A/N:

This chapter will give you a small break from all the action, but I hope you enjoy it just as much! Remember, in the last chapter, Alistair found out he is actually a clone, and not really Cullen's son, at least not by birth.

And the Endless … was she killed by Cullen?

I'm gonna continue putting the disclaimer here just be sure that everyone is aware of where this story originated.

This story isn't 100 % mine. I have transformed it into a story from an interactive story app called Choices and the creators are Pixelberry Studios.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

{Chapter 10}

We trudged together through the rainforest toward Elyys'tel, and the city rose as a glittering silhouette in the light of the full moon.

Benjamin's eyes got wider as we got closer. "This makes the Riverside Mall at Christmas look like a bomb shelter!"

"Niala'rei is our most sacred tradition and my people do not hold back," Jacorel explained proudly.

I glanced over my shoulder and noticed Alistair straggling behind. It was obvious he was still reeling from the confrontation with Cullen. I stopped walking and frowned worriedly. "How are you holding up, Alistair?"

At that moment, it didn't matter what he had done in the past or the mistakes he'd made. He was still our friend.

Alistair shook his head despairingly. "As well as a person of my … manufacture can be, I suppose," he answered.

I placed my hand on his shoulder comfortingly. "We're here for you, okay? Just let us know what you need."

He swallowed hard, fighting to keep his tears at bay. "I will."

"Even if it's true, it doesn't change anything, Alistair," Tanya said from his other side. "I love the man I've gotten to know, no matter what his past was."

"I don't deserve it," he insisted. "I was a fool … I fell for every one of his lies and I betrayed you all."

Tanya placed herself in his path and narrowed her eyes angrily. "We're not talking about that, tonight."

The others had listened to us, and Garrett spoke up to make it clear we were all on the same page. "What's important is that you know no one here is going to see you any differently."

Sorrow flooded across Alistair's face anyway. He lowered his head in shame.

"Hey!" Tanya said. "Look at me."

He did as she asked. "Yes?"

"You matter to us," she told him earnestly. "You matter to me."

She pulled him into a hug, and he sighed deeply. He sniffed away the last of his tears and gratefully placed a kiss on top of Tanya's head.

"Thank you, everyone," he said quietly. His old spirit wasn't quite there yet, but he appeared to believe us, at least to an extent.

"Not to interrupt," Rosalie called from the front. "But did we get the Island's Heart to where it needed to go?"

Victoria nodded. "I think it's with the rest of Kaanu now. The presence feels more … complete."

Edward angrily pulled some greenery to the side. "Yeah, just in time for Tantrum of the Opera to swoop in and make off with our magic chandelier."

Peter stared at him in shock. "Way-way-wait! So Cullen has the Heart?"

"Yes," I confirmed, but then hurried to relay what Kaanu had told me. "But he won't be able to do anything with it. There's still a piece missing."

Leah suddenly stopped ahead and peered toward a thicket. "Watch yourselves. We're not alone," she warned us.

I could hear movement in the trees, and then the familiar massive beastly body of the Sabertooth sprung out onto the trail.

Jacorel laughed in delight. "Emb'kal! My friend!"

Little Sether was perched on the mighty sabertooth's back and clung to his fur. "Jacorel! And the Cat-a-lissus!"

Edward ruffled Sether's hair affectionately. "Hey, Li'l Blueberry. How ya been?"

Sether looked at us and then at Elyys'tel. "You're all coming home, too?"

"Looks that way!" I told him happily.

"Yaaay! Race you there!"

Emb'kal let out a rough, but happy growl, before he and Sether took off down the rainforest trail.

Jazz stood gaping after the pair. "Was that … uhm...?"

"A little boy on a sabertooth tiger?" James asked, equally shocked. "I saw it, too, you're not crazy."

Jacorel chuckled. "Emb'kal may let you ride him, too … if he doesn't think you'd make a better snack."

A little while later, we were all gathered in Elyys'tel's audience hall with Emilyne. She reverently lowered Jacorel's crown onto his head and dropped to one knee.

"We are grateful to see your return, my elyyshar."

"Rise, Emilyne. Something troubles you?"

She stood with a straight back before him, but her face was drawn with worry. "Raan'losti has brought destruction upon the island, and our people worry for their future."

"I have hope that we will persist," Jacorel answered her. "Just as we have for centuries."

"The volcano won't erupt again," I told her. "All anyone needs to worry about is Cullen, and he can't do much without the missing piece of Kaanu's core."

She nodded. "This is heartening to hear, Catalyst. But not all in Elyys'tel understand such matters," she reminded me. "There are many who feel we should postpone Niala'rei until the crisis has ended."

"Oh no … Really?" Victoria asked sadly.

"Surely, everyone needs a reason to celebrate now more than ever," Kate said.

Emilyne glanced at her and then back to Jacorel. "Perhaps. The village will expect an announcement on the matter. What would you have me tell them, elyyshar?"

Jacorel thought for a moment. "Tell them … a better future starts today."

"Assuming it will be a better future," Rosalie commented pessimistically, and Jacorel turned to her with a patient smile.

