[Conclusion]
[One Week Later]
[Titan's Tower - Edward's Universe]

It had not taken long for Vilea to come over to Edward's Universe for the first time. The minute she stepped in, the first thing she said to Nightwing was, "Remember, I am here to help Edward. I am not a part of your team. But I will offer aid should you need me, which I hope you do not." Nightwing said, "That's fine. When Solor returns from his honeymoon, he will fill Edward's shows while he is stood down."

She then turned to Nova, and bowed her head. "It is nice to meet you, Nova... or would you prefer Iilah?"

Nova only smirked. "So you do know my name. But no, I would prefer Nova. Iilah is an old dragon that died many years ago. I am not her, nor will I ever be her again." She bowed her head. "It is nice to meet the Dark Heiress... I have heard many stories about you. Both flattering and otherwise. If my son trusts you, then so shall I." She then frowned, sighing. "I apologize to have brought this burden upon you. I was so desperate for a child... I did not think of the consequences of mating with a Dark dragon, let alone your father."

Vilea only smiled, and stepped forward, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "I am more than happy to help family and seeing that Kiinnum is your son and Oblann our father, we're half-siblings. You need not apologize. Just be there while he heals, that's all any loving mom can do." That in turn brought out a warm grin from Edward's mother.

Vilea immediately got to work, helping Edward curb his Dark desires. Meditation was helpful, as was understanding where that source came from. Vilea described the powers of Darkness as a necessary evil, an unwanted but important aid. As much as one doesn't want to face their darkness, if they ignore it for too long, it will consume them. Edward's own Darkness emerged from the pain he felt at losing a soulbound mate, a kind of pain he had never felt before. She asked him to describe it, so that he could understand the pain and soon accept it as part of him.

She asked Rachael to join in on this first lesson, knowing she went through a similar situation. "Tell me, Ruuvak... what did you feel when Edward faced the Blessing of Death? What did you feel when you temporarily lost him?" The way she spoke was like a true counselor, wanting to not only teach one to understand their pain, but embrace it, face it, so it did not have any power anymore.

Raven said, "It happened twice, actually. In this universe, Trigon had three sons, each as evil as their father, and capable of amplifying certain sins, like anger for example. They lured Edward to a prison riot and managed to knock him out. Then, they transported him to another dimension, breaking our link in the process.

"It was the first time I thought he had actually been killed. It felt like a piece of my heart and soul had been ripped away. It took Beast Boy, Terra and Starfire to help me, and Terra initially wanted to destroy the prison. The pain was, unbearable.

"I still do not know how it happened, but, I decided to try to meditate and had a vision that Edward was still alive. It turned out that we were meditating at the same time, and, Edward fought Trigon in that realm and despite Trigon having the 'home field advantage', Edward managed to win before the vision was interrupted. I knew he was alive then, and, that gave me hope.

"When the recently departed Grand Death hit Edward with his blessing, I knew when the link snapped again, and, even though Edward told me that it was temporary, if felt that every thought I had towards him fell into an emotional Black Hole...sucked away into nothingness. Even when the Circle allowed me to be with him, it was hard. When the link flared back into life, I was so surprised, I collided with Sol, who brushed it off. But, both times, the heartache was almost too much to bear, Vilea. it felt like a piece of my heart was ripped away. Put it this way...You handled the death of your father a lot better and despite his evil, part of me hoped that you and he were somewhat close. Forgive me if I am out of line, please."

