-Chapter 24-

As the council's shouting began to finally die down, Sheppard felt a pain in his heart. It wasn't a physical kind of thing, he was perfectly healthy for his older age. It was as if he could feel the pain and sorrow the children felt, the way Atticus could. Placing a hand over his heart, Sheppard took a seat, greatly disturbed look upon his face for a moment before it was replaced with one of great sorrow. He had felt the dimensions being slowly torn asunder, he was certain he wasn't the only one either. But when it stopped, he knew what was transpiring. The grand maester's gift and curse of foresight had seen to that long ago. And yet, even knowing it would come to pass, Sheppard still didn't want to believe it was true. Yubel had been defeated, and now… the boy was gone…

"Sheppard?" Atticus asked, having returned from the rest Crowler had insisted he take before, feeling the sorrow exude from the elder leader. "Are you alright…?"

"Yubel is gone…" Sheppard whispered, only loud enough for the empathetic prince to hear over the council. "Jaden succeeded... " keeping his eyes away from Atticus, Sheppard couldn't help but feel sad about what had happened. He was beyond happy that the universe was safe, but peace coming at the expense of such an innocent and kindhearted child, it couldn't feel anything other than bittersweet.

"He did?" Atticus asked, happy to hear it, but of course he could feel the maester's melancholy, certainly putting a damper on the happy news. "Are they alright…? And the prince…?"

"Lord Viper has been absent for quite a while." The first dimension ambassador spoke up, interrupting the other conversations going on around him, catching Zane's attention once again, the King's eyes narrowing at the mention of his brother's abductor. "Surely he should have returned by now?"

"That bastard." Zane proclaimed, his furry with the man reignited at the mention of him. "You're right. Where is he!?"

"Viper is dead."

A hush came over the room at the news. As the statement fell upon the ears of the council, the large double doors into the chamber fully parted away, revealing the deliverer of the shocking news. There in the doorway, Axel stood strong and resolute, the others following close behind, the sorrow of Jaden's passing still present in their eyes.

"Surely you jest?" The eight dimension's prime minister shouted, raising an eyebrow at the sixth dimension mercenary, hardly able to believe that such a thing could possibly be true.

"It's true." Axel nodded, confirming his statement. "I was there. We all were." gesturing back to the others behind him, they nodded along, adding further legitimacy to his claim.

"It's true." Alexis spoke up, stepping forward from her place among the group, her royal presence permeating throughout the room. Hearing the words from the princess, the council, seeing the long absent princess, realized the gravity of the situation they had just been informed of.

"Alexis!" Atticus gasped, surprised to see his sister there. Of course, he wasn't at all complaining, he wanted to see her again that was for sure, but he certainly hadn't expected her to appear at the council, much less alongside someone from the sixth dimension.

"So then, Viper is truly gone?" Aster questioned, in just as much shock as everyone else in attendance.

"Then where the hell is my brother!?" Zane fumed, beyond glad to hear that his enemy had been vanquished, but even with such news he still couldn't put away the anger he held within himself about his brother's abduction.

"He's safe." Alexis smiled, happy that despite all that had happened around her lately, at the very least she could return her dear friend back to his rightful place. Turning back to the group, she hurried over to them. Reaching past Chazz and Bastion, Alexis grabbed the small boy, leading him away from the others she escorted him to his brother's side. Passing by the remaining dimensional leaders, the quiet murmurs broke any semblance of silence that may have tried to enter the chamber. Relief in their eyes, Aster and Zane took solace in the fact that Syrus didn't appear to be injured in any way, though Zane couldn't help but ask.

"Are you alright, Syrus?" He questioned, an urgency about his tone, however calm he appeared to be on the outside. "Did that bastard harm you?"

"No, brother." Syrus answered, shaking his head at his elder brother's question. "I'm fine. But… I'm sorry…" turning his eyes away from Zane, Syrus couldn't help but feel ashamed that there had been a situation to begin with. He couldn't help but think that if he had tried harder, or wasn't so small and weak that he could have prevented the whole thing. Though of course, he knew better than that. Yubel had been behind it all, so even if Axel had failed to abduct him, it still would have happened one way or another. Even so, he still felt awful about the whole thing. After all, if it hadn't happened… he couldn't help but think that Jaden would still be there with them now… "It's my fault this happened… I wasn't strong enough…"

"No. you're not." Zane answered plainly, not one to sugarcoat literally anything, even for his little brother. Placing a hand on Syrus's small shoulder however, Zane shot a glare at Axel, as if he knew Axel had been the one who had abducted his dear brother. "But you're safe now, which is what's important. And you know full well whose fault it was. And as it would seem, he's long gone."

