A/N: Finally I get the courage to write this! It took me a while because I had no clue where I was going with this but Im glad I took my time and well here it is! This is the re-written (also update) to my old story Fantasy. I hope you guys enjoy it.

Overview: No longer did he question the validity of their relationship;No longer did he see him as a replacement. Two jagged souls found solace in each other, blessed with the love of many do they prosper and create a better future.


(? P.o.V)

"Alright, let me see if everything is in order." I was more than nervous, hell, I might even say I was scared. adjusting the ornate head band resting on the mop of brunette locks I call hair, my hands passed by the delicate wings decorating the sides and I actually re-considered going through with the plan.

"You ready?"

Turning to the occupant entering the room, I couldn't help the smile that broke out across my face. "As I'll ever be." Turning back to the mirror, I had to reassure myself that everything would go smoothly. The butterflies in my stomach though refused to quell themselves, and I felt slight nausea come about. 'Oh man, what if he doesn't accept us?'

"Hey, hey, easy there... You'll make yourself sick if you keep harping on this."

Slender arms wrapped around my shoulders, crisscrossing and hands interlocking with my own that came up. Looking into the mirror, deep violet sapphire gems reflected the same emotion that I was feeling: uncertainty.

"I promise it will be fine."

"I hope so." Kissing him on his cheek, I smiled when a healthy hue of red dusted his cheeks. Only around me do I see this side of him, and I love every moment of it since we began dating. "Come on, we have to go now while we have the chance. It's not often we have a day off." Arising from the seat I was on, the light mage robes swished around me as I made my way hand in hand with him to the door.

(? P.o.v End)


"Evan! Phantom!" Waving to them, Mercedes ran over when they stopped to greet her. "Gaston wanted me to give you this." Handing them a small manila folder, she couldn't help but gush over the two of them. "Oh my gosh you two are adorable!"

Turning his head away, the young dragon master tried to cover his growing blush.

Chuckling, Phantom ignored the squeak of protest when he pulled Evan to his side and planted a kiss on his forehead while holding the folder. "Thank you Mercedes."

Glaring softly at him, another blush covered his face when a kiss was given on the lips.

"So you two ready to go?" Turning away, Mercedes felt like she was intruding on the touching scene between the two.

"Yes." Coughing, another blush dusted Evan's face, causing the thief and elf to laugh at him. "I really don't like you two right now."

"Aw, calm down hun." Pulling him into a hug, the elfin queen gave Phantom a knowing smirk when he started to fuss before letting him go.

"Mercedes! You messed up my hair!"

Watching him stomped off, Phantom was tempted to give Mercedes the evil eye but was unable to do so without breaking out into a fit of laughter. "Why did you do that?"

"I still have to tease the runt of the litter every once in awhile. You're dating him and Aran and Luminous are too caught up in each other right now. Something about combining powers or something."

Smirking cynically, Phantom decided to have his own little fun while getting back at Mercedes for delaying them. "Sounds like someone is jealous."

"What!?"

"Yea, I mean it must suck to be the only single one out of all of us." Admiring his gloves, Phantom knowingly smirked, knowing he pressed a button when he said that.

"You conniving petty thief! How dare you assume that! And also how dare you assume that Aran and Luminous are dating!"

"Well you didn't deny it either."

Mercedes's jaw dropped before she lunged to try and choke Phantom. It was futile but the attempt was worth it to calm some of her rage, if only a little. "I am not jealous."Huffing, she crossed her arms across her chest and turned her nose up to him.

"Oh come now, you don't have to lie Mercedes dear." Slinking behind her, he grinned mischievously as his hand found its way on her hip and the other on her waist. "If you want, I can work something out with Evan and we can share." Nipping her ear while tipping her back to look her in the face, Phantom laughed as a bow gun was pulled on him.

Blushing, Mercedes swatted Phantom away from her with the weapon. "Don't make me get Mir and have him set you on fire!"

Putting his hands up in mock defeat, Phantom knew when to back off before he wound up on a magic shish kabob. "Alright, alright, you win." Standing her up, Phantom moved away when the weapon clicked, signaling an arrow was ready to fire.

Huffing, once the thief moved back, Mercedes put the lock back on and holstered the twin weapon.

"Do you think he'll be happy?"

