Author's Note:
To quote BHS on his fic, "Stars Above", this has been a long time coming. For those of you who were wondering about this story, yes, this is the last chapter of my first story, "Super Readers' Biggest Adventure". Over the years, my biggest dream has been to write a Super Why story that would make people do a double take and wonder if this is really a fanfic for that kiddy show about the kids flying into books and finding answers to their problems. Even though I'm not into Super Why as much as I used to be, I still have a fondness for it. And I still had a fondness for this story as well, as it was my very first story when I came on here. I meant to get the final chapter out, but lots of things happened: real life, writer's block, trying to fit a lot of suggestions, and starting whole new stories. I'm really happy that I got to see this project through, though, even if it took me a whole year to get another chapter out. But I didn't want to give a horrible ending to the story; it would be an injustice to you guys, and to myself, if I rushed the ending.
There are so many I want to thank, but I know I'd be remiss if I didn't thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for giving me the idea for this story, the patience to continue writing it, and the endurance to keep going on this site. I know for certain that if it weren't for You, I wouldn't be using this talent to better myself. You showed me which chapters to rewrite and correct, and helped me to stop being such a perfectionist with all of my work. Thank You for everything, including loving me for who I am, flaws and all. You deserve all the praise and glory for everything you've done in my life! Amen!
To Jonathan (aka Workhorsecommentator), YuriLover2224, lacywing, Kathryn, talk gamtav to me, and those who have favorited this story, I must also thank you for your reviews, but especially to you, Workhorsecommentator; your reviews gave me insights on the deeper parts of the story, and inspired me to come back and add those themes. In fact, it's thanks to you that this was even finished in the first place. And thanks to , who PM'd me and reminded me that this story was sitting in the gutter. You guys all rock.
Thanks to my family, who encouraged me to keep writing as well. My brother, who goes on here by the name of Vulture Droid, also deserves some credit; he wasn't as fond of Super Why as I was, but his stories inspired me to come back here as well.
And on a more personal note, this is going to be dedicated to my grandfather, Lou Brown, who passed away in May 2012; my grandmother, Virginia Ann Wright, who passed away in August 2013; and my other grandmother, Lillie Brown, who passed away around this time, last year. I love and miss you all, and I know that I'll see you again.
And now, without further ado, the ending that you've all been waiting for.
-God bless and thanks,
Iheartgod175
Epilogue: The Dawn of Heroes
Two weeks later…
The rest of the occupants in Princess Pea's castle were asleep, but their guest was not.
Princess Muse sat in front of her desk, nibbling on her pen as she thought of what she would write to her father. She would have loved to go see him immediately, but the doctor had ordered her and her friends to take it easy for a few weeks, since they had been through quite a lot during their adventure. She had to agree. The physical and mental tolls they had acquired during their journey felt like fifty ton weights. They needed the two-week respite before returning home.
Muse looked down at the three pieces of paper spread out before her, a sudden bolt of clarity hitting her. With that, she put her pen to the paper and began to write.
Dear Father,
I hope things are going well on your end. Things here are going great for us, and I'm sure you've heard of our stories via word of mouth. If I told you everything that happened on our adventures, you'd get a book, not a letter. I suppose I'll have to tell you everything else when I come back from leave.
To make a long story short, we defeated the Evil Reader and saved the fairytale world from an even worse fate. As it turns out, the Evil Reader was possessed by a mad sorcerer named Chaos, who removed him from his body and has been masquerading as him since. The real person, Jackson Flatts, is alive and healthy today, although he's serving time due to his previous actions.
The citizens of Storybrook Village are doing well, but some of them, especially the ones that Chaos attempted to corrupt, felt incredibly guilty about their role in that madman's plans-nobody more so than the parents of the Super Readers.
"Whyatt, can you come downstairs please?" Mrs. Beanstalk called from downstairs.
"Sure thing, Mom!" Whyatt replied, jumping up from his chair and running down the stairs. He took the stairs two at a time, his feet slapping the floor as he hit the bottom. "Where are you?"
"Your father and I are in the living room, dear," she said. Whyatt made his way into the living room, where both of his parents and his older brother Jack were sitting. He noticed how solemn they looked.
"Sit in that chair right over there, Whyatt," Mr. Beanstalk said. "I want you to hear this."
Whyatt did, unsure of what was going on.
His father took a deep breath and sighed. "Son, I wanted to apologize for attacking you and Woofster," he said. "What happened that night should have never happened. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I had killed you or any of your friends." Beside him, his wife and oldest son looked down at the ground with forlorn expressions on their faces.
"Dad, it wasn't your fault. It was really Chaos' fault," Whyatt answered. "He made you, Mom, and Jack evil."
"Even so, I should have fought against it, or at least keep some control over my body," his father answered. "I shudder to think what would have happened if we hadn't been snapped out of that spell."
"What did happen after you were snapped out of the spell?" Whyatt asked.
"Well, we fell asleep for what seemed like forever. When we woke up, we were back in Storybrook Village, only it barely looked the same anymore," Mrs. Beanstalk said.
"Yeah, it looked like it had been nuked," Jack responded. "I thought that everyone we knew, including you and Joy, were gone."
Whyatt's blood ran cold at those words. Looking around at his family, he could see that they all shared Jack's sentiment. They truly thought that he and the others had died when they returned to the village.
It's a good thing I came back, because they would have had to suffer so much, he thought.
"Mom, Dad, Jack, I did make a promise to my friends that I would make it back to Storybrooke Village, and that I would save all of you. I made good on that promise, but I couldn't have done it without the help of the Holy One," he said. "I owe him my gratitude." He looked at his family, his vision blurring as tears came to his eyes. "And…I'm so happy that you're all safe."
With that, he came up to his father and hugged him tightly, and soon he felt the rest of the family joining in, hugging him as well.