"Every day brings new challenges. If you go in believing things will get better, they will."

"You sound every bit like your mother," Emilyne complimented with a satisfied smile.

Jacorel gave her an appreciative nod. "Also, tell our people that we must make this Niala'rei the greatest Elyys'tel has ever seen."

"It shall be done with my greatest joy, my elyyshar."

Before she could leave, Jacorel stopped her. "And do not punish Sether too harshly for sneaking off. He is simply young and interested in the world."

Emilyne grunted disdainfully but nodded in understanding, and then departed. Jacorel turned to us with a content expression.

"Rest well tonight, my friends. A momentous day awaits us!"

All of us found sleeping quarters among the branches of the great tree, but as I lay in Edward's arms, neither of us could sleep. He stroked my hair in a very relaxing manner, and while I enjoyed the touch, it didn't make me sleepier.

"Princess, what do you say you and I make ourselves into an 'us' tomorrow at this Niala'rei?"

I turned my head to look at him to see if he meant it. "Really?"

"Yeah. It feels rather meant to be that we get back here just in time for it, don't you think? Besides, I won't be able to give you a better ceremony back home, anyway. I'm kinda short on the money front," he said with that hint of embarrassment he always showed when he talked about how little he had to offer me.

I reached up to touch his face and gave him a smile that I hoped said what I'd already told him before. As long as I had him, I didn't need much else. "I can't imagine a more perfect way to marry you."

We shared a sweet kiss but left it at that, and eventually we did fall asleep, despite the butterflies that had started to flutter in my stomach.

Both of us woke up very early, and knowing what we had planned today, we walked down to the beach together to wash up a bit in the ocean. Not much could be done with the dress I'd had on under Fiddler's suit—it was torn and dirty—but our outfits weren't the most important thing today, although, I knew quite a few who would argue with me on that point.

My hair was tangled and very dirty since the last time I'd had it washed was at the Elysian Lodge almost two weeks ago, but once Edward had helped me untangle the worst of it, I braided it and it didn't look too bad after that.

When we went back up the tree to the flower-strewn catwalks, the others had also woken up, and they were emerging from various huts, stretching groggily.

As the morning sun streamed through the branches, we took in the full effect of the Niala'rei decorations together.

"Oh wow," Victoria sighed dreamily. "It's so beautiful."

And it really was. The tree's green crown gave everything an iridescent atmosphere, flower petals rained down from garlands when the wind caught them, and exotic delicacies were laid out on platters too numerous to count beneath.

Peter chuckled and lightly elbowed Garrett. "Guys, check out Em."

Emmett's eyes were the size of saucers as he took in the assortment of foods. "Look at those cakes! The glazed fruit! The petit fours!"

Rosalie grabbed a bowl of red berries and winked. "I'm sure they won't mind if we grab a couple things to go. Or a bag full."

A crowd had gathered on the city's many platforms, all of them facing the balcony in front of us on which Jacorel stood. Couples stood hand-in-hand, and some of them were wearing tropical flowers tucked behind one ear.

"My beloved people of Elyys'tel," Jacorel addressed them all. "It is said that in each of us, there is a seed that waits for the nourishing presence of the one for whom we are destined. If you have found that one, join hands with them now to signify the beginning of your journey together."

Edward walked over to me with a wide, beaming smile, and held out his hand for me to take, which I did without hesitating.

It didn't go unnoticed by our friends. It started with a whisper from Victoria to Kate and then it built up until they cheered and applauded. Emmett started running around and high-fiving everyone.

Benjamin looked close to tears as he came up to me and gave me a hug. "This is just … I can't believe my best friend's getting … oh, Bella, I'm so happy!"

With arms folded across her chest, Rosalie smirked. "Who would've thought? Congrats, guys!"

Everyone gave their own congratulations, and then Jazz smiled and placed a hand on Edward's shoulder.

"Proud of you, Grandpa," he said in the same quiet tone he'd used since he'd 'woken back up'. "I never pegged you for the marryin' kind, but I can see there's something special with this Miss."

Edward grinned at him. "You have no idea, kid."

Jacorel crossed a catwalk to approach us, and in his hands, he held an exquisite silken garment, which he held out for me. "Congratulations, Bella. It would be an honor if you were to wear this. It was my mother's gown and she wore it on her own handfasting to my father."

Kate pushed Emmett out of the way to get a closer look. "This fabric is incredible. It feels lighter than air, and the color is amazing!"

"It's made from the finest silk and jewelry we Kaarii can produce," Jacorel explained, and I reverently accepted the garment.

"Thank you so much, Jacorel. I don't know what else to say."

"Simply seeing it being worn again is more than enough," he replied and then turned to Edward. "Emilyne has special attire for you, as well, Edward."

"Thanks, but I've got something I can put on," Edward replied, and when I looked at him in confusion, he winked.

Jacorel's gaze passed to Benjamin, and he walked toward him through the falling petals.

"Are we going somewhere?" Benjamin asked him.

When Jacorel held out his hand for him, I understood the happiness Benjamin had felt when he hugged me. "Benji," I said and looked pointedly at Jacorel's hand to help him understand.