The solemn tone took Mercedes by surprised, but the question made her reminisce about the old days. "Knowing him, I know he will."

Sighing, the blonde haired thief leaned back against the wall and stared down at the plush carpet underneath their feet. "I know but still... I feel like he'd be disappointed in me for starting this relationship with someone so young. I mean hell, Evan barely is even into his teen years..."

Looking out the large panel window, even with the sun shining down Mercedes still felt no warmth radiating. "Phantom, understand this, Evan is young... But he is not stupid. The young man we see now is completely different from the greenhorn that joined us over two years ago." Rubbing her arms, the elfin queen felt sadness radiating off the normally cocky man. "You're not the only one who misses him Phantom... No one expected him to go the way he did." Besides Evan, she knew that the only true person who he was in a true relationship with was...

"I am back!"

Straightening up, both of them plastered smiles to their faces in order not to worry the young man.

"Welcome back Evan, I trust you're ready to go now?" Looking to baby blues, a sense of deja vu washed over Mercedes. 'It's literally like looking into a mirror.'

"Yep! Just need to find Mir and we'll be on our way."

"He's out on the deck already and has been asking when you two would be ready for the past hour. I said knowing Phantom you guys won't leave until night time."

This time it was Phantom who turned red when Evan and Mercedes laughed at his expense. "Oh ha ha, lets go Evan." Interlocking his fingers with the amused teen, they bid Mercedes a farewell.

'I wouldn't worry about anything concerning you two... He'll be more than happy to see you found love again.'


"Master!" Opening a liquid gold eye, Mir looked at his partner walk out with Phantom following behind.

"Sorry about that Mir, had to fix myself up again."

Rolling his eye, the Onyx dragon arose from his curled position and stretched his wings and legs. "You can be worse than Mercedes sometimes master, no offense."

Jaw hung open, it snapped closed when a deep laughter came from behind him. "I am assuming you heard that Phantom?"

"Yes and I have to admit he speaks the truth." Smiling at the younger man, Phantom scooped him up and ignored the protests spilling from his mouth. "Ready to go Mir?"

Nodding at Phantom, Mir lowered himself so that both occupants may situate themselves for the long ride ahead.

Sliding onto the juvenile dragon, Phantom silently admitted that he grew into an impressive size in such a small time. 'He looks a lot like his father.'

"Mir are you sure you can make the trip? We're pretty far from where we need to go..." Making himself comfortable on his partner, Evan was still not used to riding bare back unlike the others who had the chance with Afrien.

"I'm positive! I've flew everywhere recently so I am sure I can make it. And if I need to rest I will let you know." Standing up, Mir heard a sound of protest from Evan and frowned. "Are you sure you will be okay without a saddle?"

"I'll be fine, just don't get reckless mid air and start doing acrobatic tricks." Green tinted his cheeks slightly at the thought of a similar incident that recently occurred.

Snickering, Mir received a hard tap on the back of his head and glared at Evan. "Alright I won't, I promise."Standing up, Mir heard a soft sound of protest from his master and reconsidered taking off so soon.

"I got him Mir, just take it slow and easy." Holding Evan around his waist, Phantom took the reins from shaking hands.

Nodding, Mir spread his wings and with a strong beat of his wings took up in the air and off towards the crystal island.


(Phantom's P.o.V)

The nostalgia of flying like this makes me even more nervous now, I know he would want me to find happiness but with someone so young as Evan? "How are you doing so far?" I got a groan of protest and smiled before holding him closer to me. Unlike those days where saddles were a luxury, Evan was used to riding in one and the first time he rode bareback Mir thought it be funny to do somersaults in the air. Needless to say I had to spray him off with water thanks to Evan throwing up on him.

"I feel dizzy."

