I struggle to keep my eyes open once we're back on earth. I look down to see my wings are gone, replaced with tattered torn clothing that I hardly recognise. I feel almost no magic or energy in my body, and for a second I panic, and think that all the power I held in my hands just an hour ago is gone. But then I feel love and happiness all around me. I look up to see Darien's face etched with concern. Past him I see all of the scouts, together for the first time in ages. Inner and outer, all standing proud in a powerful circle, dressed in scout uniform. They all smile at me, and I smile back, because I know where the magic is. It's in everyone here.
After everyone de-transforms, we begin to walk home. It's a gentle silence, and nobody minds it because nothing needs to be said. When My legs give out five minutes later, Darien slips me onto his back without a word, and carries me to his apartment. I don't remember the journey, and I think I must have fallen asleep on his back. But I know I've fallen asleep when the nightmare starts.
Darien is dead. The scouts are dead. I'm alone, with nothing but an ancient sword in my shaking hands. And it's so dark. The loneliness is unbearable, like a knife cutting into me. I cry out, I scream, I beg for someone, anyone to come. Apparently Darien hears me because suddenly he's there, shaking me awake and calling my name. I'm in his bed, in his apartment. I'm not back there. The tears come thick and fast, and sobs rack my body long after I'm awake. All I can do is hold onto my beloved, and convince myself that somehow, he's alive. That we've cheated death again. That we have another chance.