"Benjamin Rafael Santiago, I have something I wish to ask you," Jacorel said softly, and Benjamin gasped when the realization finally came to him.

He tried to keep himself from sobbing and brought both hands to his mouth. "Y-yes?"

"I knew from the very first moment I saw you that I wanted to be with you," Jacorel said with a wide smile. "I love you, Benjamin. I want to be with you, always. Would you like to bring joy to my people and to each other for the rest of our lives?"

"I..." Benjamin looked uncertain and his eyes wandered from Jacorel's outstretched hand to the rest of us. "Jacorel, just a second, okay?"

Jacorel nodded and lowered his hand, and Benjamin immediately ran over to me.

"Bella, oh god … I just … Should I say yes?" he whispered to me.

"What's holding you back?" I asked since I didn't understand his uncertainty. "I thought you loved him."

"I do," he immediately confirmed. "But if I say yes to him, what will it mean if all of you can go back home? What will my parents think?"

I pulled him into my arms. "You can't think like that, Benji," I said into his hair. "If we will eventually be able to get back home, that means nothing will hinder you from visiting, or us from coming back. And do you really want your parents to dictate this part of your life?"

He shrugged self-consciously.

"What does your heart tell you?"

He laughed quietly. "Like, 'yes' screamed from the top of a mountain."

"Well, there you go," I said. "Now, go let Jacorel hear your scream."

He turned toward Jacorel and ran into his arms. "All my yes and then some!"

Jacorel hoisted him into the air joyfully. "Thank you, Benji! Thank you so much!" He slowly lowered Benjamin into his arms, and they gazed at one another in silent wonder.

"I guess I felt it from day one, too," Benjamin admitted. "You had me at the first 'hello.'"

They kissed and the rest of us cheered.

"Oh, a double wedding!" Emmett exclaimed dramatically. "This is amazing!"

Jacorel lovingly stroked Benjamin's face, then turned to address the crowd from the central platform. "Beloved people of Elyys'tel, the Great Hall stands open for our ceremonies! Let Niala'rei commence!"

Cheers and ululations of joy went throughout the tree. Among my group, hugs were exchanged and tears were brushed from cheeks, and gradually, everyone began to split off to get ready.

Edward kissed my forehead. "I guess I'll see you soon. And..." he trailed off to shake his head almost as if he couldn't believe we were actually doing this. "I love you, Bella."

I beamed up at him. "I love you, too."

Emmett followed me back to the huts and scooped up a few treats along the way. "Alright, B, looks like I'm gonna be your wedding planner! Don't worry, I've done this before … sort of."

I laughed. "Sort of?"

He grinned. "I've been to at least a dozen weddings, and, bonus, when I was twelve I hid in my brother's car and sneaked inside his bachelor party!"

"I see." I held up the gown in my hands. "Well, I'm gonna go get changed first, okay?"

"Wait," he stopped me. "First you gotta decide who's going to be your maid of honor."

"Why do I have to choose one?" I asked. "Can't they just all be bridesmaids?"

"Nope," he said and popped his lips on the 'p.' "There can only be one, but don't worry, the other ladies won't hate you forever if you don't choose them."

Maybe not, but I knew someone who would really want the position. "Then Kate can be my maid of honor."

"Makes sense," Emmett agreed. "She's the best person for the job. She was the maid of honor for her cousin's wedding before we flew here, and I'm tellin' you. She's a force to be reckoned with."

"I can only fathom."

"Okay, then," Emmett said, moving on. "Now, the most important decision. What kind of meal do you want to have after the ceremony?"

"You know what, Em? I'm gonna leave that up to the expert," I said and patted his arm. "Surprise me."

"Awwww," he said and hugged me. "I know just the thing!" He started to back away. "Go get changed. I'm gonna let your maid of honor know she's up!"

I walked into the hut and stripped out of destroyed cocktail dress to slip on the silk gown. It felt as soft as water on my skin, and it was one of the most beautiful gowns I'd ever seen. The regality of it made it clear that it had been designed for the former elyyshar's own wedding.

"Now, that is how to look like a goddess on your wedding day." I turned around and saw Kate enter the hut with a soft smile. "Emmett told me you wanted me as your maid of honor. Thank you so much, Bella. That means a lot to me."

Furball came bounding in behind her and when he saw me, he stopped and gazed up in wonder. I crouched down to scratch his head.

"Don't mention it, Kate," I said. "We didn't get the best start, but I really see you as one of my closest friends, now."

Before she could reply, Tanya and Victoria joined us, and they awed over the dress.

"You look like a dream," Victoria said and, without me asking about it, she placed herself behind me and started to twist my hair up in a better-looking updo than my plain braid.

Rosalie eventually came into the hut as well. "Hey, Bella, I know you're busy with handfasting stuff, but I got something you'll wanna see." She produced a leather-bound book from behind her back. "I found this beneath the volcano. It was the Endless'."

I took it from her and opened it only to see that the page was only bearing handwritten numbers. "Is it some kind of notebook?"