"Yeah…" Syrus responded, feeling a little better knowing his brother didn't blame him for what had happened, though he still felt a great sorrow and regret within his heart.

"Alexis!" Atticus called from the other side of the chamber, beyond happy to see his dear sister again. Hurrying over to her, Atticus brushed past the royal brothers, wrapping his arms tightly around his little sister. Pulling her in close, he felt a relief wash over him knowing from what Sheppard had told him that her mission was finally over. She could come home.

"Atticus…" Alexis sighed, hugging her brother back she too felt relieved. From what she could tell, he was in a much stronger and healthier state than the last time she saw him. Hardly a visible bandage left on his body. Giving her brother a small squeeze, she knew he could feel the sorrow she held within her, the mourning she and the others were in at Jaden's loss. There was no point in even trying, that much she had learned about her brother during her lifetime. But still, there was happiness too. Atticus was right, with her job done, she could finally return home where she could protect him from ever being put in such a horrible position again. Her life could return to normal. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stay away so long this time…"

"I know." Atticus chuckled, remembering the last conversation they had had. "You had something important to do. You know I understand that."

"Yeah, I know." She sighed, pulling out of her big brother's hug, just taking in the peace of the moment for once. For the first time in a long time, she didn't feel anger and hatred. The sorrow she felt was real, but after many years, she finally felt a shred of real happiness and peace again.

"You're welcome, by the way." Chazz scoffed under his breath as he stepped out fully into the chamber, a little annoyed that they had gone through so much trouble and literally ended up saving the universe just to get the little prince back, and with seemingly no thanks at that. Rolling his eyes, Chazz glanced around the room, catching a glimpse of Crowler over by Sheppard. Nodding to his chancellor, Crowler locked eyes with the young warrior as well. "Told you we'd try, Crowler."

"Indeed you did." Crowler nodded back, proud of his young champion, relieved that they had not only managed to rescue the young prince, but as it appeared, they had all managed to return relatively unscathed. Only as the remainder of the group finally decided to file into the chamber, there was a particularly strong presence that was nowhere to be found. "But children… where is young Jaden…?"

Hearing the chancellor's question, a wash of sadness came over the children's faces. Knowing full well where the celestial hero was, and what the situation had become.

"I beg your pardon, but who is this Jaden?" the ambassador of the first dimension questioned, raising an eyebrow at the chancellor in confusion, also concerned to see the sadness on the faces of their many young visitors. "Surely someone of importance?"

"Indeed he is." Sheppard spoke up, a solemn look of his own coming across his face as he stood from his seat, locking his eyes on Jesse. Sad to see the bluenette so dejected and distant, he made his way over to the celestial child, taking a moment of hesitation before placing a his hand gently on the boy's shoulder. "Young Jaden is a hero. Sent to us from the Neo Spacians, that boy is the reason we still stand here now." Sighing, he could see Jesse wavering at the mention of his dear one. "He is a brave, compassionate young man. And he has saved us all."

"I beg your pardon…?" the second dimension elder asked, speaking for the rest of the council in conveying just how confused the out of the loop dimensional leaders were.

"The details are many, and of which I will not share with you now." Sheppard answered, knowing the story would be far too long to tell at such a time, and with sparing the children's feelings in mind as well, he decided that for now he would keep the finer details to himself. "But know that that boy, as well as these children. They have rescued each and every dimension from a most dire fate." offering the children a gentle smile, Sheppard felt pride within his heart, so proud that they had managed to deliver the universe from a horrid end. Not only that, but with Jaden's innocent virtue, another soul had been delivered from the darkness of the void. A soul many did not even know existed. "And I shall celebrate them all."

"As will I." Atticus nodded, placing his own hand on his sister's shoulder, giving it a slight squeeze as he locked eyes with the group. Feeling all of the sorrow yet faint hope within their hearts, he knew what had come to pass. The mission was done, yet Jaden wasn't there with them now. It was more than apparent what had happened.

"Indeed." Crowler nodded in solidarity, also sorrowful at the apparent loss of their hero. Though still, he honored the children for their courage and valor. Nodding silently, Zane too shared in their moment of solidarity. His had been the first dimension Jaden had ever known. He had met the boy when he was just a lost, empty-headed child. And he and Aster had been the ones to send him on his evidently ill fated journey. Acknowledging his honor within this victory was the least he could do for the brunette now.