"Sons, can you come in the living room, please?" Poppa Pig called.
"Sure, Dad!" Eldest Pig ran down the hall to see his father standing near the fireplace, looking at the picture of their mother. A sad expression graced his features, and the oldest of the three pigs could have sworn that he was crying.
"Poppa Pig, is there something wrong?" he asked just as his younger brothers came into the living room.
Their father turned towards them, his expression broken and full of remorse. "You can come closer, boys. I'm not going to hurt any of you," he said.
Exchanging glances with each other, the three came into the living room, watching their father closely as they stood in the center of the room.
"What happened that night when I attacked you all, with fireballs and what not..." Poppa Pig stopped, his throat tightening with emotion. He would not cry. He would not cry. "I-I have to apologize for that. I should've been able to do something to prevent that madman from taking over my mind, to make me attack you three."
"Poppa Pig, everyone else in Storybrooke did the same thing," Pig said.
"Yes, but I could have killed you," Poppa Pig admitted. "And...and I said some really horrible things while I was under Chaos' control. I shouldn't have ever disowned you because you cared about me so much, you were willing to fight me. Can any of you every forgive me?"
The three brothers looked at each other, and then looked at their father, tears in their eyes. Doing his best to hold back a sob, Middle Pig answered, "Yeah, Poppa Pig. We forgive you." His brothers nodded as well, which only served to bring more tears to their father's eyes.
"Thank you...that means so much, coming from all of you," he said, coming over to his sons and pulling them into a group hug. He sniffled heartily before continuing with, "If your mother were here, she would be so proud of you right now."
The boys nodded, their eyes burning with tears at the mention of their late mother. "Yeah. She sure would have," Eldest Pig said.
The next morning, Whyatt and all of the children were standing outside of Town Hall, waiting for King Pea and Papa Bear to make their way outside. That morning, when they'd gotten up for school, Whyatt's mother had told him that he was needed at Town Hall for an important announcement that was going to be made by Papa Bear and King Pea. Whyatt was curious as to what this could mean, but he decided that he would have to see for himself what this was all about.
The commotion died when the doors to Town Hall opened and King Pea walked out to the podium that was erected near the bottom of the steps. He was dressed in a deep red uniform, one he reserved only for diplomatic endeavors, with a green sash draping across it. Papa Bear followed as well, wearing a green tie instead of his normal light blue tie.
"Hello, children," King Pea started. His tone was somber. "I bet you're all wondering why you're all not going to school today."
The children looked at each other, somewhat confused.
"The reason you're all not going to school today is because we have a special announcement to make. When Chaos, masquerading as the Evil Reader, came into Storybrook Village, he turned all of the adults against each of you. All of you know very well that we, as your parents, would never hurt you. Even though we were not ourselves, we tried our best to fight against Chaos' control, but it didn't help. The damage had already been done," King Pea said.
"And even though it was Chaos' fault that we attacked you, I just wanted to say, on behalf of everyone in Storybrook Village and myself, that we are very sorry for what we've done to hurt you. You are very precious to us, and we would hate to lose any of you," Papa Bear explained.
"As for the Super Readers...we must thank them personally for their heroism in saving everyone in not only Storybrook Village, but in the entire Fairy Tale World," King Pea said. He then looked over at Whyatt and his friends. "Whyatt, if you and your friends would please step forwards."
Whyatt, Red, Princess Pea and Pig all got up from their seats and made their way to the podium. Gasps of surprise and amazement followed them as they walked to King Pea. Whyatt couldn't help but smile. Even after having to explain to some of his friends about what he did, nobody could believe that he and his friends had saved the entire town.
"Whyatt, you and your friends have our eternal gratitude for saving us all from a horrible fate at the hands of Chaos. For your efforts, we are giving you and your allies, Princess Muse, Woofster and Lexicon, a special ceremony to make you our official protectors of the fairytale world," King Pea said.
"A-A ceremony...for us?" Pig repeated, his eyes alight with wonder.
"Yes. You've earned it, Pig," King Pea said. He looked over at Lexicon and Muse. "All of you have."
Lexicon smiled, while Muse was trying her best to not break out into a grin.
"Now, then, does anybody have any questions?" the king asked.
"I do," Little Boy Blue said, raising his hand. "What do you guys even do as Super Readers?"
"Well, we go into stories and find the answers to any problems we have," Whyatt said. "In order to look for them, we search for these cool things called Super Letters, which we use to figure out the answer."
Everyone seemed to be amazed and confused at the same time. In the back, Whyatt's mother laughed.
"What's so funny, Mom?" Whyatt asked.
"If it weren't for the fact that I saw you in your costume, I'd say you were full of Super Letters, Whyatt!" she said.
At this, everyone laughed. Whyatt's face contorted into a sheepish grin as he laughed along with the rest of the village.
After the official apology from King Pea and Papa Bear, we all had a picnic. We were also bombarded with a lot of questions from the other kids about what we did as Super Readers, and what our powers were. All of us had dry throats at the end of the whole thing!
While the adults were planning the ceremony, the five of us had to go to the pediatrician's office. After all of that fighting, we had taken a lot of hits during our journeys into the five worlds that we had to save. The pediatrician told us that thankfully, we didn't suffer a lot of long-lasting damage due to the fact that we were in our superhero costumes, which give us a certain layer of protection. The only person who really has to be careful is Woofster. He has the weakest defenses out of us, and he has to take extra care to not get hurt in battle. The pediatrician and the vet told us that we will have to take it easy, as the fatigue would catch up with us. That's why I'm still here in Storybrook Village.
A few days later, we had the ceremony. And afterwards, we were visited by someone special...
Horns blared all throughout the throne room of Princess Pea's castle, which was decorated with various flowers and royal crests. Standing in the center of the room were Princess Priscilla and Prince Charming, decked out in royal garb saved for very special occasions.
