This is the last chapter for this story.

*.*.*

"Here. Let me take a look at you," Parker said, releasing her. He moved his hand against the side of Eliza's face. He didn't remember the last time she looked so stunning. Oh, if these moments could stay like this forever. He feared things were changing for the bad and would get worse as time moved by.

"Parker, what's wrong?" Eliza asked, curtly.

"You better tell her," Aslan told the red dragonoid.

Parker didn't know where to start. How could he? This wasn't like him. And yet, he told her everything, allowing himself the chance to feel more comfortable the more he spoke. The horrified look on her face said enough. It was exactly how he felt.

"I nearly assaulted a nymph," Parker said.

"You did what?" Eliza asked, tensely. "Parker, how could you do that? Nymphs are friendly creatures!"

"That isn't the point! The darkness returned. I didn't do anything!" Parker said, bewildered. "But it didn't help that Jine attacked me. She scratched me. The wounds are healed, but the mental image is still there—" He told her, truthfully, "Believe me, I wanted to stop myself from killing tonight. I ran. The guards came. I took them out." His voice grew less shaky. "The darkness is here. Ever since Manwë drew out the Encrusted Jewel's location, life hasn't been the same. I just hope I don't kill again." He collapsed on the purple, cushioned bedside table. He took a look at his clothes, knowing this was how he felt. Broken.

To his surprise, Eliza joined him. Why? He wasn't sure she could stay with him after what he did? Still, she said, "I'm not afraid. If the monster comes out inside you, I want to be there protect you. What you did was wrong. It won't happen again, I'm sure."

"No," Parker said, looking at her, "but I don't feel like myself. I fear something wicked is growing inside of me. I can't escape from it. How can you stay with me, after all that I did?"

"Because I'm not giving up on you," Eliza said, watching him look away. "We'll raise our child together. Everything will be all right."

"Let's hope it is," Parker said, curtly. "The last thing we need is Turen screwing it up." He chuckled, crazily. "Did you know that he's not even from my parents' nest? And yet, he ended up sticking by me, bringing his darkness into me!" He shook his head. "No. Things aren't the same, but…" he calmed down, "…if you're willing to stay with me, then all right. We'll raise our child together. I just don't want to turn into a monster."

"You won't." Eliza petted his red scaly skin. "Trust me. I won't let you fall to darkness."

He was about to say How can you say that? But gave up on it. Instead, he gently kissed the palm of her hand, embracing her until their lips touched; just like that, he was human again. A hobbit man with blue eyes, just like before.

He had no idea what the future might hold. He just hoped it was good.

~o~

"Are you sure you won't stay?" Caspian asked, as Eliza picked up hers and Parker's son. They were back on the wide platform with a balcony overlooking the forest, as well as the river beyond the castle. Aslan nodded, letting them know it was time. Caspian inquired to Eliza, "I'm sure we can find you a place here amongst my people."

"Actually, we should leave," Eliza said, nervously.

"Your husband did something bad. I would say you're needed here," Caspian murmured. "Please?"

"I have to go," Eliza said, following Parker and Aslan towards the same tree the four children crossed when they left Narnia.

It was so odd being here, watching the tree yawn, forming a passage between its trunk. Eliza looked at her husband, surprised he was a red dragonoid again, but also wearing a fresh set of clean clothes. She sighed, wondering if it had to do with what he did, but then he would disguise himself as a human, right?

"You may leave, but you are welcome to come back here at any time. I will call on you when you are needed in Narnia again," Aslan nodded to the Dooley family.

"Thank you, Aslan," Parker bowed.

"Goodbye," Eliza said, waving, as she took her son and followed her husband through the portal, back to their bedroom, where it all began. She looked at her husband. He was human, but more silent than before. She set Maxin down, before wrapping her arms around her husband. "Tell me what's troubling you."

"Turen isn't here. It's too quiet," Parker admitted, calmly.

"He'll be here," Eliza said, confused.

"Maybe," Parker said, not liking this. "Or maybe he went home." He walked towards the bedside table, with its red cushion embedded to the dark oak frame and sat down. He told Eliza, feeling more confident, "No matter what happens, we'll find each other. I won't give up on us, but I fear the darkness will return. I'm not sure what'll happen next, but let's hope we'll be together in the end. Promise me."

"I promise," Eliza said, meaning every word.

Parker nodded in reassurance. "Good."

*.*.*

That's it for the third part in my fanfic mini-series, Origin Tales: Parker Dooley. :)

Thanks goes to the following people who reviewed, favorited, and followed this fanfic: Keli0596. Thanks everyone for taking time out of your busy schedules to read this fanfic until the end. It is much appreciated. :)

At this point, going into the fourth and last part of this mini-series, everything is about to get darker. Also, since this is an origin series, two villains will make their appearance by the fourth and last part of this mini-series.

Next up: Youth and Beauty, in which Maxin grows up.

Thanks for reading. :) I'll see everyone in the next story. Bye! :)

Aria Breuer