Chosen: Epilogue

Part 2

Xxx

On the island of Atlantis, Arthur was working in the grand tower on recovering artifacts from the ruins. He had hired some of his students to help him out as an extra credit program. Now that the war against his father was over, Atlantis needed to rebuild. Prince Emyr had started freeing his people from their petrification, which was not an easy process. Most of the ancient wizards were confused and distraught. They were waking up to find their city destroyed and many of their loved ones long gone. They had to adjust to a new time period. Arthur was determined to help as best as he could. These were his people after all. At the same time, it offered distraction from his own complicated situation. Violet had ran off to her parents, feeling ashamed and guilty over her choices in the war. They had not spoken in weeks and he missed her.

"Arthur." A familiar voice said.

Arthur turned around and was relieved and surprised to see Faiza standing behind him. He was glad that she had survived the destruction of Atlantis. Emyr had been looking for her ever since the battle had ended. The female wizard walked over and hugged him.

"I cannot thank you enough for all you and your friends have done." Faiza said.

"It's good to see you." Arthur replied. "So you remember everything?"

"Yes, the memory potion only lasted as long as it was intended." Faiza explained. "I remembered everything the moment Emyr freed me."

"How are you dealing with all of this?" Arthur asked.

"It's a great tragedy, but I am also glad that we have been given a second chance." Faiza said. "I will continue to support Emyr as an advisor as we rebuild."

"I'm sure he'll be glad." Arthur replied. "He missed you greatly."

"I know." Faiza admitted with a faint smile. "We have been good friends for a long time."

"I don't want to intrude, but aren't you more than that?" Arthur asked. "This is a new world for all of you. There is no need to obey ancient rules."

"You're not intruding." Faiza replied. "You've proven to be a dear friend, but now is not the time to think about such things. The people need our attention."

"I understand." Arthur said. "I want to help any way I can."

"I'm glad, because Emyr needs to talk to you." Faiza replied. "He is waiting for us in the throne room."

Arthur nodded and told his students to take a break. He followed Faiza down the tower and entered a large round room with several pillars and statues on each side. Arthur reasoned that each statue represented a wizard of great importance. Emyr was kneeling in front of the statue of a woman, which was badly damaged. The trident of Neptune was resting on the throne in front of a shattered window.

"Queen Cressida." Emyr revealed as he looked at the statue. "Daughter of Neptune and my mother. She didn't survive the destruction. I guess that makes me king."

"Your people need a strong ruler." Arthur said. "You won't let them down."

"Thank you, my friend." Emyr replied. "But I cannot do it alone. I need people around me I can trust. That includes you, Arthur."

"What are you talking about?" Arthur asked. "I'm just a teacher."

"No, you're a hero." Emyr replied. "You stood against Ambrose and helped defeat him. You are one of us."

"Thank you." Arthur replied.

"You're also familiar with this strange, modern world." Faiza added. "We need your help to navigate it and find our place."

"I want you to stand at my side and be an advisor to Atlantis." Emyr said.

"I'm honored, truly." Arthur said. "This is what I've wanted ever since finding out I was a wizard, but I'm also a teacher at Magic School."

"Nobody is asking you to give that up." Faiza replied.

"We want you to be our connection to the outside world." Emyr added. "This world is no longer ours and our people need time to heal and adapt."

"You don't want to become part of the magical community?" Arthur asked.

"In time, perhaps." Emyr replied. "We need to focus on rebuilding our own community first. Come live here and help us do that."

"I… I have to think about it." Arthur said.

"Violet is welcome to join you, if that is your concern." Emyr said. "You can help our people learn about the world and build a life here."

"I will talk to Violet." Arthur replied. "Thank you for the offer."

"We hope to welcome you both soon." Faiza said.

"There is one more issue we must discuss." Emyr said.

Emyr snapped his fingers and the doors of the throne room opened. Arthur turned and saw Ramsey being escorted in by some guards. His brother had surrounded to the people of Atlantis after the battle, as he wanted to atone for his mistakes. Arthur hugged him, as in spite of his mistakes, he was the only family he had left.

"It's good to see you." Arthur said. "How are they treating you?"

"Good." Ramsey replied. "Although I'm being guarded, they don't treat me as a prisoner."

