Final Chapter

Halcyon awakened on the railroad to the sound of the ocean in the morning. Beside him was Charity and he had fully been healed. At the edge of the railroad was Aerion in human form watching the waves. Halcyon jumped to his feet and looked around. Aerion continued to stare at the ocean, When he spoke.

"The war is over. They called for an armistice and were able to settle for a treaty because they were scared of nuclear attacks."

Halcyon walked over to Charity and kneeled beside her. She was still dead.

"I wanted to see you smile one last time before I left. Here." Said Aerion as he pulled a red feather from his pocket and let go of it. The wind carried it to Halcyon's hand, which grabbed it firmly.

"I just want to see joy again in your eyes Halcyon…grind the feather into a powder and put it in her mouth." said Aerion, but still he did not face Halcyon.

Halcyon felt the feather at first it was so soft and warm. It was real. It was a real phoenix feather and he was holding it in his hand. To his surprise Halcyon was able to grind the feather in his palm easily. It became a deep red powder. He looked up at Aerion before putting his hand on Charity's stiff and pale cheek.

Please Charity, come back to me. I'll never fail you again I promise.

He opened her mouth and let the red powder flow into her body. For a moment nothing happened. Then halcyon noticed that the hole that had been shot through her was starting to close rapidly. Then it was so suddenly that it made him jump. Color instantly returned to her cheeks and she began coughing softly. Her green eyes opened and met with Halcyon's hazel eyes.

"Good morning…" she smiled. Halcyon's heart instantly fluttered at the sound of her voice and he grabbed her body and picked her up. He spun her around rapidly screaming her name. His eyes were filled with joy again.

She laughed and the two kissed each other on the lips.

"I love you Charity." Said Halcyon confidently. She replied with the same words also. For a minute they got lost in each other's eyes then Halcyon turned to Aerion. Aerion stood up and turned to Halcyon. He appeared to be twenty years of age now and had a small goatee.

"Aerion…" he said silently. Aerion walked over and sighed sadly.

"It's time for me to go now."

"No Aerion you have to stay!" shouted Aerion. But Aerion silenced him with his hand.

" Fate has given me a new purpose to live, must fulfill it if I am to finally rest in peace."

"What is it Aerion?" asked Charity.

"I must show the world that if you believe in one thing and one thing only and you have a heart of kindness, and tiny bit of magic you can move a mountain." Said Aerion with a faint smile. He walked over to Charity and kissed her hand.

"Charity you have suffered so much because of me but no more. You were so kind to me when we first met, you remind me of Jacob…I hope I was able to repay you fully with your revival."

Charity's eyes filled with tears as she pounced forward. "You never owed me anything Aerion. You never offended me in anyway." She sobbed into his shoulder. He stroked her hair and whispered a thank you knowing that he was forgiven. When Charity pulled away. Aerion went to Halcyon. The two stared at each other and didn't speak. Aerion's eyes filled with tears as he looked at Halcyon.

"Master…I'll miss you…Halcyon…Nunez…" said Aerion softly. Halcyon stepped forward and hugged Aerion feeling his tears escape him.

"Will I ever see you again Aerion…my friend…" whispered Halcyon.

"We will…up in the stars." Said Aerion gently. Halcyon pulled away and wiped his tears.

"Then what are we blubbering here for, go on get a head start on your new life Aerion. Go on get! I set you free!" exclaimed Halcyon with a smile.

Aerion smiled back and wiped his tears, "I'll be waiting!" He turned to the sky and positioned himself as if he were about to run off the edge.

"Aerion! Be safe!" screamed Charity as she smiled with tears on her face. Halcyon could feel the warmth of Aerion in his stomach. He turned to Charity, and knew by the look on her face that she could feel it to.

Halcyon turned to Aerion. Aerion started jogging to the edge of the railroad, slowly it became a run. Halcyon and Charity chased after him.

"Fly Aerion! FLY!" screamed Halcyon hopefully.

Aerion reached the edge and jumped. There was a brief explosion and a puff of fire. Aerion suddenly shot out of the smoke and screeched loudly.

Together the two watched as Aerion became nothing but a Redstar in the sky. As they watched Halcyon suddenly realized something in his pocket. What he pulled out made him laugh loudly with tears in his eyes. There in his hand he held Aerion's silver ring. He slipped it onto his thumb like Aerion and smiled.

Aerion, thank you so much…I'll see you again my friend. I'll never forget you.

Halcyon turned to Charity and she smiled.

"Now what do we do?" she asked. Halcyon tickled her. And turned to the railroad.

"I don't know, the war is over and we've seen so much. But you know what? I'm still wondering…where does this railroad lead to?" He smirked and turned to Charity. She laughed.

"Come on! I'm ready, I shall be Aerion the explorer!" she exclaimed

"And I'll be William your best friend!" Halcyon shouted holding onto Charity's hand. "Onward to another journey!"

FIN…