Vilea only smiled softly. "It's alright, Ruuvak... there was a time, yes, when my father and I were close... or as close as we could be. I did not have a normal relationship with him." She looked out the window, frowning as she remembered. "My powers were given to me by him... in a way, I am much like you, Ruuvak. The only difference I can see... is that I willingly served him, unquestioningly... because I had no reason to fear him. My mind was warped by his teachings, and until the very end, when he threatened to kill me for one small mistake, I was not afraid to fight for him." She then looked down. "Then we made the mistake of stealing Filkiin from you, and allowing him to escape with the knowledge of our plans. He told me I would die for my transgressions if it weren't for the fact that I was carrying Soskrein and her siblings. That was the first time I was afraid and questioned my father. I suppose being caught by Edward and some things I think I shall keep secret, convinced me that Oblaan was wrong." She then shook her head. "But this meeting isn't about me. Kiinnum... it's your turn, and while I do appreciate some back story... focus only on the emotions and the pain you felt. Try to remember what happened when you saw your soulmate, killed by Malchior."

Edward said, "Unbearable grief, an incredible rage, and a overwhelming desire to kill Malchior where he stood. He had taken my wife away from me and unlike the previous times, I knew that she was gone. I heard her anguished scream through the link and cut off like breaking a thread. When I saw her there and felt for a pulse. There wasn't any. No pulse, no breathing. After that, I don't remember much. It was like a bad dream, and even after killing that bastard Malchior, my inner pain and rage was still there, and, in my mind, it was mortals who I fell in love with. I know it was because there aren't a million plus dragons here. But, in my rage, it didn't matter where I was at. Even when I was apparently moments from murdering Solor, I knew that if I did that, I would likely have gone on. The sting from Soskrein's tail didn't fuel my rage and hearing her cry doused my anger slowly and I couldn't flick her aside. She rekindled my ability to actually love.

"When I saw Rae sitting up, I didn't know that Maldriin had revived her. I honestly felt that Slade had decided to play the world's worse form of revenge against me. Even when Mally tried to reassure me that she had done it, I wasn't ready to believe her. I could have gone after her ... but, before you denounce me for that, I am glad that never happened. I don't think Grand life would have been as merciful, seeing Mally is biologically a daughter. Then, the link came back and I knew it wasn't the other Raven...it was my wife's voice. I went from deep grief to joy for a bit, but, when my friends told me what I had done and wanted to do...You know the rest, Heiress. The guilt, the utter shame, the despair I still feel. I've had true night terrors since then, Vilea. Dreams where Solor died at my talons. Dreams where Tokyo was a smoking ruin. Dreams where I killed both teams of Titans and your baby girl as well. Dreams where I stayed as a Dark Dragon forever. I am fearful for the first time in a long time."

Vilea smiled, nodding. "Yes, I do know the rest. And I think I understand not only the Darkness in your heart, but also why you get so angry when your family is threatened. It is true, dragons are definitely more territorial than humans, and if a threat comes to our families, we will fight tooth and nail for it. But for you, Edward... it wasn't just instinct. That was the Darkness building up in your heart. And it was bits of Darkness escaping through you during your battles. When the Darkness became too much, you released it in a healthy way that kept you from going over the edge. But when you lost your mate... it became unbearable. It overflowed, and took over. It was all your repressed anger, all of your held back hate and rage and every negative emotion you have ever felt. Edward... you have a very hard time expressing your negative side, and while I understand it is hard to say no... you have to learn to show your anger and frustration more often, and in healthier ways."

She then gave him a mock glare. "Killing Trigon, Malchior, and other threats will only help you so many times. You can't go around killing everyone, as you know, so we have to find a healthy outlet for your stress, besides fighting. Perhaps you should find a hobby that keeps your stress down, helps you relax?" She wrote down a few notes, which would help with future sessions and the training he would face with Solor. "We'll continue these sessions over the course of your banishment, and Solor will teach you how to control the Dark Blessing that you have somehow been able to repress for over three thousand years. Edward, as long as we work together, your banishment might be lifted within a couple of years. Show the Circle that you are recovering.

"But, I will have to be up front with you. The Circle has made it clear that I am to give regular reports to them regarding your recovery. I will try to keep our conversations private as possible, though."