"We believe in second chances." Emyr said. "Though you still have to prove yourself and earn forgiveness from my people."

"I'm willing to do whatever it takes." Ramsey promised.

"How can he earn forgiveness?" Arthur asked.

"Ambrose is gone, but he still left behind a legacy." Emyr said.

"You mean children." Arthur reasoned. "There are more out there."

"Indeed." Faiza said. "I've seen them in a dream, including one that has yet to be born. Even the mother doesn't know yet."

"Who?" Arthur asked shocked.

"His assistant, Felicia." Ramsey explained. "They slept together."

"What are we doing to do?" Arthur asked.

"Ambrose has publicly acknowledged Ramsey as his son." Emyr explained. "As such, he should be entitled to inherit his riches and his company."

"I agreed to use our father's resources to track down our siblings." Ramsey added. "We can monitor them and bring them to Atlantis when they're ready. I can even redirect some funds to help Atlantis rebuild."

"That's amazing." Arthur said. "I'm proud of you, Ramsey."

"Don't be, I have a lot to make up for." Ramsey replied.

"Look, our father was a master manipulator and very intimidating." Arthur said. "Most of what you did, you did under false pretenses or duress."

"We agree." Faiza added. "Ambrose was the true evil."

"Once his task has been completed, Ramsey can join us on Atlantis." Emyr said. "I'm hoping you will do the same, Arthur. Now I must return to my people."

Emyr and Faiza left the throne room and Arthur stared at the destroyed statues around him. There was a lot to rebuild, but it was an amazing opportunity to learn about wizards and become a part of their world. He could still teach at Magic School and perhaps even start an exchange program in the future. He could build a bridge between both communities. He just hoped he would get to share that life with the one he loved.

"Have you heard from her?" Ramsey asked. "Violet, I mean?"

"No, she needed time to think." Arthur replied. "She blames herself for a lot of things, including the deaths of Nick and Harper."

"Do you blame her?" Ramsey asked.

"No." Arthur said determined. "She did what was necessary to save us all. I wish I could have helped Harper recover, but there never was any hope for that, was there?"

"I don't think so." Ramsey replied. "She was badly damaged. Nobody could have fixed that."

"I guess you're right." Arthur said. "I just want to talk to Violet."

"Then go see her." Ramsey replied. "Don't give up on her. You guys are great together and you love each other. Don't let that go away."

"Thanks Ramsey." Arthur said with smile. "You're better at the brotherly thing than you realize."

Arthur hugged his brother and said goodbye. Ramsey was right, he needed to talk to Violet before he could make any decision about his future. He could not image his life without her, whether that life was on Atlantis or not. He just hoped that she had found a way to forgive herself.

Xxx

Violet stood frozen as a tearful Billie stormed out of the house. Of course Billie still blamed her, she still blamed herself. In the weeks she had spent with her parents, she had tried to come to terms with everything, but she couldn't stay there forever. Her parents didn't know how to help. Violet couldn't even tell them what happened, as they would never understand. The only path forward was going home and face her friends. She missed them and hoped they could somehow forgive her. She also needed to see Arthur, as he had been trying to reach her all this time. He deserved more.

"Violet!" Hope said excited as she entered the hallway. "It's so good to see you."

Before Violet knew it, Hope was hugging her. More people entered the hallway and Violet was surprised to see many of her friends, including Paige and Tyler.

"You're back." Tyler said. "Please tell me things can go back to normal now."

"I don't know, Tyler." Violet admitted. "A lot has happened."

"Violet, listen to me." Paige said as she took her hand. "Nobody here holds you responsible. We love you and we're here for you."

"Thanks guys." Violet replied with a faint smile. "I really appreciate it, but I need to talk to Billie and Duncan first. And Nathan and Arthur. I have to make amends."

"Of course." Paige said. "Billie will be back, I'm sure of it."

"And Duncan isn't here right now." Hope added. "He's with Nathan."

"I'll just wait for them here." Violet said.

"In that case, we'll give you some space." Paige said.