"It's normal babe, you're used to having some type of barrier to stabilize the ride. I got sick a couple of times too when I first rode on Afrien, even with a saddle." Baby blues dared to peek up from my clothing, interested in the story unfolding. "The first time I was allowed to mount the Onyx king, he promised me I'd be fine. It wasn't so bad mounting and getting situated for take off. No one told me though I'd be feet off the ground so fast initially. Afrien was by no means a small dragon, when we met him he had to be slightly bigger than Horntail already. With the pact, if he didn't use magic to make himself smaller his size was ten fold after the fact. So just imagine how big this little guy is going to get in time." Rubbing Mir's back, he felt an appreciative rumble from the juvenile dragon. "Anyway, when Afrien rose he gave no warning or indication when he decided to take off. Needless to say I looked just like you and buried my head into his shoulder. And mind you I was taller than him so it was not comfortable at all to remain that way for the first twenty minutes of the ride." I scowled when I saw both Evan and Mir trying to not laugh at me but broke out into a grin myself. "Yea, yea, yea laugh it up. You're not looking to hot either babe." Now it was Evan scowling at me and Mir trying not to laugh even harder. "Where was I?... Ah yes. So when I was finally able to relax my death grip and raise my head up, I nearly lost my lunch not only cause of how high we were up but the air pressure pushed against us... Speaking of which, hold on, were about to hit turbulence." Grabbing the reins tight and holding Evan's waist, when the first air current hit both master and dragon, they grunted at the knock back.

"Ouch, that actually stung."

"You're high up Mir, unfortunately you will hit pocket of air such as these if we want to avoid Balrog and his lackeys." Another one hit us and this one actually had force to it. "Shit."

"I think we should go a bit lower, just to avoid the turbulence?"

"It will pass soon Evan." We hit two more light ones before the ride smoothed out again. "You can't avoid it when you travel, even on the Lumiere you feel them sometimes. Just relax and try to rest, we still have quite a ways to go before were near Victoria island. Where not even close to Orbis yet so just sleep for the time being." I felt Evan curl up into my chest and his breathing evened out signalling he was asleep. Looking down, I wouldn't admit to anyone but this boy takes my breath away every time I look at him. When I first met him, honestly I could say I did hold animosity towards him along with intense hatred. He was the one who was supposed to be Freud's successor yet I saw him as a joke of a replacement. Guilt still wells up in my heart at how I used to treat him so cruelly... Even going so far to take a wand that he was supposed to inherit from Freud along with the ornate band resting upon his head and forced him and Mir to go through dangerous trials for it. "How can you love someone who was so cruel to you?"

"He doesn't hold it against you sir Phantom."

Mir's voice startled me from my inner guilt session. A liquid gold eye was trained on me and I unintentionally held my breath for a moment. 'It's like staring into the eyes of the king...' "Yes but..."

"If I may interrupt... You remember what Evan said the first time he met you? Despite all the hell you gave him?"

My mind drew a blank.

"He promised you that he will not fail in living up to his name... And I think that master has done a fine job of that."

"He has hasn't he?" Switching hands so that I could maneuver better, I brought up the free hand to run through Evan's hair.

"You must learn to accept that we all make mistakes and have our faults. My master and I could have potentially ruined the world from helping the Black Wings unintentionally. Do you know the immense guilt that we endured once the truth came out? And then to compound onto it we had not only you but Mercedes, Aran, and Luminous berating and looking down upon us. So many times my master cried because he felt like such a failure and had no one to comfort him truly."

Guilt fucking hurt, it really fucking did and I wasn't ready for it to hit like that. Looking down at Evan again, I felt sick to my stomach knowing that I was the source of his despair. Yet he said nothing and acted like everything was okay when it was not. "Evan..." It only got worse knowing that I was the one who took his virginity, such a precious thing to anyone. And you're only supposed to give that to someone who you fully trust and love.

"Don't dwell on it. Your past is your past and that's where it is supposed to stay. You've done worse than master has done, that is a proven fact. But you've also made up for your mistakes, ten fold if I may add. Both of you have matured from what you once were and love has blossomed from it, not many can say that has happened to them. Hold and treasure what you have and do not forget that it took both of you a long time to reach this level of happiness and now you need to cherish and hold onto it."

Smiling, I felt a bit better after Mir said that.

"Note this though Phantom, if you ever dare to cross or hurt my master... There is no force that is powerful be it physical or magical that will stop me from slaughtering you where you stand. I promise that if you run I will hunt you down and I will be the one to deliver the blow that kills you."

His tone made my blood run cold and I was tempted to run my hands up and down my arms for some type of warmth to enter my body. Staring at the single golden eye, long sealed wounds from self inflicted cuts started to itch and if it wasn't for Evan sleeping soundly in my arms I would have torn them open to revel in the sweet pleasure that comes from pain.