And this was a very special one indeed.
The seven heroes, each wearing their best clothes, walked towards the platform, heads held high and big smiles threatening to split their faces. After they had been reunited with their loved ones, Prince Charming had followed up on his promise to get everything set for the royal knighting. Thankfully, Lexicon and Muse were allowed to attend, even though they both had very important duties to do in their respective story.
When they were within a few feet of the royal couple, Prince Charming raised a hand into the air to signal to the musicians to stop playing. The horn players stopped immediately, and Prince Charming looked out at his audience.
"People of Storybrook, we are gathered here today to honor these seven brave heroes, who took on the evil Chaos and destroyed him. With the Sword of Sealing and the Reader's Amulet in our possession, we will use them to keep out all evil that attempts to come into our land, and keep peace throughout the fairytale world!" Prince Charming proclaimed. "Thank the Holy One that we have such brave young men and women willing to fight for our country!"
Whyatt blushed slightly as the crowd erupted into cheers. He'd never been called young man other than when he got into trouble. It made him feel older and more responsible when he said that.
"And now, for the part that we have all been waiting for." Prince Charming turned to Priscilla, who held out his sword for him. He took it gratefully, and turned towards the Super Readers and their Major Land allies. All of them got down on one knee, some a little more shakily than others due to their clothes.
Prince Charming gently touched each of them on the shoulder with the sword, and when he was done, he said, "Super Readers, and allies of Major Land, do you solemnly swear to use your powers for good, to protect both loved ones and strangers, all in the name of the Holy One? Will you swear to use your talents to glorify Him and none other, and destroy the forces of evil that will try to come upon us again and again?"
Collectively, they all nodded. "We solemnly swear to do these things," they said.
"Then by the powers invested in me by the Holy One above, I declare you to be the protectors of Storybrook Village, and several of the many Knights of the Fairytale Realm," Prince Charming said. "Rise, heroes, and celebrate!"
When Whyatt and his friends stood up, they were met by a rumble of applause, cheering and stomping. Whyatt barely had time to turn around before all of the Super Readers' parents ran up to them and swept them up into hugs. Pig held onto his dad as though he would disappear if he would let go, as did Muse and Princess Pea. Red's grandma gave her a big hug, and Whyatt's dad picked him up and swung him around. Next to him, Woofster looked about eagerly for someone in the crowd, but looked somewhat upset.
Mr. Beanstalk put him down, and then Whyatt was soon wrapped up in a bear hug by everyone in his family. Over all of the cheering, Whyatt heard his father say, "I'm so proud of you, son. I don't think I could ever be happier."
Whyatt mentally agreed.
"That was so cool!" Red shouted. "We actually got badges and everything!"
Muse looked down at the badge pinned on the left side of her dress. It was a silver and gold star with an open book in the center. "You're telling me. Although, I think the badges in Major Land are quite elaborate compared to these…"
"Well, this is a small town, Muse," Lexicon said. "Plus, we just got back three days ago. They don't have that kind of time to throw together something like that."
"I'm just glad that we got a badge. It's not every day we get medals," Whyatt answered. He seemed to be somewhat distracted.
"What's the matter, Whyatt?" Pig asked.
"It's Woofster," he replied, motioning to where the super dog was sitting. To their surprise, the super dog was much more subdued than he'd been earlier. "Something's up with him. I don't know what it is, but after the knighting, it seemed like he was looking for someone."
"I think he was looking for his family," Pig answered, looking down at the table. "Back when we were separated in the fourth door, Woofster told me that he had been disowned by his father because he wasn't strong enough. I guess he was expecting his dad to show up after saving his story, but…"
"What kind of a father would do something like that?" Muse asked angrily, banging her fist on the table.
"Believe it or not, there are fathers out there who do such things," Lexicon responded. "I should know, my father did the same to me when I was younger."
"That's awful…"
"I sure hope that Woofster can make up with his father," Whyatt said, turning towards his friends. Everyone collectively agreed to this.
"Oh, that reminds me!" Princess Pea said. "We're supposed to meet with the Superhero Council after this is all over, right?"
"Right. Jeremiah's supposed to send Jackson when he's done getting his body back," Whyatt explained.
"Oh my peas, so he is getting it back today!" Princess Pea clasped her hands together. Her smile dropped for a moment. "Wait a minute. What happened to his old body?"
"It was destroyed in the fight against Chaos," Lexicon said. "But Jackson will need a new one in order to handle the new powers that he's going to use later on."
"So, he's getting a new body and new powers?" Red pondered. "Wow, talk about a fresh start."
Lexicon was about to answer when he felt a heavy hand on his shoulder. He turned around, startled, to see a large man standing behind him. His skin was smooth and dark, like chocolate, and his hair gleamed in the sunlight. Friendly brown eyes looked down at Lexicon's blue ones.
"Um, do I know you?"
The man smiled. "I'm Ethan, sent personally by Jeremiah himself. You all are to come with me to the Superhero Council at once," the man said.
Pig stared wide eyed, and Muse nearly choked on her tea. "We're supposed to go there? Now?" she sputtered.
"Yes, right now. I hope your parents don't mind," Ethan replied.
The kids all turned towards their parents, who seemed to be somewhat wary of the man next to them. When he gave them a smile and a wave, the disapproving looks disappeared, and they turned to their kids with a nod.
"I think that means yeah, they don't mind," Red summarized.
"Come along, then," Ethan said. "Your chariot awaits."
"Wait a second, we're riding on a chariot?" Princess Pea asked.
"Yes. Guests and potential superheroes who come to the Superhero Council always arrive in style," Ethan answered. "And the best way to do that would be to arrive on time to the meetings."