"He's gone, Sheppard…" Jesse nearly whispered, the sorrow within him stronger than that the others held within their hearts. He had only known Jaden for a short time. A very short time. But despite that, he truly loved him. And now his soul was gone..

"Yes…" Sheppard sighed, lowering his head for a moment, closing his eyes as he acknowledged the great loss. "Yes, I know…"

"C'mon, cheer up, mate." Jim interrupted, placing a hand on Jesse's free shoulder, he offered the despairing bluenette a soft, comforting smile. "Neos said he'd try to bring him back. There's still hope."

"That's right." Hassleberry agreed, knowing full well that no matter how dark things seemed, hope always remained. Jim had certainly had a hand in teaching him that lesson. "I know it's painful right now. We all miss Jaden... but you have to believe that someday, he'll come back." Smiling brightly at Jesse, Hassleberry raised his hand to his chest, placing it carefully over his heart. "But until then, well, he's right here."

"And he always will be." Bastion added. Feeling terribly sad for his friend, he gave Jesse a gentle pat on the back, hoping that he wouldn't stay so solemn for long. Though with how strong a bond he and Jaden had formed, Bastion knew better than to think otherwise. Still, Jesse nodded in response to their kind words, knowing full well that each of them were right.

"You're right."

"Come back soon, Jay…"

It had been nearly a year since that day.

In the rolling green hills of the fourth dimension, everything was calm. The breeze blew gently through the trees, birds sang to themselves and to each other, and the clouds floated slowly across the flawless sapphire sky. All was peaceful and serene, not a care in the world came to the acolytes and maesters of the Rainbow Dragon's temple. But deep within the hallowed place, huddled over a desk with a quill pen in hand, Jesse remained as sorrowful as he had been so long ago, on the day he had been parted from his dearly departed loved one.

Dear Jaden,

This is probably what? The 20th letter I've written you…? I know that's a lot, but like I said before, the maesters told me writing to you could help me start to feel better about what happened. I'm not sure if they were right, honestly. It's been nearly a year since your journey ended, and Neos took you back to Neo Space to try and restore your shattered soul.

I think the others have started to move on a little, though. Jim and Hassleberry are still here with us, they haven't gone back home once since we came along, though I can't say I blame them. I think they're talking to Sheppard about staying here permanently. Axel's had some trouble lately trying to rebuild the sixth dimension's government, and I hear fixing the relationship with dimension nine has been rather difficult for him since he kidnapped Syrus and all. But Syrus still keeps putting in a good word for him. I know you didn't know Axel that long, Jay. But I've spoken to him on more than one occasion since then. I don't think the sixth dimension could have asked for anyone better to lead them back to the honorable people they once were.

Remember Atticus's coronation I told you about last time? Well, it finally happened. Alexis even came back to the castle to share the moment with him. Of course, we were all invited to attend. It was really fun, I think you would have had a really good time. Oh yes, and Alexis told me to tell you that she's sorry. She never got the chance to thank you properly for helping her save her brother's life, and for showing her that there's more to being a strong person than just physical strength. But that it takes a strength of heart, and compassion too. So, thank you for helping her with that.

From what I hear, Chazz is still going off and fighting where he can. I think he's still angry you two never got to settle that little debt he says he owed you. Alexis and Chancellor Crowler both tried to convince him that it had been paid, but he won't have it. Even up until the coronation he still declared that he wouldn't consider the debt repaid until you could make it official yourself. So I guess you'd better make sure you come back and take care of that, huh? Bastion? He's still shadowing me most of the time. I think he just isn't going to stop looking after me, even though the quest is long finished. I don't mind though. It gives him something to do at least, and someone for me to talk to if I need to when he's around. After everything he did for us, I heard that Sheppard wants to appoint him as a fully fledged maester soon. I wish you could be here to see it… I know it would mean a lot to him. And me, too… all of us, actually.

And Syrus? I know you wanna know. I know I talk about everyone in all of these things, I think it's unfair for you to be left out of the loop, y'know? Zane's gotten over the whole incident by now. Actually, he let go of that fairly quickly, which surprised us all. Remember that? But Syrus tells me he and Aster are still very protective. And by the way, he misses you probably almost as much as I do… we talk about you a lot, y'know. You made quite an impression on us all in such a short time, it's hard to believe we haven't all known each other all our lives. The dimensions are still trying to repair the damage done by Yubel's assault. But more portal points have appeared where the rifts she created repaired themselves, so it's more convenient for people to travel, so at least that's one positive thing to take away, right? It's hard to be positive, even after so long. I just… I miss you so much. It's still so weird not seeing you around, or being able to talk to you. The spirits keep trying to cheer me up, saying there's still hope for your soul to be restored, and I keep hoping. But it's still so hard to even think about. I don't know, I just can't stop thinking about you. Sometimes I think I see you and I get excited, but then I realize it's just in my head and I get depressed again. Basically I guess all I want to say is that I miss you. We all miss you. But we're well, and we're waiting. So, as long as it takes, we'll be here. And I love you.