"But I know you wont do that sir Phantom, you have proven that you love my master more than anyone could."

Mir's tone changed back to its friendly disposition but it did little to quell the fear inside me. 'Will you feel the same way when we tell you the news?' For once in a long time I contemplated taking my own life right there by my hand.

(Phantom P.o.V end)


A couple of hours later...

"Mmm..." Yawning, Evan slowly opened his eyes, blinking to remove the light crust from his eyes.

"Morning sleepy head." Kissing the dragon masters fore head, he chuckled when Evan groaned. "Cranky much?"

"I am not cranky." Kissing Phantom's cheek back, nimble hands took the reins back from gloved hands. "How far are we from the main land?"

"About thirty minutes from Lilith Harbor at our pace." Taking out a pocket watch, golden numbers that read ten to ten flickered in the sunlight.

"Then mind if we speed up a bit? I kind of want to be back to the Lumiere before it gets too late."

"If you can handle it then sure." Chuckling, he held onto Evan's waist to keep both of them steady.

"Alright. Mir! You know what to do pal."

Nodding, with ease he picked up the pace, surprising his occupants by how fast he was going."Hold on tight guys."

"Why?" Evan got his answer soon when the onyx dragon took a nose dive straight down. Holding onto the headband, he pulled on the reins to try and steer Mir from the steep drop.

Holding onto his own hat, Phantom was along with Evan along the lines of trying to pull Mir up from the dive.

"Relax I got this." Pulling up at the last moment, water cascaded into the air as he coasted above the water, his wings dragging occasionally against the surface of the water.

Glaring at the back of his dragon's head, Evan started wringing out his damp robes. "I swear I am going to get you for this Mir."

"I second on that notion." Blowing a piece of wet blonde hair from his face, Phantom sighed as he knew it would take a bit for the both of them to dry out.

"Well were basically here."

Looking on the horizon, the bright and sunny weather betrayed the somber mood all three.

'Can't back out of this now.'


"Hey Teo!" Dismounting Mir, Evan ran up to the sea tough sailor.

"Aye Evan! Nice to see you boy!" Slapping him hard on the back, he barked out a laugh when the magician stumbled a bit. "Taller but still scrawny eh?"

"Basically." Rubbing the back of his head, two coughs brought his attention back to the matter at hand. "Think we can borrow the boat to go out to the island today?"

"Sorry but its in the shop."

"What!?"

"Yea, some idiot decided it be funny to take out a boat at night drunk and wound up messing up half the ships. Unfortunately the one you need t'was one of the few severely damaged. " Shaking his head, Teo sighed when he saw the poor boy's defeated expression. "I'm sorry Evan but it the ship is out of commission for a few weeks."

"Alright, thanks." Waving the sailor off, he turned to Phantom and Mir with a sad expression.

"What happened?" Pulling Evan over to them, anger welled up when he saw tears brim at the edge of his eyes.

"The ship is in need of repair thanks to a drunk driver and unfortunately its the only one able to cross those rough and choppy waters."

Mir's heart dropped when he saw how disappointed Evan was. 'Master had his heart set on this trip.' Flying over, the dragon nuzzled a pale cheek affectionately.

"I am sorry you guys for dragging you out here." Rubbing Mir's horn affectionately, he appreciated the simple yet loving gestures.

"What's wrong with you three? I thought today was supposed to be special."

Turning to the voice, they were surprised to see Aran standing before them without Maha by her side.

"What's wrong?"

"The boat that goes out to the island is damaged and nothing else can handle those rough currents."

Frowning, the white haired warrior hated to see the youngest of their troop upset. "That's no good..."

"I know... And today is the only day we'll be able to go visit."

"Shit... I could ask the penguins but..."

"No, the water would hurt the wale." Phantom waved off the idea quickly. "We want to avoid anyone getting hurt."

Looking between the three heroes, Mir lowered his head. 'Master and Phantom really had their hearts set on this. If there was only some way... Ah!' "Master!"

"Yes Mir?"

"How about we fly out there just like we flew from Leafre to here?"

"Could you do that Mir?" Rubbing the dragon's head, Aran smiled when he leaned into her hand.

"Yea! It will be easy!"

"Not exactly Mir..."

"But! Why not?"

"Mir, the island is surrounded by harsh winds and choppy waters. There is a reason why we took a boat all the time to get to the island." Evan stated.