"Let's get a move on, kids," Lexicon replied. For the first time in a long time, he actually had a smile on his face. "We've got some world class superheroes to meet!"
In the deepest rooms of the Superhero Council, a large figure with flowing blue robes, silver hair, and golden gauntlets on his arms kneeled in front of a large stain glass window. Sitting in the very front of it was a large, wooden cross, which currently had a white drape over it. The stain glass window also showed the face of a man with dark brown hair, wearing white and blue robes, and with a halo over his head. Surrounded by many people, he looked as though he were beckoning them to follow him.
In this room, which was known to all members of the council as the prayer room, Jeremiah was currently engaged in a private discussion with his boss.
"O Great One," Jeremiah said, "is this really what you want me to do?"
The voice that boomed into the room was enough to throw Jeremiah off his feet. "Yes, Jeremiah. Do as I have commanded. It is the only way we can be sure that he is ready to fulfill his destiny," the voice said.
"Should I tell him right away?"
"No. All will be explained in time, Jeremiah. When he is of the proper age, and when the time is right, you will tell him all that he needs to know."
"I see," Jeremiah replied. "Thank You for your wisdom, Great One. I will do, and then I will understand."
Just as he got up from his position from the floor, the doors leading to the prayer room burst open to reveal Ethan standing there. Behind him was a teenage boy who appeared to be about the same age as Whyatt's brother Jack, only taller. He seemed to be slightly embarrassed at the intrusion.
"Ethan, Jackson, what are you two doing here?" Jeremiah asked.
"W-We've come to tell you that the Super Readers are here, sir," Jackson stammered slightly.
"No need to be afraid, Jackson. I'm not going to zap you," Jeremiah joked. "In a little while, you'll be able to introduce yourself formally to the other Super Readers as your true self."
"It's going to be weird for them to see me like this. Actually, it's going to be weird having the world see me like this," he said. He looked up at Jeremiah, his green eyes full of doubt. "D-Do you think the people of Major Land will accept me again?"
Jeremiah sighed. "That all depends on the people. Even so, if you display a willingness to change and to repent of your past actions, which I am sure that you will, then the people will warm up to you. It's a process that takes time, though," he replied.
"I see," Jackson replied.
"Sir, the Super Readers have been gathered into the great hall," Ethan said courteously.
"Ah, yes. I almost forgot. Come along, gentlemen," he said. "We have some heroes to fully induct into the council."
"Is this what…heaven looks like?" Lexicon muttered, looking around himself in amazement.
"It might be much bigger and more beautiful than this," Muse replied, "but I think it's close."
When the Super Readers and their allies had walked inside the building, they were treated to giant alabaster stone pillars, a floor with the shiniest marble they'd ever seen, and gold lamps that decorated the walls. In front of them was a large table that appeared to be made out of pure gold. Twelve large chairs decorated with red velvet surrounded the table, and on the table was a large treasure chest decorated with every type of jewel known to man.
Woofster was drooling.
This was not an exaggeration in any way.
"This is so cool!" Wonder Red exclaimed.
"It's beyond cool; it's awesome!" Woofster added.
"I wonder who the other members of the Council are. I mean, the only person we met was Jeremiah," Princess Presto pondered.
"We should be meeting them soon. Ethan went to find Jeremiah and Jackson apparently. He's supposed to be here as well, for the judgment hearing." At that last sentence, Lexicon visibly tensed up. "That's the other reason why I'm here."
"Compared to Jackson, you'll get off easy," Woofster said. "Well…not that easy, but still."
Lexicon was about to respond when the doors to the Great Hall flung open, slamming into the wall with such force that they almost destroyed them. Loud footsteps sounded, shaking the ground the kids were standing on. Out of the great hall came Jeremiah and Ethan. Both of them wore cool, unflappable looks on their faces, but Super Why couldn't help but notice that Jeremiah looked as though he had to perform a very difficult task.
When he looked at the Super Readers and their allies, Jeremiah smiled. "Welcome, Super Readers. And welcome, residents of Major Land. I am sure you all know why you are here today," he explained.
"Yes sir," Super Why said. "We're here to see if we can fully train as official superheroes."
"That, and to testify our actions," Lexicon interjected. "Jackson and I have a lot of explaining to do…"
"Speaking of Jackson, where is he?" Muse asked.
"I was just about to get to that," Ethan said. "The Council was indeed merciful enough to grant Jackson a new body, and I think he is quite happy with the results." He turned towards the Great Hall. "You can come out now, Jackson."
Every head turned as soft footsteps came from inside the Great Hall. Jackson walked out of the room, looking somewhat embarrassed at the attention he was getting from the others. When he saw the elation and surprise on their faces, he relaxed ever so slightly, walking out of the room with more confidence.
His costume was similar to the Evil Reader's only in color. A few traces of gold could be seen, as his belt and the outline of his cape were covered with it. He now wore silver gauntlets that went up to his elbow, both marked with his crest: a red and gold book with ancient lettering. His black and red cape, previously styled in that of a vampire's, was shorter in length, and the high rise collar was gone as well.
"Hey, you look awesome in that new outfit, Jackson," Wonder Red commented.
"Thanks," Jackson said, looking at himself. "I insisted that I should keep the color scheme, as I quite like black and red. But with the gold and the silver, it's supposed to be a little more heroic. I would have added white, but…I don't think it would look right with this."
"I agree. But seriously, you look awesome," Super Why said.
Jackson blushed lightly.
"Alright, since we've got that out of the way," Ethan said, his expression suddenly serious, "I do believe we have some very serious matters to attend to."
"You are right, Ethan," Jeremiah said. He turned his fierce gaze towards Whyatt. "One of those matters involves you, Whyatt, and the Sword of Sealing."
Whyatt could feel everyone's eyes on him as the shock came in. "Wait, what do you mean?" he asked.