Edward was stunned, obviously. He had been taught how to embrace his anger and then to let it go, but, had that all piled up anyway over the years? Sure, he flattened Trigon in two universes, fought Malchior as well and in a third universe...helped prevent the release of another Malchior. His world was spinning around him and even in the last week, he had been in a depression, that was only lifted a little when Susie actually did come over for Predator and Prey. She managed to catch the Prey and knowing that her uncle wasn't really up for being tickled merely tackled him in their usual game. But, when Susie had to return home, the depression came back.

"I am not used to this," he said, "For my whole life, I have been mostly in control. It wasn't until the last few years when I have felt myself slipping at times to the point that Rae has to intervene and draw some of that out. Other times, Starfire intervenes because she knows I won't hurt her. Terra, because I consider her a little sister in her own right, can get through. Then...Soskrein. Vilea, I was so close to killing her when you were arrested that, had I done that before she was hatched ... Solor would be dead and my execution would have already been carried out. I am glad that she wormed her way into my heart like she has. I guess I should thank you for having her, regardless of the how."

The statement he made about having only had this problem over the last few years had her thinking, and she finally understood. "Well then... what has happened over the last few years? What major events have occurred that has made you think about life differently, to give you all of the joys... but also all of the sorrows you've been feeling lately?" She let Edward ponder for a moment, and slowly his eyes widened. "The Titans. It is because of these Titans, because of Ruuvak, Terra, Starfire, Soskrein, Solor, Kreinyol, the Beast Boys, Cyborgs, Robin and Nightwing... for the first time, Edward, besides your son, you've allowed yourself to bond with these people. Your last wife was so long ago, and from what I understand, you spent a very long time avoiding creating these bonds." She wrote down more in her notes. "Do you think you'd feel this huge roller coaster of emotions if you hadn't met these people? Would you have needed them to hold you back if you never knew they existed?"

Edward shrugged, "I'm not sure. It was difficult for me to make many deep bonds between when Callisto, my baby's namesake, had a breakdown when the son her and I were raising died in a thunderstorm. For almost 1700 years or so, I had to hide what I am from the humans who would have tried to kill me first and ask questions later. When I met a couple who had been exiled from this time period to 1750, they were the first ones I let myself be closer to. When I discovered that Paula was a reptilian shapeshifter, that's when I was able to allow a deeper bond form. We understood each other and while there wasn't any telepathy, it wasn't needed. Paula was there when I discovered that Callisto had become a goddess ... and ended her immortal life.

"When my friends finally succumbed, after fighting alongside them for decades, it hurt, but, I knew that due to the oddities of time, they would return, even if I could take no part in their lives. Same with Paula. She died and while I did take it hard, my son was there to get me through it.

"But, now...how can I burden these Titans with my problems, Vilea? How can I control this Darkness I inherited from your father? And regain their trust?"

"The same way you treat a family", Vilea replied, smiling. "You talk with them. You share your pain. That's what a family does. A family shares, a family loves, laughs, cries, and occasionally gets mad together." She wrote down a few more notes. "Your assignment before we meet tomorrow, Edward Barnes, is to share your pain with at least one person besides your wife. And Ruuvak... if he doesn't share this pain, I want you to tell him that I will not meet again with him until he agrees to the assignment." She got up. "Meditating will only help so much, Edward. And besides... I think the perfect candidate is just arriving."

The statement confused the natural Titans, until the AI spoke up. "Edward, Solor of the Light has arrived one week early. He says he has news he wants to share with you, and you alone. He has requested your presence on the roof."

"Acknowledged," Edward said, "I'll be there shortly. No one else is to be there...No exceptions."

The AI said, "I will let him know and, seeing how I don't want to annoy you, you'll be left alone."

That got a chuckle out of Vilea and Raven, "The Titans back home don't have a smart-ass AI."

Edward actually smiled, "Ours has had a lot of time to learn about each of us. Our moods, how we act around each other, and has learned to anticipate. Sometimes, it will cancel protocol on its own. And, yes, I think Starborn is the right one to talk to."