"But!"

"Mir, it's a nice idea but you would hurt yourself. It's best we turn back and try this again another time."

"And whose to say that chance will be soon? Lets do it now!"

"Mir no."

"Yes!"

"I said no."

"And I say yes!"

"Mir!"

"Stop being scared of what might happen and focus on what can happen! You had your heart set on this and all because of a little wind and water you want to turn back?"

"Mir I..."

"Master... Either you do this or you dont... And if you dont I wont help you out with this ever again."Floating in the air, Mir didnt back down when he saw the hurt look on Evan's face. 'Master please...'

"Mir..."

"Evan he's right..." Stepping up to Mir's defense, Aran patted the dragon's head. "You need to stop backing down from everything that has potential to cause bodily harm. Were all in this war against the Black Mage and I'd be worried more about his influence than some little elements. Plus Mir's skin is quite thick, I think you should be more worried about your clothing."

"You can thank Mir for our current state." Glaring at the dragon, Phantom turned back to Aran when she started laughing.

"In any case, let me go talk to the little guys and see if I can get you some clothing. In the meanwhile, try to dry off some 'kay?"


Couple of minutes later

"Wow these are warm!" Pulling on the glove, Evan looked down at his new wardrobe.

"Finest in Rien and all for free."

"For free?"

"Yea I offered to pay but they pushed the mesos back. They even gave a set for Mercedes, Luminous, and I along with yours." Turning towards Mir, Aran smiled when he nuzzled into her side. "Enjoying your new saddle?"

"Very."

"Well now that you all are equipped, are you ready to go now?" Taking the damp clothes from them, the white haired warrior placed them inside the bag on her back before handing it over to Phantom.

"Yes we are. Thank you so much dear friend." Taking the bag, the Phantom hugged the warrior before hopping onto Mir's back and helping Evan up.

"Never a problem." Waving them off, Aran crossed her arms across her chest and smiled fondly. 'Everything is going to be just fine.'


(Phantom's P.o.V)

Holy shit, Evan wasn't kidding when he said these winds were rough.

"How are you guys holding up?!"

"Fine."

I wish I could say the same but I didn't want my lips to freeze off.

"We'll be there soon! It's only a twenty minute boat ride so I'd figure it be the same by air."

I nodded, unable to do much in these winds. How Evan and Mir were standing this... 'Fuck this.' I put my head against Evan's shoulder, my hat taking the brunt of the wind now. A few minutes passed before I heard Evan speak again.

"Phantom! Look up ahead!"

Peering up, my eyes widened. "What the..." We finally broke through the harsh winds and into a beautiful clearing. Ahead of us was a snow covered island. Even from the distance it sparkled like a diamond from the freshly placed snow, I almost felt bad that I was going to step on it soon. Towering about that though was a giant ice structure that almost could be mistaken for glass. "Is that where...?"

"Yes."

The tension became thick, neither one of us knowing what to say to each other. The rest of the ride was silent as we made our way to the island, the situation dawning on us as we landed.

"Well... Here we are... Follow."

I could only nod, afraid to make any other motions besides that. 'Please let everything go alright.'

(Phantom's P.o.V end)


The two heroes walked upon the glittering surface, neither speaking to each other in order to try and keep the tension out of the air. It didn't take long to reach the cave where the Dragon King resided and probably would spend his final years.

"In here." Evan's voice was shaking, the reality of the situation at hand falling in upon him.

"... It will be fine." Phantom wanted to sound comforting but the words sounded almost as hollow as Evan's.

Mir watched as his master and friend stood impassively at the entrance of the cave. Gently, he flew behind them and nudged them gently into the cave. "It will be fine."

The glacier cave shimmered in the sunlight, casting reflections of the three heroes upon their wall. Within their depths, the Dragon King Afrien rested in their hands, time giving them enough presence to encase them in their icy wings.

"Afrien."

The Dragon King rumbled deep in his throat before opening his eyes. "Evan... How fare you?"

"I am well, and you your majesty?"

"I have seen better days... And I see you brought Phantom and Mir."

"Long time no see Afrien." Phantom smiled fondly at the elder dragon.

"I can say the same to you as well, you have matured greatly since we have last spoken... Still pulling your 'tricks and trades'?"