Jeremiah sighed. "It is best that I talk to you alone, young one," he said. He turned towards the other Super Readers. "Do not worry, Super Readers. You and the others follow Ethan to the Council. I shall join you momentarily, but right after I deal with this."
Whyatt gulped. He didn't know why, but he just had an uneasy feeling roll down his spine.
Seeing as nobody moved an inch, Ethan took the lead. "Everyone, I believe it is best that you leave Jeremiah with Whyatt," he said.
Red looked unhappy. "But isn't he supposed to come with us to see the Council?" she asked.
"The Council can start without him," Ethan said. "And they don't appreciate people being late. Come along with me."
The other Super Readers, especially Red, looked somewhat wary. After exchanging concerned glances with each other, Red nodded. "Alright. See you in a little while, guys."
Ethan sighed, as though he was relieved that they weren't going to continue questioning Jeremiah. He gently ushered the kids and their allies towards the chariot that was waiting to take them to see the Council.
As they were boarding the carriage, Jeremiah turned towards Whyatt. "Come along with me, young man."
Whyatt turned around to find the older superhero walking over to the Great Hall. With his heart his throat, he ran to catch up with him.
I just hope Jeremiah's not angry at me for anything…
"You think Whyatt's in trouble or something?" Red asked.
Muse, who had been staring out at the city below during the chariot ride, turned towards Red with an unsure look in her eyes. "I don't think so. Jeremiah didn't seem angry at him for anything," she said. She paused, then added, "But he seemed to place a lot of emphasis on the Sword of Sealing…"
"He may want to tell Whyatt that the Sword is a weapon that is not to be trifled with," Lexicon explained. "Or he might be giving him another test."
Red sighed. "Geez, how many tests does a superhero have to take around here?" she muttered.
"A lot of them if you want to become an official superhero," Ethan said. "But I can assure you, Whyatt is not in danger. He just needs to pass an official test from Jeremiah himself."
"What kind of test?"
"That is something that I'm not allowed to explain," Ethan said. "It's more or less top secret. I must ask Jeremiah afterwards."
The Super Readers didn't say much after that, and the ride continued on in silence.
"Um, Jeremiah?" Whyatt glanced around uneasily. "Is there something wrong?"
"Do not fear, Whyatt. You are not in trouble," Jeremiah said. "I just have a few questions to ask you."
"Um, okay…"
Jeremiah looked at him with the most serious expression Whyatt had ever seen. "What did you think of the Sword of Sealing, Whyatt?" he asked.
Whyatt blinked. He didn't expect that question. He paused, scratching his chin in thought. Everything that had happened in the final battle had happened so quickly, he hadn't had a time to really think about what he thought of the sword. All he knew was that he had to get the sword away from Chaos, because he would destroy the whole world with it.
"Well...I think it's a very powerful sword," Whyatt replied finally. "I don't know everything about it, but I think...I think it's power changes when different people hold it."
"Very perceptive of you, Whyatt," Jeremiah said. "In the hands of one who has a pure heart, the Sword of Sealing can vanquish all evil. But in the hands of one who is evil, they will cause countless destruction."
"I know. Chaos showed us all what the Sword of Sealing could do, when it's used for evil."
"Indeed. That's why I've called you in here today," Jeremiah said. "I'm considering giving the Sword of Sealing to someone, someone who has a pure heart, who supports justice, and who will never, ever fall into the hands of the enemy. Jackson had that spirit once, but he unfortunately lost it when he became the Evil Reader. As much as I would like to give this to him, he must first wash his hands clean of the blood he's spilled. Lexicon is also not receiving this for the exact same reason."
"So...who are you planning to give this to?" Whyatt asked.
"I'm planning on giving it to you," Jeremiah replied.
Whyatt felt as though he'd been hit with a brick. "Are you serious?" he asked.
"Very. The Sword of Sealing is no small thing, Whyatt. It is the most powerful sword in the fairytale world, granting its holder extraordinary power," Jeremiah said. "I cannot merely place it in the hands of anybody. It has to be somebody who has that heroic spark...and that person is you."
Whyatt stood there for what seemed like a long time, his mouth hung open. He couldn't believe what Jeremiah was asking of him. The Sword of Sealing, one of the most powerful things in the world, was going to be handed to him, of all people. All sorts of thoughts raced through his mind. What kinds of powers would he have? What new forms would he be able to create? The possibilities were endless!
And yet...he couldn't help but remember Jackson, when he had been tempted with ultimate power. Jackson had refused at first, but then had given in after Chaos had twisted his memories of the people in his life. Jackson had turned into a monstrosity, craving power and doing whatever was necessary to satisfy his hunger. And it was because of that hunger that the fairytale world had almost been destroyed.
He looked at Jeremiah. The superhero remained calm, but his eyes did have a sort of sadness in them, as though he would expect Whyatt to take the Sword greedily. With one more look at the Sword, Whyatt finally found his answer.
"Thank you, Jeremiah," he said, "but I don't want the Sword of Sealing, now or ever."
Whatever answer Jeremiah had been expecting, this was clearly not it. His calm and cool gaze was replaced with one of surprise.
"W-What?" he said.
"I'm grateful for all the special treatment, Jeremiah, but...I don't want ultimate power. For one thing, I want to learn more about the powers that I have, with the ability to warp reality," he said. "I want to learn how to use my powers to help people, to change their fates. And if someone learned I held the Sword of Sealing, it would put my family and friends in danger. I don't want them being killed because of a weapon that gives me ultimate power. Also, I've seen what power can do to people. It can mess them up, like it did to Jackson." He shuddered upon remembering the Evil Reader's story. "And I don't want to be another Evil Reader. I don't want to kill my friends or family because of power. I made an oath to use my powers for good, and I think holding the Sword of Sealing would make me break that oath. That's why I'm turning down your offer, Jeremiah."
