniel in little portable bed he had made for him and Destiny. Separated with compartments and roomy enough he was happy with it. It was the least he could do for his grandchildren. Laying Destiny in behind her brother Doris began to cover them up. Hugging Vlad she felt a tear run down her face. She would really miss the man. Letting go she stepped back and D awkwardly stepped in. Holding his hand out but not getting close enough to embrace.

"Thank you for everything."

Vlad sighed in his mind as he wondered if the awkwardness between them could ever fade. At least they were not fighting all the time now. It was a start and a long road was still ahead for them.

"Your welcome my son."

Shaking hands and parting on a good note D went to his horse and got on. Doris got in the carriage waiting for her. She would ride with the twins. Part of her wanted to be on horseback but soon enough.

"Vlad, please come visit us. We will all miss you."

"I will. You just take care of those little angels. Keep my boy on the right path."

Nodding and shutting the door she sat back. How she could feel happiness, hope, and excitement while feeling sadness, loneliness, and fear of the unknown was beyond her. Knowing the goodbye would not be put off forever Vlad signaled the driver to leave. As the carriage began to move Doris looked back at Vlad and the place all these miracles happened. Watching it disappear from view her heart felt heavy. Looking over to where D rode beside her, watching and ready to protect, she felt like it would be ok. They had each other and their family. They would see Vlad again. Their children would grow and be strong. They could handle whatever came their way.