She nodded. "I think so, but it's written in code, and I thought since the Endless is technically you, then maybe you could decipher it."

I looked at the numbers again.

705

246

381

"Uhm..." I said. "I don't know … maybe a math problem?"

Tanya came forward. "Oh, let me look at that." She looked at the numbers for a short moment. "Well, all the numbers equal twelve no matter which direction you add them in."

I blinked. "How did you see that so fast?"

She giggled. "Sudoku is a guilty pleasure of mine."

Out of curiosity, I turned to the twelfth page of the notebook.

The crystal is clearly sentient.

It seems to have drawn four formidable creatures through time in order to establish order on the island.

Sadly, the beasts were driven mad … or perhaps imbued with the crystal's own suffering.

If the latter is true, did it, in fact, create them? Life born out of a millennia of yearning and limitless energy...

"I definitely believe you cracked the code, Tanya," I told her and showed her the notes, and then gave the book back to Rosalie. "We can go through that together later, but as you said, I'm kind of in the middle of something else here, right now."

Emmett came inside with one hand over his eyes. "Is everyone decent?"

I laughed at him. "Yes, Em, you can remove your hand."

"Oh, good!" He smiled at us. "Dudettes, they're waiting for us in the audience hall. Bella, are you ready to make your entrance?"

I took a deep breath and collected myself with one last look in a glass lantern. Victoria's updo was stunning, and I beamed at her before turning back to Emmett. "Never been more ready."

"See you in a moment, Bella," Tanya said and left with Victoria, Rosalie, Emmett, and Furball while Kate stayed with me.

When I entered the audience hall, it glimmered with hundreds of candles along the walls, and it shed a warm glow onto the faces of those waiting inside.

I exhaled slowly to calm my sudden onslaught of nerves. I'd barely taken a step when Furball came skittering up to me and offered a bundle of delicate flowers that he held in his mouth.

I accepted them. "Thanks, little guy," I mouthed and he yipped before running over to the rest of the guys who were standing on either side of an aisle leading to the central dais.

As I proceeded forward, everyone turned in my direction. Upon seeing me, Victoria brought a hand to her heart, seemingly overjoyed, and when I looked around, I noticed two familiar faces I hadn't expected to be there.

Angelique and Janvier.

My eyes met Garrett's, and his were watery as he smiled proudly. Leah simply nodded next to him, but her affection for me glowed in her dark eyes.

I caught sight of Edward, then, waiting for me at the dais. A ribbon was draped across his hands, and as soon as he saw me watching him, his own smile widened and he shot me a wink.

He was wearing the vest and tie he'd been wearing on New Years, and I could only guess he'd kept them in his bag since he now had them. He looked as handsome in them as he had the first time.

I arrived beside him and handed my bouquet to Kate. She smiled at me and took a seat.

Edward gazed at me, and like outside, shook his head in disbelief. "Bella, you're takin' my breath away here..."

"Believe me, it's mutual," I told him quietly.

Emilyne walked to the top of the dais to conduct the ceremony. "Edward and Bella, please join hands."

Our hands found each other and clasped together tightly. Emilyne took the ribbon and carefully tucked one end between our fingers. She then wrapped it several times around both our hands.

"These are the hands of your betrothed. Together, these hands planted the seed of your love. These are the hands of your partner. One who will remain beside you as you grow and change. They will wipe tears of sorrow and joy from your eyes. This ribbon represents the roots between you. A foundation of trust that will deepen, preserving you through storms to come."

Across the audience hall, I noticed Jacorel and Benjamin being joined together by another officiant. Benjamin looked over at me, and we smiled at each other wordlessly. Grateful tears formed in his eyes.

I brought back my attention to Emilyne.

"This handfasting is a commitment to one another for a year and a day, and if you are still in love after that time, forever." She placed her hand atop ours and then stepped back. "You may speak your vows to each other."

"Edward..." I began. "I will nurture your dreams," I said, but as he looked at me adoringly, I was suddenly overcome with emotion and I had to pause for a second, and then just said what I felt in my heart. "I love you so much, I just … want the world for you. Your success is my success. While you climb each mountain, I'll be there to cheer you on … and to catch you if you ever fall."

Edward swallowed. "I … I think you really have made an honest man out of me, Bella," he said, and I could see his emotions took him over as well. "I wanted this, but it wasn't until a little while ago that I realized how much I needed it, too. Being with you is everything to me..." He smiled shakily. "I'm not half the man a true Princess deserves, but I'm gonna give it all I got, and then some." He raised his free hand and cupped my cheek. "With a little luck, maybe we can land this thing somewhere near 'happily ever after.'"

Sether slowly climbed the dais carrying a large, broad leaf. On it, breathtaking flowers were laid out.

"Bella," Emilyne said. "Please select the blossom that best represents how you feel for Edward. It will become an expression of your love for all to see." She pointed to each radiant blossom and described its meaning. "Unity, Harmony, and Devotion."

Without hesitating, I chose the lilac blossom for Devotion. There had never been anyone I felt as devoted to as I did to Edward, so it wasn't a difficult choice.