For a moment after he finished, Jeremiah didn't say anything. Whyatt stood tall, though he couldn't help that he may have made Jeremiah angry.
His suspicions were proven wrong when Jeremiah said, "Well done, Whyatt. That was just the sort of answer I was looking for."
Whyatt's eyes widened. "What? I-I don't understand. I thought you wanted me to take the Sword," he said.
"Offering you the Sword of Sealing was part of a test I was ordered to give you, by the Holy One himself," Jeremiah said. "Many who give in to obtaining power the quick and easy path fail, but those who become stronger by hard work, rather than just taking all the power for themselves, are commended for it. You have passed the test, Whyatt. I must congratulate you."
"But...what happens to the Sword of Sealing now? And the Readers' Amulet?" he asked.
"Both of them will be returned to their proper resting places: the Sword of Sealing to Major Land, and the Readers' Amulet to the Fifth Dimension," Jeremiah said. "They will be under heavy guard so something like this doesn't happen again."
"I see...so after this, do we just go back to our normal lives for now?"
"Yes," Jeremiah said. "Other than using your powers to help those who need answers to their questions. You probably will be called on to do that afterwards."
"Yeah," Whyatt chuckled, "especially since everyone in Storybrook Village knows that we're Super Readers."
"Now come along, Whyatt," Jeremiah said, placing a hand on his shoulder. He looked to be proud of him. "We have to meet with the rest of the Superhero Council."
Lexicon had never felt this nervous in all his life.
Here he was, standing on a podium in front of twelve of the most powerful superheroes in the world, explaining his actions before and during the Evil Reader Incident, as they had decided to call it. It hadn't been easy for him to explain everything, but he owed it to everybody, to explain himself. Many of the people gave him severe glares, while some seemed somewhat sympathetic. He did his best to not focus on their stares, instead focusing on telling the truth.
After he finished speaking, one of the members of the council, a curly haired man named David, turned to address him. "Is that everything you have done, Lexicon?" he asked.
"Yes. That is the whole truth," the former advisor said.
"Very well." David looked around at the rest of the members, who all gave him silent nods of understanding. He then turned to Jackson. "You there, Jackson Flatts. Step forward onto this podium."
Jackson, his face having gone paper white with dread, walked up to the podium as well, standing next to Lexicon. Now that he had been restored to his true height, he was nearly shoulder to shoulder with the older man.
"Lexicon, Jackson, due to the nature and severity of your crimes, we of the Superhero Council had considered executing you due to your nearly destroying the entire world," David started.
Lexicon felt a bead of sweat roll down the side of his face, while Jackson gulped.
"However, seeing as you both helped to end the chaos you started," David went on, "we decided to lighten your sentence. However, you will be spending some time in prison thinking of what you've done.
"The verdict is as follows: both Lexicon and Jackson Flatts are to be housed in the Major Land Detention center for a maximum of ten years. During this time, they will both have their powers stripped away from them, and they will be kept in the Chamber of Powers," David explained. "Their weapons, Shadowdoom and Tasla, respectively, will also be confiscated during their time in jail and will be kept here with us. When they are released, they will receive a fraction of their original powers, and will set to work redeeming themselves. This order was given to us by Jeremiah himself, as he does not want either of you using powers of darkness again. When you have proven yourselves worthy of being superheroes, you will allowed to train with the Super Readers alongside Jeremiah." David looked at both of them. "Is this verdict satisfactory to you?"
Lexicon and Jackson nodded. "Yes, it is," they answered together.
"Then we must remove your powers as soon as possible," David said. He stood up from his chair, and so did the rest of the members of the Superhero Council. Out of instinct, both Lexicon and Jackson stepped back. "Do not worry. This will be completely painless."
"Very well," Jackson said. "We're ready for it."
David and the rest of the Superhero Council thrust their hands forwards. "Then we must begin at once."
As he said this, yellow power started to flow from their hands, and wrapped itself around the two former villains. In a matter of seconds, both of them were wrapped inside a cocoon of power. The remaining Super Readers and Muse watched this with wide eyes and anticipation. As they watched, the cocoon started to turn black and purple as it was absorbing their powers like a sponge. In a matter of seconds, the cocoon collapsed in on itself to reveal Jackson and Lexicon, both of them in their civilian clothes. The remains of the cocoon sunk into the ground like water.
"It is finished," David said. "Until you two have served your time, you will not be using magic of any kind. Any attempt to break this rule will be met with severe consequences. Is that clear?"
"Yes sir," Lexicon and Jackson replied together. "We understand. And we're sorry for what we've done."
David nodded, and then motioned for the guards to come and take them away. "We hope to find that you have changed a lot after your sentence, you two," he said.
Lexicon looked over at Muse and the Super Readers, who looked surprisingly sad to see them leave. He gave them a small smile, followed by giving them crossing his arm over his chest. "Endurance and Victory, Super Readers," he said, right before the guards started to lead him away.
With tears in her eyes, Muse did the same thing. "Endurance and Victory, Lexicon," she replied.
"I never thought I'd feel so bad for what happened to Lexicon," Wonder Red said. "I only hope he's still around in ten years."
"He's not that old, Red," Woofster said. "He'll age, of course, but I wouldn't go right out and say he's gonna die before we see him again."
"It's gonna be tough for Jackson, though," Wonder Red said. "I bet there will be people in prison who'll try to hurt him."
"We'd better keep him in our thoughts, everyone," Princess Presto replied. "He and Lexicon are gonna need some supporters..."
"Indeed they will." Jeremiah's voice made everyone turn around. He was guiding Whyatt towards them, and he looked much calmer than he had before.
"Hey, Whyatt!" Red called. "What happened?"
"Yeah, how did the test go?" Pig asked.