Love, Jesse

Placing the quill back into the inkwell, Jesse sighed, looking over his letter he gently folded it and placed it in an envelope, opening one of the desk drawers he placed it into the pile of letters he had amassed over the past year. It was so lonely for him in the temple, even with Bastion and the rest of the maesters around to keep him company. But without Jaden's light and laughter, it all just seemed so empty and sad. It had been nearly a year since Jaden was taken from him and the others, but nothing seemed to fill the whole he left in all of their hearts.

"I really do miss you, Jay…" Jesse sighed again, getting up from his seat Jesse went over to the small bay window in his quarters, taking a seat on the shelf he brought his knees up to his chest, curling himself into a tiny ball he looked out the window, looking out upon the lush green hills and vibrant flower gardens. A short ways off he could even see the hillside where Rainbow Dragon had first descended and delivered him into the world of men. It all seemed a lifetime ago somehow, like he really had lived all the years his physical body would suggest. Watching the clouds roll by in silence, Jesse sighed quietly under his breath once more, wishing beyond anything that Jaden could be there to share these peaceful days with him the way he wanted. "Please come back soon…"

Almost as if on cue, Jesse saw something almost unbelievable out of the corner of his eye. Pressing himself up against the glass, Jesse couldn't believe his eyes. A bright streak of light flew across the sky like a shooting star, passing over the fields and gardens the light stopped over the Rainbow Dragon's hill, forming into a pillar of light that shined from the heavens down to the earth below. His eyes widening in a vain and desperate hope, Jesse tore from his chamber, clamoring down the temple corridors as he ran from the temple into the gardens, his heart pounding as he hoped and prayed that this would be the moment he and the others had been waiting for for so long. Not even stopping for a single moment to catch his breath, Jesse silently cursed the fact that he wore wedges, running really wasn't very comfortable in them but at this point he was starting to not care about anything at all. Nothing mattered to him at that point but seeing Jaden again. Sprinting as fast as he could, Jesse stumbled up the dragon's hill, finally stopping to breathe a little as the pillar of light slowly faded from sight. Having bent down a little, his hands gripping his slightly bent knees as he caught his breath, Jesse lifted his head, nearly having a heart attack at the sight. Slowly rising back to his full height, Jesse's eyes were wider than they had ever been in his short life, tears beginning to form immediately as his emotions boiled over. There before him, delivered by the heavens themselves, Jaden stood atop the hill, his eyes just as vibrant and full of life as they had always been. Offering the bluenette a loving, yet slightly awkward and embarrassed smile, Jaden tilted his head just slightly, raising his right hand and waving to his dear one.

"Hey, Jess."

Unable to contain the joyful tears for even a second, Jesse let them fall freely. Hurling himself at the brunette, Jesse wrapped his arms around Jaden. Burying his face in Jaden's neck, Jesse just held him and sobbed, expelling all of the loneliness and pain he had held within him over the empty year that had all too slowly come and gone. Sighing quietly, Jaden smiled gently, wrapping his arms too around Jesse, lightly stroking the back of the bluenette's head, he just let him cry for a moment. Fully understanding just how painful the whole experience must have been for him.

"I'm back."

After his cries had calmed a little, Jesse pulled himself away from Jaden, placing a hand on his cheek, Jesse took in every inch of his face. It was just as beautiful as he remembered. Feeling himself becoming overwhelmed with joy once more Jesse pulled Jaden back in, their lips colliding in a kiss too long overdue. Holding each other close the kiss continued on for another ten seconds at least, both of them never wanting to let the other go, but after a moment Jesse pulled himself away once again, wiping the tears away from his flawless emerald eyes. He hated to admit it, but even after only just a year he had begun to slowly give up hope of ever seeing Jaden again. But there he was, right there in front of him, holding him and smiling again. It was the most wonderful feeling he had ever felt. And with all the joy and overwhelming love he felt inside, Jesse didn't regret a single day he had lived, and he knew for Jaden it had to have been the same.

"Welcome back."

The End