A red hue dusted Phantom's cheeks as he remembered the stunts that he used to pull on the others during their journey.

"Seems we're not the only one who knows about them eh Mir?"

The young dragon just gave a knowing look.

"Isn't there something we came here for Evan?" Tossing a dirty look at the younger magician, Phantom made a mental note to get his lover back later.

"Oh!" The situation at hand dawned upon him again as the dragon master approached Afrien. "King Afrien..."

The king of dragons stared down at his partner's successors, the uncertainty upon his face raising suspicions.

"We all have a favor to ask of you... You know of Freud's final resting place do you not?"

He took a deep breath, the sting of anger, hurt, and sadness still causing his heart pain even after all the centuries that have passed. "Of course... I was the one to over see that he never be disturbed during his final rest. Why do you ask?"

Words caught in the young dragon master's throat, finding no way to come out and vocalize themselves.

Seeing his distress, Phantom came up next to Evan, intertwining his fingers within the distressed mage's. "Evan is afraid about what he is to ask you...And in truth... I am as well."

This surprised Afrien, for he never knew the thief to be afraid of anything, even when faced with death. 'This must be something serious.'

"We would like to receive your and Freud's blessing of our relationship."

Time froze around them, the news of Evan and Phantom's relationship hanging delicately in the winds.

Words could not describe Afrien's emotions about the situation at hand. He remained silent, deliberating over his response.

Evan gripped Phantom's hand tight, his stomach churning over the situation at hand. He felt Mir push under his free hand and rubbed it upon his head. It did little though to quell the fear coursing through his veins.

'Evan be strong.' Phantom noticed how pale he was becoming and was worried that he might faint before anything was said.

Moments passed before Afrien decided to speak up. "I have made my decision..."

Evan held his breath, ready to defend his relationship if need be.

"I decided to give you my blessings." The dragon king smiled internally as he noticed the three before him relaxed considerably. "Trust me, this wasn't something easy to come to... I have mixed feelings about your decision in pursuing this relationship still. This wont be something that disappears over night but I am willing to accept it."

"Oh thank you!" Tears threatened to spill from Evan's eyes as he hugged Phantom tightly.

No words could express Phantom's gratitude, instead he gave a small smile and nodded.

"Now about your request for Freud, come closer."

Walking up to Afrien, Phantom and Evan were surprised when a portal appeared.

"Walk through..."

Mir watched as his master and Phantom walked through, the portal reflecting in his liquid golden eyes. " King Afrien... Where did they go?"

Afrien turned to Mir, sighing when he knew that his son wouldn't leave him be unless told. "They went were Freud is."

"But isnt he dead? How can they... Oh." It dawned on him where they went to. "I pray they find the closure they seek."

"I do as well young Mir, I do too."


"Where are we?" Exiting from the portal, Evan shielded his eyes from the bright sunlight.

"Some type of meadow, come." Leading him in, Phantom looked around, noticing that they were in the entrance of a forest. 'Why would Afrien send us here?'

The two of them made their way deeper into the forest, the sunlight peeking through the canopy tops. Suddenly they come to a clearing in the forest, a variety of flowers tickling their senses.

"Where are we?" Stepping out into the small meadow, Evan knelt among the flowers.

"... Turn around."

Raising an eyebrow at Phantom's tone, when he turned around he saw why. "Freud."

Before them was a simple headstone, engraved with the dragon pact and Freud's name underneath it along with a brief description of him.

Going up closer to the gravestone, Evan gingerly reached out to it, scared that if he touched it that something might happen.


(Evan's P.o.V)

I was finally here... I was finally going to speak to him... But why couldn't the words come out. Turning my head, Phantom stood at the entrance, whether from fear or not I have no clue. I turned back to Freud's grave, the sereneness of his final resting place quelling any fears I had. It was as if he had encircled his arms around my shoulders and held me. 'Its for the best.' "Phantom, come here..."

(Evan's P.o.V end)


(Phantom's P.o.V)

I would have never guessed that this would be his final resting place... But I knew that it suited him so well. The sereneness of this place matched Freud perfectly as he was in life. Evan sat in front of the tombstone and for a moment it was like Freud never left this earth, but seeing that gravestone so simple yet intricately carved...

"Phantom, come here..."