"It's a long story," Whyatt said, "but I passed it with flying colors, surprisingly."
"That's great!" Princess Pea replied. "For a moment, we were all worried about you."
"I was kind of worried, too," Whyatt admitted. "But all I really had to do was answer some questions about the Sword of Sealing."
"It was a test of character," Jeremiah replied, "to see if he would fall prey to the same trap that Jackson fell for."
"And you passed it!" Pig exclaimed. "That's really cool, Whyatt!"
"Thanks, guys," Whyatt said. He looked around, surprised to see that Jackson and Lexicon weren't there. "Where are Jackson and Lexicon?"
"Their trial's already finished," Princess Pea said. "Both of them are going to be in jail for ten years, and they can't use their powers anymore until they're released."
"Oh..." Whyatt's tone was downcast. "I thought they were coming back with us to Storybrook Village..."
"Sadly, both Lexicon and Jackson do have to receive punishment for their crimes," Jeremiah explained. "Jackson was never caught for the last two years he spent killing Super Readers and destroying stories, and Lexicon also escaped from prison while helping the Evil Reader with his maniacal mission. They both need a long time to think of what they've done. Considering the nature of their crimes, they are getting off somewhat easy."
"David said that, too," Red replied. "Why did you give them a sentence of ten years in prison, even after all the stuff they did?"
"Everyone deserves a second chance at life, Red," Jeremiah replied. "Just because they've done wrong doesn't mean that they can never do right."
"And you believe Lexicon and Jackson can do the right thing next time?" Woofster said.
"Precisely," Jeremiah said. "Now come along with me. I have some things I need to give you before you head back to your village..."
Jeremiah then took us to the Chamber of Powers, where every superhero receives upgrades to their powers. He gave us special transformation items that would allow the Super Readers to still transform just in case the Book Club is destroyed. He gave me a replacement brooch that gives me a little more firepower, but I have to exchange my speed for it, though. Sparkbreaker's going to be a little too big for me to run around with!
Also, while we were there, I talked with Jeremiah about Prince Phillip. You won't believe this, Father, but he's actually your older brother. You were just a baby when he sacrificed his life for Major Land, to save it from being destroyed. It sounds crazy, but I met him when we were traveling through the third door, and we got to see who he really was. He was brave, Father, and loved the Holy One and his country more than anything. He never did get to rule Major Land, but he saved it from certain doom all those years ago. Jeremiah told me that they do have a monument to him in their upper room, which is where they honor the most powerful and honorable figures in Storybrook Village. Mother Goose's statue was also there, and when I asked him what she was doing there, Jeremiah seemed saddened. It was almost as though he knew her personally.
We returned to Storybrook Village, and the grown-ups threw us another big party at Princess Pea's castle. Ever since we won, everyone's just been in a celebratory mood. And while we were there, something very interesting happened.
Muse surveyed the party from her position against the wall. The kids were dancing happily in the center of the room, and even some of the adults, who weren't as embarrassing as most of the kids thought they'd be. As much as she wanted to join in, she had her mind on other matters.
For one thing, there was the fact that they were all going to be the fairytale world's go-to superheroes from now on. She took a look at her brooch, which was now a gold and silver heart that fit easily into the palm of her hand. The other Super Readers, minus Woofster, had gotten wristwatches made out of gold and decorated with their respective colors. It would be handy to transform in seconds, but soon she and Woofster would have to leave the team, heading back to their stories to repair them. They wouldn't be able to team up with the other Super Readers often, which was a downer. Jeremiah had said that their victory had brought in a "new era of heroes", but from what she gathered, there were hardly any left.
And for another thing, she still had questions about her family. Why would Major Land want to hide the truth about Prince Phillip from her father, of all people? Were there people who still didn't trust her father, after all he'd done to hold the kingdom together? Those were questions she'd have to answer back home, she figured.
Still, she was content to sit back and watch the rest of the children have fun, thinking of what the future would hold for her and her friends.
That is, until she heard a conversation.
"So...it's true, then?"
Muse looked over to her right to find the source of the voice. Whyatt and Red had broken off from the dance group without her noticing, and they were standing next to the refreshment table. Even from where she was standing, Muse could see that Red's face resembled a stop sign.
"Y-Yeah," Red replied. "I've liked you for some time now, Whyatt."
Whyatt blushed slightly. "Wow, I didn't know that. But...I kind of started to figure it all out when I was in that trap that Chaos put me in. I noticed that you were being really shy around me, when normally you have no problem talking to me at all. And then there were all those times we were in the Doors, when I noticed how worried you were about me."
Red nodded. "I didn't want you to die, Whyatt. I thought the Evil Reader was going to kill you!"
"I thought he was going to kill all of us," Whyatt said. "I'm glad he didn't..."
"So...do you like me, too, Whyatt?" Red asked.
Whyatt paused, thinking for a moment on his relationship with the brunette. She had always been the one to understand him the most out of his friends, and he enjoyed spending a lot of time with her. And during their adventure, he'd been concerned with her the most, especially when she unlocked the Berserker mode. He'd been just as flustered around her as she'd been around him.
With a small smile on his face, he said, "Yeah, I do. I guess I always have. I don't mind spending time around girls, but you were the only girl I ever really liked."
Red's face went darker, if that was even possible. There was a small smile on her face as she looked shyly up at Whyatt, who was blushing as well. "Aww..."
Muse smiled, and then noticed that the two had an audience. Princess Pea, Pig, Woofster, Sleeping Beauty and Little Boy Blue were standing afar off. From the look on his face, Little Boy Blue was somewhat jealous.
Muse sighed, then went over to the group. "Alright, guys," she said, loud enough for them and for Whyatt and Red to hear, "let's leave the lovebirds alone."
"We are not lovebirds!" Whyatt replied.
