Hey there! So... My Christmas gift ending up being a Three Kings Day gift, sorry... But well, here you have it. This is the last chapter of this story. Dante's POV; end of Ep. 19, when Zhalia becomes an official Foundation operative and is officially back on the team. Hope you like it :)
Amazon village, somewhere in Turkey
Dante's POV
I still couldn't believe my eyes. For some moments I wondered if I was dreaming or something. But I wasn't. She had really come back to us. I just hoped she wouldn't leave again…
I was so happy to see Zhalia again, I almost forgot the other part of our mission. I showed Hippolyta the key that Metz gave me and she lead us to a large wooden chest. I opened it and my eyes widened at the sight of a beautiful wedding dress and a picture of Metz standing in front of the Notre Dame cathedral. On his left side stood a beautiful woman wearing that same dress… I immediately understood everything.
"Could this belong to young Hippolyta's mother?" Cherit wondered.
"He must love her so much, even now." Sophie said. Yeah, he must… And that was why he asked me to get these things. Memories of his family. He never told me he was married and had a daughter. But, well, he must have had his reasons…
"Oh, he took my mother to the outside world?" Hippolyta asked after approaching and grabbing the picture. "She never told anyone… Why is she dressed like that?" she asked curiously.
"It's complicated…" I answered the girl with a smile.
Before we left, I took a picture of the queen. I thought it would be good to Metz to see how his daughter looked like now. And how she had become such a brave and honorable queen.
"So… what's next?" Sophie asked.
"We'll go to Metz country estate, in Germany, and give him what he asked for. I think he'll be happy to finally meet the team." I said.
"I…" I heard Zhalia start. But I didn't let her continue, since I knew what she was going to say.
"You're coming with us." I said. I couldn't let her leave once more…
"But…" she tried again.
"No buts. Zhalia, listen…" I started. "This isn't about friendship and forgiveness anymore. Well, at least not only. The thing is… This team needs you. We went on a mission without you and it was a total failure. And this one would have been too if you hadn't shown up. Zhalia, we missed you. A lot. We don't want you back on this team, we NEED you back on this team. So please… Don't leave us again."
I didn't say anything but the truth. We wouldn't have made it without her. For a second Zhalia froze and her eyes seemed to be getting wet. But she rapidly composed herself.
"Dante… Thank you" she muttered. "If you're truly wiling to have me back, then I would love to work with you again." She looked at me with a shy smile. I returned a wide one and so did the rest of the team, nodding happily.
"But… How about Metz? You think he'll be this welcoming to a former spy?" Zhalia asked me.
"We'll talk to him. But I have a feeling he'll understand." I answered her and put a hand on her shoulder. I showed her the same smile that hadn't yet left my mouth. I was so happy I managed to make her stay.
We said our goodbyes and walked away from the village. Since it was already late at night and we were all tired, we decided to sleep on the planes after eating something. We took off to Germany early in the morning.
Metz country estate, Germany
We entered Metz's room and I handed him the pictures. I hadn't seen him look this well in months. He seemed really better now.
"It seems the curse only hits the fool who removes a Legendary Titan sealed away from its resting place. You pull it off." he said smiling proudly at me.
"To see you feeling better any risk was worth it." I said smiling back.
"My little malady attacks the source of a seeker's power. His will. These pictures gave me will power to spare. I'm glad to finally meet your team." he said between sighs. He obviously wasn't cured but seeing him like this… It gave me a whole new hope.
"The pleasure is ours" Sophie exclaimed.
"Sophie Casterwill. I cannot express my gratitude for the help you've given the Foundation." Metz said to her.
"Sir, I've come to turn myself in. I'm a spy who infiltrated your group and reported on its secrets" Zhalia said, my heart beating faster with each word she said. I was ready to step in, but Metz beat me to it.
"Yes, I've read about that." he said. It seemed at some point he was able to read my report after all… "And suddenly the Huntik Foundation can't let an enemy spy go. So we won't. We'll make you a member. An official Huntik Foundation operative." He smiled at her as she gasped astonished.
"Yeah? I mean, yes please! Thank you!" she exclaimed.
She covered her face and I immediately put an arm around her shoulders. She more than deserved it. And I was so happy for her.
Metz then winked at me and I didn't get why. But I didn't have time to duel on it either, since the conversation went on.
"And last of all, Lok. The indomitable Lok Lambert." Metz continued.
"Uh, Sir? Did you know my dad?" Lok asked anxiously.
"How could I forget Eathon? Just as Dante was my charge, my best friend Simon took him under his wing. That's right, we were a team in the old days." he told us.
"Do you know were my dad is now?" Lok insisted.
"I'm afraid not. But if you keep after the Legendary Titans, I have a feeling he'll be watching over you, one way or another." he smiled. And a whole new hope came upon Lok too. That was my dear mentor. Always giving away his words of comfort and hope. I almost forgot he was beddriden.
Only after that I took my arm away from Zhalia's shoulders. She didn't seem to be bothered in any way and it's so good to feel her body close to mine… I'm so happy to have her back! Though I know that this happy ending won't last for long. The real fight with the Organization is only starting. But at least Metz is feeling better and we are together again. I have a feeling that together… we can handle anything. And now I have my second chance to help her. To protect her and support her. And maybe one day, not far from here... I'll finally be able to tell her how I feel for her. And if she feels the same for me… That will be my happy ending.
*THE END*
(of this story)
Yes, it's true. This is the end. This has been a long journey with you; actually longer than I expected, but I hope it was worth it. It's been a great pleasure for me to write this and I want to thank you so much for having accompanied me is this journey, with your wonderful support and feedback! :) I'm counting on your reviews for these last chapters, please? :p This is story has ended, but this is not goodbye. I'll move on to second season now, as there are more issues that need to be addressed and I already have some stories started (and some in mind) ;) Though, you already know about my issues with work and time, so don't expected me to post soon. I really hope you don't get tired of waiting to hear from me. Again, I hope you've had a great Christmas time and I wish you the most happiness and success for 2017. You deserve it all! See you soon :)
Love,
Lil