"And now," Emilyne continued. "Let the union between these two be made complete with a kiss."

Edward and I closed in together simultaneously as if by an invisible, irresistible force. He wrapped his free arm around my waist, and pure joy danced in his eyes. As one, our lips met. I cupped the side of his face and buried my fingers in his hair as we kissed like we never had before.

The others began applauding, and the sound abruptly made me return to reality.

"Woo-hoo!"

"Get it, Bella and Edward!"

"Their love is so perfect..."

Emilyne finished with a few last words. "These two are now joined before Kaanu and the Kaarii. Just as it was for the first bride and her beloved, true love is an inexorable force. No land, sea, or person may keep those who are destined apart." She gestured down the aisle for us. "Go forth as one, children of the stars!"

We left the dais together, and the crowd and other couples followed us toward the exit.

Outside, Kaarii began tossing handfuls of petals into the air as we exited the audience hall, and it quickly became a cloud of roiling color around us.

Edward laughed. "Zero visibility … requesting coordinates from ground control!"

I gently led him out of the petals by our handfasting bond. We kissed again and then undid the symbolic ribbon. Around us, the others began delving into the delectable treats laid out among the platforms.

A darkly clad Anachronist approached us, and the Elyys'tel Kaarii in the vicinity eyed him cautiously.

"Handfasted now, huh?" he asked us. "Looks like fun. Anyway, Clockmaster asked me to bring you a gift. Your partner already knows about it."

Edward nodded. "Got a little something set up for you, Bella."

"I like the sound of this so far," I said happily.

The Anachronist produced an elaborate timepiece and began making adjustments, and then Edward and I were propelled through time and space, only to tumble onto the deck of the Dorado.

Edward swooped in to catch me and twirled me off the floorboards and into his arms.

I giggled. "Sweeping me off my feet?"

"That's what I do," he replied with a grin and his signature wink. He gently set me down again but kept an arm looped around my waist.

I looked out over the water and sighed contentedly. "I can't believe we made it … we're actually here. We're actually married."

Edward stepped behind me and leaned down toward my ear. "And we're actually alone," he whispered which caused me to shiver.

I turned around in his embrace and his eyes shone in the warm, golden sunlight. "So what did you want to show me?"

"Somebody's eager," he teased.

I shrugged. "Surprises make me somewhat nervous. Lately, they tend to involve robots. Or ghosts. Or time travelers who turn out to be me."

"You'll like this one. Promise," he said and gave me a quick kiss, but then let me go. "Now come on. We're gonna have to do some serious sailing to get there by sunset."

I tilted my head and smirked. "What happens at sunset?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" he said and chuckled before clambering up into the rigging and called down from above. "Looks like the Peg-Leg Pals already did most of the work for us, but this is still gonna be a little tricky."

"Just remember who the captain is," I called back up to him with a grin. "Now get to work. Or I'll throw you in the brig."

"And then what?" he asked as he landed on his feet in front of me.

I narrowed my eyes in a mock threat. "I'll do something with ropes and chains," I said, remembering how much he had enjoyed our light bondage games on New Years with the very tie he was now wearing.

His eyes instantly filled with desire. "I'm feeling so disobedient all of a sudden..."

Over the next hour, I bustled around the deck while Edward climbed and swung above me, periodically disappearing from my sight.

"Alright, anchor's up!" I called to him.

"And we're off!"

The sails filled with wind as the Dorado leaped out to sea.

"And that's all there is to it," Edward said and came back down. "We'll make a sailor out of you yet, Princess." He took place at the helm while I caught my breath. Getting a ship like the Dorado ready without a crew was hard work.

"So they teach you how to sail pirate ships in the Navy, huh?" I asked him as I had noticed his ease with all the equipment.

"My uncle had a little schooner growing up," he explained. "Honestly, sailboats ain't changed much since Jack Sparrow days. You got your ropes, your sails, your wind … and a view like no other."

The sun beat down on us and Edward wiped his arm across his brow.

"Gettin' a little warm out here..." he mumbled.

"You should take your shirt off then," I countered teasingly.

"I don't know," he said and pretended to think about it. "I wouldn't want to take my hands off the wheel. Might need your help."

"I think that could be arranged," I said and sauntered across the deck while I trailed my hand along the rails.

Edward watched with a grin, and I smirked.

"Keep your eyes in your head there, Wolf," I said, and when he heard me use his old callsign, his grin widened before he let out a howl, which made me laugh.

I reached the top of the stairs and slid up behind him to wind my arms around his waist while I rested my chin on his shoulder. Then, I slowly unbuttoned the vest and then his shirt until I could easily slip them off his shoulders. "Better?"

"Better," he replied, and I decided to strip down, too. My skin rejoiced in the warm breeze, but then Edward whistled. "Much better," he corrected himself and appraised me, appreciatively, up and down.

My underwear wasn't anything he hadn't seen before, but he had made it clear on many occasions that he didn't care what I was wearing because he thought I looked sexy in pretty much anything.

I leaned back next to the helm. "So where are we headed?"