Muse had to keep herself from bursting into laughter. "I'm just kidding, Whyatt. But I'll give you two some alone time," she said. She then turned towards the other kids. "Come on guys, leave them alone."
"Awww..." the others groaned.
"I was hoping to see if they would kiss!" Sleeping Beauty said.
"That's the whole point: if," Little Boy Blue replied.
Muse shook her head as she led them away, but paused to glance back at Whyatt and Red, who were still talking. They looked much more at ease now, and their blus disappeared.
She smiled as she turned to occupy the other kids with something else to do. Who would've guessed?
I have to admit, I was not expecting to see Whyatt and Red express their feelings for one another. I think all the kids were in on it, though, especially Princess Pea and Pig. When I asked them about it the next day, Princess Pea said she knew that Red had had a small crush on Whyatt before, but every time she would try to talk to her about it, Red had shrugged her off. Pig had been much more polite about it, but of course, since he's younger, he's not used to this sort of thing. I think Princess Pea got him into the idea. She's definitely the matchmaker of the team.
There's so much more that I'd like to talk to you about, but I'll tell you in person. Maybe after everything settles down in Major Land, we can learn more about what happened with the royals covering up Prince Phillip's family history. I'm sure Woofster is going to try and reunite with his father. It'll be tough for him, as he was disowned for being the weakest in his family. It would be wonderful to see them reconcile.
Be safe, Father. And do give my regards to Lexicon and Jackson. I'll be seeing them sometime later, after I return.
Love,
Muse
Muse put her pen down and surveyed her work. Stacking the sheets together, she set her papers down on the desk and turned out the lamp, yawning as she made her way to her bed. Things were certainly going to be interesting when she returned home. Not only was she going to spend her time rebuilding her story, but she was also going to start training in order to strengthen herself for whatever emergency came their way.
She hit the pillow headfirst, and was out like a light in a matter of seconds.
"Do you really believe that this situation is over, Jeremiah?"
Jeremiah was standing in front of the Mother Goose statue in the Upper Room. He stared up at the statue with a sense of longing, as though he willed for the statue to come to life. He turned towards Ethan with a sad look.
"I don't know, Ethan," he said. "In this vast world, is anything truly over?"
Ethan sighed. "I can see your point." He walked over to the statue, standing alongside Jeremiah. "She would have been proud of you, you know. You carried on the legacy that she spent most of her life building."
"There are times where I think I've been a failure to her," Jeremiah admitted. "She was my tutor, and she helped me when I fought against my brother the first time. I have the guidance of the Holy One, of course, to get me through...but I still wish for her wisdom on things. She told me that she had seen the Evil Reader once."
"She did?"
"Yes. He'd begged her to save his soul, right before he returned to being evil," Jeremiah said. "That's the reason why I believe the Evil Reader wasn't as evil as people made him out to be. And though he had committed many wrongs, he is remorseful for them and is willing to better himself...something that I wish Chaos would have done."
Ethan looked at Jeremiah with a sad expression. "Didn't you ever tell the Super Readers that you and Chaos were-"
"Absolutely not," Jeremiah interrupted swiftly. "If I had...it would have brought up memories I tried hard to forget. And that would have made the fight even worse, for both the Super Readers and myself."
"But especially for you," Ethan said, "as you and Chaos were brothers."
"Yes," Jeremiah said morosely. "If only I had been a better brother to him, he would have never turned to dark magic. He would be here, in the Council with me, as he wished once. Now all he wants is my head."
"You and Chaos are the last of your kind," Ethan said quietly, "just as the Super Readers are the last of theirs."
"But they are starting to return. I believe now that Chaos has been punished, the Super Readers that remain, and I truly believe that there are still more, will come to Storybrook Village," he said. "And maybe...maybe they will find a way to restore my brother, as they restored Jackson Flatts."
"I hope you are right, Jeremiah," Ethan said.
Jeremiah sighed as he looked at the statue again. "I hope so, too."
The Far Reaches of Space...
"So...Chaos has been defeated? That's just the news I was looking for."
The short, dark-skinned boy stared at a holographic sphere in the palm of his hand, a sphere that showed the entire fairytale world. The darkness from the asteroid he was sitting in shrouded the rest of his costume from view, although he paused to brush his cape as he stood up. His purple eyes were tinted with a green-yellowish light as he continued to stare at the world map.
"The citizens of the fairytale world believe that they have entered into a new era, the dawn of heroes," he said. "And they are right. After two years of oppression, the man who has killed us has finally gotten what he deserves. But..."
He frowned as he stared at the sphere again. "His magic is everywhere. It's starting to devour the fairytale world whole. Even when he's in the pits, he still finds a way to continue his mission," he growled. "It's just like that time, all those years ago..." Horrific images of destroyed cities, a maniacal boy in black and red and the sad eyes of a tall, muscular blue eyed man came to mind.
He looked down at the staff in his hand. It was a red and gold staff that was topped with a crescent moon. A blue and purple gem sat in the middle of it, glistening softly. Gripping it with a new resolve, he looked at the sphere.
"No. I owe it to all of them, especially to my story, to stop Chaos' evil magic from devouring the world. The Super Readers would be good allies, but that would compromise my mission. Even if I have to take this on all on my own...I, Saturn Volt, will not let their hard work go to waste." He dissolved the sphere, and stepped out of the asteroid. His full costume could be seen now: a white leotard with purple briefs and a cape. His shoes were purple and yellow, and appeared to be fit with miniature rockets on the soles.
"And maybe," he said, looking at his hands, "I will find a way to break my curse."
With those words, Saturn Volt took off, shooting for the Earth and whatever lay below.
THE END
The exciting plot continues in:
Chaos' Revenge
Until then, that's all for this story. Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoyed it!
God Bless, iheartgod175