Evan's voice pulled me out of my reverie, and I saw him with his back turned to me, kneeling in front of Freud's grave. Gently I moved forward to sit next to him, trying not to upset the delicate balance hanging in the air. 'It's time.'

(Phantom's P.o.V end)


Neither of them knew where to start or how to start their explanation to him. They held hands and just sat silently for moments pondering, but it was Evan who broke it first.

"I want to thank you Freud... Believe or not, without you I wouldn't be where I am today. Your death... It was a tragedy and I wish that it could have been avoided at all costs. But at the same time... I would have never been able to stand where I am today. I've made so many mistakes... All of them which could have cost us the peace you and the others have tried so hard to obtain... But I didn't, and I grew from those experiences, made new friends... and found someone who I love dearly." Squeezing Phantom's hand, Evan made a motion for him to speak.

"Freud... It's been a while. Since I've woken up, I've had to adjust to many things. Aran lost her memory, all of us are significantly weaker, and you're not here anymore. Maple world has changed, its still dangerous but not like before... Its almost quite peaceful save for some rare occasions. I never thought that out of any place you would wind up here but I think it suits you well... You always had an air of sereneness and peace that surrounded you." Finished with his piece, Phantom sat quietly.

"... We both come to you today... In order to ask for your blessings on our relationship. Both of us... We both thought long and hard on this, and we know the road wont be easy. Our friends, my family, and even Afrien all questioned us about the path we chose to pursue." Evan stared down at his robes, unable to continue his train of thought.

"To be honest, at first I was worried about what I was dragging him into. Me, the 'Phantom Thief', courting the new dragon master who was not yet of near legal age. Aran nearly had my head and I had to hide from Mercedes and Luminous for days before they would just stare me down. Evan's parents... Good goddess where do I even start with them..."

"Tell him about the pitchfork."

Both of them softly laughed at the memory.

"And Afrien... I could tell he was torn by our confession. We didn't mean to, but his blessing meant a lot, and were hoping that you bless ours as well."

Both of them bowed before the grave, hands still intertwined as they raised their heads and looked at each other smiling.

"I'm glad we came today."

"Me too, we got to thank Mir greatly for his dedication in our cause." Rising from the grass, Phantom extended his hand for Evan to get up.

Taking his hand, Evan caught movement out the side of his eye.

"What's wrong?" Noticing the shift in Evan's eyes, Phantom started looking around the secluded grove.

"I saw something move." Rising from the grass, Evan stopped Phantom from pulling his cane out. "Relax, its alright. You can come out now Freud."

"Freud?"

The figure that took refuge behind the trees emerged from them, smiling gently at the couple.

"Freud." Phantom was speechless, in shock that Freud stood before him. He made a motion to approach him, but an arm was shot out in front of him. "Evan."

"Look."

Freud stood in the alcove clear as day, but sunlight filtered too easily through him.

"I knew you might appear, I had felt you nearby but I didn't think you would come out. Thank you for giving me the strength to speak up or else I would have never done it. And I would like to thank you for your blessings."

Freud looked at his successor, pride and joy evident in his posture and features. Turning to Phantom, his smile turned into a sad smirk.

"Freud, I'm guessing you already know about what has happened before our relationship and now."

As if to clarify, the original dragon master raised an eyebrow and gave a smirk in response.

"Okay smart ass, I was just saying. Jeez, you would think death would cure that."

"So would being in ice for a century or two."

"Evan."

Freud stared mirthfully at the playful banter, a tad upset that he could not join vocally in it as well.

"Anyway, I want to thank you as well... For the blessings and protecting us when we needed it. The road to get here was tough, and it's not going to get any easier along the way. But I know that you will be by all our sides in the coming days. So if i don't say it in the future, I am grateful... For everything we've been through, past and present." Phantom knew Freud understood by his nod and gesture. "We have to go now, we promised the others to be back in time for dinner and a training session."

"Take care, we'll be back soon to visit."

Waving them off, Freud watched as they walked back through the pathway to get to the portal. Resting upon his gravestone, he was surprised to hear his old partner speak to him.

'Do you think they will be okay?'

He gave a small laugh and looked to the ever blue sky. 'They will be just fine.'


A/N: After a year I'm finally done! Many thanks to my friends & acquaintances on for inspiring me and also being my source of courage.