"Little islet I spotted off the coast the other day," he replied. "Matter of fact, why don't you get up to the crow's nest and keep an eye out for me?"

I let out a soft laugh, and I couldn't remember the last time I had felt this happy or carefree. It must have been long before we landed on El Jardín, but nothing came to mind. Everything was actually strangely muddy, but I shook it off. "I feel like I'm being handled."

"No, that part comes later," he said, and I rolled my eyes at him.

I planted my foot in a nearby net and climbed toward the crow's nest where I found a blanket laid out with a makeshift picnic, and I understood what Edward had been preparing before we set sails.

"Edward, how did you—"

"Very sneakily, of course," he answered as he suddenly appeared and climbed over the rail to join me in the nest. "It's not much, but it was the best I could find on short notice. Did I do good?"

I nodded, filled with awe. "You did very good. But where'd you get all this?"

"Found it below-decks while you were working. Guess one of the Tortuga Twins took a shopping trip down to ol' Emry's." He settled into the nest opposite me and laid down on his side next to a tableau of fruit, crab legs, and other amazing foods.

"I don't know what to eat first," I said. "It all looks so good."

Edward picked up a mango, pressed his thumbnail through the peel, and pulled it apart in his hands. As he sank his teeth into the mango's soft flesh, brightly colored juice ran down his bare chest.

"How about sharing that?" I said, and he lifted the other half of the mango to my lips. As I took a bite, he slid his thumb along my bottom lip.

"You're so beautiful, you know that?"

"You're not so bad, yourself," I replied cheesily.

Suddenly, Edward's eyes lit up, and I followed his gaze to something behind me.

As the ship rounded the southern coast of El Jardín, a small islet came into view. A plateau covered with soft green grass rose from sloping cliffs.

"There it is," he said.

"There what is?" I asked, not understanding what was so special about the place. "All I see is an empty island."

He turned me around so that I was facing the same way as him without craning my neck. "Oh? Try again and this time I'll help," he said and leaned forward so that his mouth was right next to my ear. He held up his hand in front of us and traced imaginary shapes over the empty islet. "Right there..." he said softly. "...is our house. See the chimney smoking? The little shutters on the windows?"

"Oh, I get it now." I smiled. "You're doing a thing." I could kind of see what he was describing in front of me.

He winked at me and his left hand slid up my back as his right glided out over the untouched beach. "Down there's the fire pit. Took the two of us almost a month to gather seashells for the path. But it sure does sparkle this time of night."

I leaned against his touch. "Tell me about our garden," I said to keep him talking. I loved hearing his thoughts and dreams about our future.

"Hmm," he hummed. "Let's see. We've got lilacs, hibiscus, a couple mountain lilies. Oh, and cinnamon trees. You can smell 'em inside the house when the wind blows just right."

"Mmm," I sighed. "Sounds nice." His eyes sparkled in the gathering dusk, and I couldn't hold out any longer. "Kiss me."

"Thought you'd never ask." He lifted his mouth to mine, and the scent of the sea mingled with the taste of his lips.

I moaned against his mouth, and he pulled me closer.

"You drive me crazy," he said when we parted for a short moment.

"In a good way, or a bad way?" I asked with a smirk.

He buried his face in my neck. "Very, very bad."

I yelped in surprise when he nipped me with his teeth just under my ear, but the surprise quickly gave way to pleasure. "Don't stop."

He moved behind me and wrapped an arm across my chest to gently pull my body to his while also removing the remaining parts of our clothes.

"You know what I've been wondering all day?" he asked huskily.

"Tell me."

His other hand slid around my waist and down my stomach, continuing down. "What kind of sounds you'll make when I do this." He pushed forward into me at the same time as his fingers pressed against my sensitive nerves.

A wave of overwhelming warmth rushed through my body. I gripped the rail as shudders wracked my body, and my outdrawn moan mixed with a gasp was a sound I'd never made before, but it pleased Edward.

"I'll take it that means 'good'?" he chuckled.

"Yesss," I hissed out and pushed back against him. I shivered when he resumed, and the rhythm of his movements matched the swaying of the waves below us.

...

As the stars came out, we made our way down from the nest, and I noticed our cast-off clothing tangled on the rigging and began dragging it down.

"Found your pants over here," I called to Edward, and he dangled my bra on his index finger.

"I'll trade ya for this." He tossed it to me, but my underwear didn't exactly protect me from the chill of the darkening night.

I shivered from the temperature. "It's getting chilly."

"Yeah," Edward agreed. "And I could use a drink. A little rum would fix things … and I think I know just where to find some." He grabbed my hand in his and led me down to the captain's cabin, which was, thankfully, warm and cozy.

Rummaging through a cabinet crammed with rolled up maps and loose parchment, Edward eventually produced a bottle. "Bingo," he grinned. "Everyone knows pirates can't do paperwork without booze."

He scrounged up a pair of glasses and poured out two drinks. "Ain't the kinda thing you'd normally catch me sayin', but it was a beautiful ceremony," he said and gave me one glass.

"Married life making you soft already?" I teased and sipped the strong liquor.