Paige and the others started to leave, with Hope being the last one. Once the house was empty, Violet walked into the living room and saw the picture of Nick on the fireplace. Tears welled up as she thought back on her choices. It was all for the greater good, but she could never tell her friends the true reason for her choice. It would be even more painful to hear.

Xxx

Duncan arrived on the college campus in search of Nathan. He had already been to the apartment, but it was deserted. Perhaps it was too painful to stay at the place he shared with his brother. Duncan knew he could never fully understand what Nathan was going through, but he at least wanted to try. However, that could only happen if Nathan gave him that chance. He had done nothing but avoid him, but that needed to end. As he walked through the hall, he noticed a guy that Nathan shared some classes with.

"Hey, Kyle, right?" Duncan asked. "Have you seen Nathan around?"

"Yeah, he's in the library, but he's in a crappy mood." Kyle replied.

"Thanks." Duncan said.

Duncan made his way to the library and saw Nathan sitting in the corner. He looked tired and disheveled. He was obviously hurting and Duncan felt horrible for not being there enough. He should have pushed harder to reach him. He sat down and Nathan put his book away. Duncan tried to take his hand, but Nathan pulled back.

"How'd you find me?" Nathan asked.

"That's all you have to say?" Duncan replied. "I've been reaching out for weeks and you ignored me. I want to be here for you."

"There's nothing you can do." Nathan said.

"Of course there is." Duncan replied. "You shouldn't be alone, pulling away from your friends."

"Friends?" Nathan asked with a glare. "You mean the people that let Nick die?"

"You're not the only one hurting, Nathan." Duncan said. "Billie organized a memorial for Nick. Everyone is coming to remember him and share how much they cared about him."

"Please, none of them really knew Nick." Nathan replied annoyed. "Not the way I knew him. I don't need their sympathy."

"What's this really about?" Duncan asked. "Are you still angry with Violet?"

"No." Nathan replied. "I was angry with her. I wanted her to die instead of my brother. But then I realized she didn't kill him. Bryant did. And we were there. We didn't stop it."

"So you blame yourself." Duncan said. "And me."

"I don't know!" Nathan called out.

Several people around them shushed and gave them angry looks, so Nathan got up and stormed out. Duncan quickly followed him and they headed outside. Nathan stopped in the middle of the empty parking lot and remained silent. Duncan hesitated, as he wanted to put a hand on his shoulder, but wasn't sure if Nathan was ready for that. He just wanted to know what he was thinking. He was about to ask when Nathan turned to face him.

"I don't know what I think." Nathan said.

"Wait, how did you know I was going to ask that?" Duncan asked.

"I heard it in my mind." Nathan replied. "I guess my telepathy is still here even without Nick. Looks like you were right about my potential all along."

"I think it's a sign." Duncan said. "A sign that you can get out of this stronger. Nick will always be a part of your life, but now you need to stand on your own."

"I can't!" Nathan snapped at him.

"Of course you can." Duncan said as he stepped closer. "I'm here for you. I love you."

"You don't understand!" Nathan yelled with tears in his eyes. "It's always been Nick and me. It feels like half of me has been ripped away. I don't even know who I am anymore."

"You're still the same person." Duncan replied.

"No, I'm not." Nathan said. "Because I don't know who that is. And I can't do this anymore. I need time to figure out who I am."

"Hold on." Duncan said confused. "What are you saying? Are you breaking up with me?"

"No… yes. I don't know!" Nathan admitted as he threw up his hands. "I just need time."

Nathan reached into his pocket and threw a potion on the ground. Duncan tried to grab him, though he disappeared through black smoke. Duncan fell to his knees and suppressed a frustrated scream. It felt like the man he loved was slipping away and there was nothing he could do to stop it. He wanted to chase after Nathan, but he knew that would only make things worse. Instead, he started to walk home. He needed to clear his head.

After walking a while, Duncan returned to the Chosen house and was surprised to find a young girl sitting on the front porch. She looked about thirteen and wavy brown hair and brown eyes. She looked strangely familiar.

"Uncle Duncan?" the girl asked when she saw him.

Duncan's eyes widened as he finally recognized his niece, Dawn. He had not seen her in over three years and she had grown up a lot. He had no idea why his sister's daughter was suddenly sitting on his front porch, but her timing couldn't have been worse.

xxx