The AI only said, "I love you too, Edward", in a slightly sarcastic tone, getting another laugh out of Vilea as Edward headed to the roof. There, Solor was in his human form, and the smile would not leave his face.

"Here I am, Brother", Edward said, smiling as he gave Solor a hug. "Now, what's this big news?"

Solor motioned for him to sit down, and they sat across from each other, both in the Lotus position. Solor took a few deep breaths. "I'm sure you've noticed that I'm here a little early", he said.

Edward looked puzzled, "That is obvious, but, I don't need Rae to tell me that you are extremely happy... Should I guess?"

Solor shook his head. "No, no, don't guess, that'll ruin the whole point of bringing you up here." He couldn't stop the smile. "So, I returned to the resort, the one you reserved for me... and Kreinyol and I spent time together. And, while we took some time together outside of the room, I noticed she was feeling a bit off, and when we spoke, she suddenly had a glow about her. So..." At this point, Solor started chuckling. "I finally realized she had a new scent about her. And it hit me. Brother... Edward... Kreinyol... she's pregnant!"

"BOOYA!" Edward yelled...Happy for the first time since the whole ordeal started.

[RAE! GET UP HERE!] Edward shouted through the link...The AI couldn't stop her teleportation or ability to phase through the walls.

He grabbed Solor in a hug and said, "That's the best Oblivion Damned news I have heard in months! Congrats, man!"

"You're damn right, it's the best news ever!" Solor laughed. "I'm going to be a dad... again!" He was so happy, his hug rivaled Starfire in strength!

"I-Is this you way of settling the vendetta?" Edward said, clearly strained, but, also with a twinkle in his eye.

Solor, upon hearing that, quickly put Edward down, slightly panicked. "Oh, First, sorry! I'm sorry, I'm just... I'M SO HAPPY!" It was at this point Raven arrived on the roof, wondering what the hell Solor was yelling about.

"If this is some kind of dragon thing, I can come back later", she said, only to yelp as Solor pulled her into a hug as well. "You're hugging me... why are you hugging me?!"

"Because, Ruuvak, my family is getting bigger!" Solor yelled again. "Kreinyol is pregnant!"

That got Solor a hug from her, "For this, I will tolerate a hug, Solor. Congratulations." Even though her voice didn't change, the feeling was a true one. She was happy for her friend, then her face fell, "Solor, do you know what a half Dragon and half Tamaranian hybrid would look like or even if she will have to sit on an egg or be lucky and carry a live birth like me? Don't get me wrong...I am truly happy for both of you."

Solor thought for a moment, and shook his head. "I have absolutely no idea! This is a first, not only for dragons in my universe, but for two species of different planets ever! And to be honest? I don't care how my kid is born! Whether it's an egg, a normal birth, whether he or she is born with wings, a tail, a spine, or looking just like their mother, I don't have a care in the world! I will love them as much as the rest of my family, and I will raise them to the best of my ability." He then looked at them both. "Do I have to beg you guys to be my kid's godparents, or are we agreed on that?"

"We'd be honored," they both said at the same time. Edward continued, "Solor...You're already a great father. Look at how Soskrein is turning out. You've done a great job with her and, I know that Moonlight is looking at you with extreme pride. And, Solor...I think I said something to you in my rage about her...I'm sorry. I know how much she meant to you. I know you have probably forgiven me for that, but, as part of my penance...I apologize, again, for crossing that line."

Solor shook his head. "You weren't yourself, Brother. I forgive you." Solor tried to calm himself, but he was just too happy. "You know, if these were normal circumstances, I would want to start training right away... but I want to celebrate. How about we call over the other team for dinner, and you and I can whip up something for everyone to eat? I'm sure Kreinyol is home by now, telling everyone the great news."