He chuckled and set the rum bottle down with a wistful sigh. "Shame Beth and my folks couldn't have seen it. They're about the only people I would have invited." He shook his head as if to clear away the dark thoughts. "How about you? Anybody you wish had been there today?"

"Me? Uh..." I thought about it but as I tried to think back on my life before El Jardín, I was once again met with just hazy mist. "I don't know," I mumbled, hesitantly.

Edward sensed my uncertainty and frowned in question, so I tried again.

"I don't know, I … I actually don't really remember much from before we landed here."

He nodded sympathetically. "Yeah, know what you mean. It all feels like a lifetime ago..."

I shook my head. "That's not quite what I meant," I said and tried to explain what I was experiencing. "I mean I barely remember anything," I admitted and shocked myself as the words came out. "It's like my past is there, but for some reason, I can't get to my real memories."

An idea too large for me to grasp loomed at the edge of my mind until Edward spoke.

"Screw it," he said, and I looked at him in question.

"Huh?"

"I said screw it," he repeated. "Ain't got much of a past myself. Who needs it?" He lifted his glass for a toast. "Here's to the future. Our future."

Immediately feeling a thousand times better, I clinked my glass with his. "To the future."

We downed our drinks, and then Edward set down both of our glasses before pulling me into his embrace. "Speaking of that, how do you want to spend the first night of the rest of your life?"

I looked around the cabin, and the desk behind us looked very inviting, so I placed my hands on his still-bare chest. "On top of that desk," I said and peered up at him through my lashes, and Edward's eyes widened.

"Again?" he asked, surprised. "I mean, I'm not complaining, but—"

I didn't allow him to finish, but instead, swept everything off the desk before pushing him back against it.

Still surprised by my suddenness, he chuckled. "Remind me not to get on your bad side, babe."

I knelt in front of him and reached for the waistband of his pants. "That was a nice picnic you threw me earlier," I said sultrily. "But you know what I could go for now?" I locked eyes with him from my position. "Dessert."

As I kissed my way up the inside of his thigh, Edward hissed with pleasure. "You're somethin' else, you know that, Bella?"

I smirked. "I like it when you say my name," I said and rose up to lean my forehead against his. "Now let's see if you can say it a little louder."

...

The next morning, we entered the time rift and arrived at a grassy hill outside of Elyys'tel. I noticed Kate was standing by herself and gazing out over the sea, and I pointed it out to Edward.

We walked over to her.

"Kate?" I said to announce our approach. "Everything okay?"

She still startled. "Oh! Hey." She quickly wiped her face and gave us a smile. "Back so soon? How was your getaway?" she asked cheerily. A dark streak of mascara remained on her left cheek, though.

"Is something wrong?" I asked, ignoring her question.

Edward placed himself on Kate's other side. "What's on your mind, Maybelline?" he asked, and despite the nickname, it was obvious he wasn't taunting.

She shrugged. "Oh, it's just been kind of a long week, you know?"

"Does anyone know you're out here?" I asked, pressing her through her dodging. "We should probably head back. The others will be worried."

Kate's facade finally shattered, and she stifled a sob as she covered her face.

"Kate?" I put my arms around her and held her tightly as a torrent of emotion flooded forth.

"I know life's not fair," she sobbed. "But it hurts sometimes, you know? Everything I've done, I've planned so carefully … I've always tried to put the needs of those around me first. Always." She shook her head despairingly. "And maybe I forgot to think about myself. And now it just feels … too late."

Kate buried her face in my neck, and I felt Kaanu's presence before I saw it hover silently and watching us.

"You deserve to be happy, too, Kate," I told her and stroked her hair.

Kaanu floated forward and held out the object in its hand which turned out to be a powder blue stethoscope. I showed it to Kate and she stared at it, astonished.

"That's my—" she exclaimed in shock. The moment she reached for it, everything was swallowed by a burst of light.

When the light cleared, I was in a hospital room, and Garrett's mom was lying down and tapping a TV remote impatiently.

"They don't have any sports channels?" she mumbled, frustrated. "I'm not about to sit here and watch a bunch of tacky gossip—"

Kate walked in donning scrubs and a doctor's coat. "Morning, Mrs. Gayle. How are we doing today?" She leaned down and placed her Tiffany blue stethoscope over Bree's heart.

"Kate, honey, you know you can call me Bree. And I'll be a lot better if you've got a new back for me."

Kate smiled affectionately. "You're actually in really good shape. The X-rays show that your realignment surgery has taken nicely. One or two more days off your feet and you should be good to go."

"I'm never gonna be 'good to go' with this old spine," Bree replied with a slight frown. "But I'll take it."

As Kate filled out her chart, Bree gazed at her thoughtfully.

"You've done well for yourself here," she observed.

"They keep me busy, that's for sure," Kate replied with another smile.

Bree's forehead creased with her frown. "Honey, listen … honestly, I always thought you were perfect for my Garrett. I knew what he heard from those girls couldn't be true. But still, it didn't work out, and it hurt you real bad." She smiled reassuringly. "I just wanna say that I'm proud of you. You didn't let it drag you down, and now, here you are, living your dream."