"I should ask my half-sister first," Edward said with a smirk, "Something tells me that Vilea is a harsh mistress. But, I think if you offered to let her be the baby's aunt, she'd relent for a night. But, Solor ... there are things that I am under orders to reveal to someone who is not Rae, and, Vilea suggested you. Given that I do not want to spoil this moment...let's bring your Titans over and share the news and have one helluva party! But, first thing tomorrow, well, after breakfast, we need to meet in your room. It's still my office when you're not visiting.

"We'll have the AI run some tests as well. It did a good job predicting Cally. I think we can get Kori to assist seeing how they are the exact same at the DNA level."

Solor nodded, putting on a sober look. "Of course, Edward. My priority is to my family, and you are my brother. I would be more than happy to help when we can find time to talk again. Anyway... I'm going to find Vilea and let her know what's going on. Then we can gather everyone else, let them know, open a Tear, bring the others over, and have our party."

Solor gave both of them a tight hug, still overjoyed, and rushing downstairs. "Computerpeopleareallowedontheroofagainthanksbye!"

"... I'll record this moment of unadulterated un-Solorness for future blackmailing purposes", the AI said, and Edward could practically hear the smirk in its voice. "The stars have aligned once in a million years. This will probably never happen again."

Edward burst out laughing his tail off! He realized that the AI was no longer just an AI, it had "woken up" and gained sentience. "Devious pile of boards and chips," he said after he stopped laughing, "You know...you take after one of the AIs that you're based on. KITT would be proud."

"Says the guy who is also a smart-ass when he's not trying to rip someone's head off who probably deserves it," the AI said.

"You know, I can rewire you into a toaster, right?" Edward said.

The AI was silent for a moment, probably thinking over if Edward could do that..."I'll shut up now."

They also headed downstairs, arm in arm and Edward said, "I don't know what I did to deserve you, Raven...But, I'm glad we're a family again. Let's get Cally and celebrate. The guys will be thrilled to hear this news."

"You read my mind", Raven said, smiling as she kissed her husband gently. "I think you're gonna be alright, Edward, especially with your brother here."

"You know what?" Edward said as the door closed behind them. "I think I will be too."

Edward Barnes writes...

It's been a while since I've had a reason to be happy, but, with Solor announcing that he's going to be a dad again has been the morale boost I needed and I am glad that despite that dark night, Solor chose to honor me by telling me first.

Yet, finding out that Oblaan was one of the dragons who donated DNA to my egg is troublesome and I will be working with Vilea for a long time, I think. I will have to get used to having a half-sister in my life as well. It'll be worth it, though, if I can master that part of me that was released. If I can do this...it gives Soskrein a fighting chance as well. Oblaan went mad over time and unless we can find a way to forestall this fate for myself, it is still likely I could end up that way. But, unlike Oblaan, I have a family who cares for me as much as I care for them. Sure, most of them will join the First, but, once I am welcomed back into Lair with my head high and honor restored, I have a whole dragon family who will fill the place of the Titans. It's something that Oblaan never realized. Had he and his clan not been banished, maybe Oblaan would have ended up all right. Yeah...and I'm the President.

Vilea...it's odd to realize that she is related to me. A half-sister. To think that when we first met, we were enemies. I did not expect to actually flip her. Solor said that she was as unredeemable as Oblaan. Yet, she is now allowed to sit in on meetings of the Circle and taking the time from her duties to help me once more. Then, again, she's already earned a spot as Family and the blood ties make it impossible to deny her that.

And, Maldriin...I do not know how I can ever repay her. She gave Raven a century off her life. That act has tied such a sweet, caring Life dragon into my personal family. If Grand Life would not object, I want to call Mally my daughter. I owe her that and so much more. She is part of Raven now. I do hope though, that she finds her own mate in 50 years. She's a sweet kid, but, I think after it's Rae's time to leave this mortal world, that I may want someone of my own kind. Nothing against the mortals, but, if I were offered the right to be an Heir, having a pretty dragoness would be...nice.

I have a long road ahead of me...one that is full of hope.

The End ... for now.