"Well," Kate said, looking somewhat uncomfortable. "Trying to, I guess, but..."

Bree laughed melodically. "You got ten times the spine I'll ever have, that's for sure."

"I don't know about that," Kate played along. "You're a force to be reckoned with, Mrs. Ga—Bree."

"I guess we'll see!" she said and exhaled slowly. "You got someone in your life these days?"

Kate's gaze drifted back to the chart, then she set it down and smoothed down her coat, preparing to leave. "Like I said, they keep me busy. Anyway, you just work on that recovery, okay?"

There was a knock on the door frame, and Garrett stepped inside. "Was hoping I might run into you," he said with an easy smile.

Kate's professional demeanor softened and a smile began to light up her face. Then she quickly cleared her throat and tried to slip past Garrett to leave. "Sorry, but I've got four other patients to—"

Garrett gently stopped her. "I know you're working hard, but maybe … you could take this with you?" He was carrying two bouquets of vibrant stargazer lilies and he held one out to Kate. Perched amid the flowers was a card that read, 'I'm sorry.' "Look, I know it's a long time coming. I just wanted to let you know that I really messed up … and I hope, someday, I'll get the chance to truly make it up to you."

Kate's eyes widened and she only stared at the flowers.

"Please, take it, Kate."

Bree watched from the bed. "Nobody's perfect, but he's trying, honey," she said, pleading her son's case.

Kate continued to eye the magenta and white flowers and then pursed her lips disappointedly. "I actually hate stargazers … but I suppose I can make an exception in this case," she said with a grateful smile.

"More than generous." Garrett chuckled. "Maybe we could talk later?"

"My door's always open," she replied.

I was returned to the hills near Elyys'tel, and Kate was gazing at the stethoscope in wonder.

"I'd heard that the spirit could … but..."

Several of our friends came walking up from the beach.

"Yo, we heard the VIP lounge's over here!" Peter called out, booming.

Tanya, who was much more perceptive than Peter, walked up to Kate. "You okay?" she asked.

She nodded. "Much better," she replied and grabbed the stethoscope tighter. She then gazed past us, across the sun-dappled hills. "The light out here is really beautiful..." she mumbled. "I've got an idea." She dug into her bag and pulled out an old Polaroid camera.

"Group selfie time?" Benjamin asked with an excited grin.

She grinned back. "Group selfie time!"

"Let's do it!" Victoria cheered.

"Everybody, cram in!" I said and all of us rushed behind Kate to pose for the shot, me tucked tightly against Edward's side while the others made victory signs and either crouched down or stood up on their toes so that we all would fit.

The photo slid out of the camera and into Kate's hand, and she held it out for all of us to see, and I thought it was the best photo I'd ever seen.

She set the photo on her bag, but it only rested a moment before the wind caught it and dragged it away. I tried to run after it, but it was soon gone over the hills.

"Dammit," I complained. "Let's take another." Then I was suddenly struck by a sobering thought. "Cullen told me he saw all of us in a photo, but this is the first photo we've taken together," I mused.

Brisk footsteps approached across the grass as Alistair came running up, panting for breath. "Everyone … w-we're in grave danger..." He doubled over and Tanya rushed forward.

"Alistair, slow down. What's wrong?"

He pointed to the south.

The mid-day sky darkened impossibly toward The Ethereal, and above the hotel, an enormous vortex swallowed all light and shape.

"It's over," Alistair moaned. "We're done. He's activated Project Janus."

~~{MEJ}~~

Meanwhile...

Somewhere along El Jardín's coastline, the Endless was on her back in the sand, her spacesuit a tattered ruin.

"Time … for me to go..." she sighed and extinguished the fire in her mechanical hand. Then she stared up at the starry sky. After a few moments, she chuckled softly. "In the end, ha … I couldn't even save myself. I had hoped they'd be here when it was my time … But it's enough to know they'll be safe."

A shooting star momentarily lit up the sky.

"Oh!" she exclaimed. "Oh, there you are!" The Endless gazed at the constellations, her eyes wide with a tender, childlike joy. "I see you, Victoria. Still swimming merrily along. No matter how strong the tide that pushes against you.

"And there's Peter! Barreling through everything and everyone just like a rampaging bear!

"Rosalie, off on your own again, little crow? Ah, but I know that's where you were always happiest. Just like Edward, the lone wolf we all came to love.

"There's Alistair. That serpentine gaze never quite fit with your kind heart, did it, my friend?

"Emmett! Half man, half magic. Still living his own unique truth … And with him, Kate, unfurling her colors for all to see.

"My fearless dragon, Leah, my mild and lovely Tanya, my loyal Benjamin … and Garrett, watching over them all like the proud, soaring eagle he is. Thank you, my friends … for every beautiful day. For all that we shared." Her voice got softer. "You were worth everything and more. It's because of you that I know what love is..."

There, alone, but under countless stars, the Endless faded away forever.

~~{MEJ}~~

Several hours earlier...

The Omega Mech descended onto the roof of The Ethereal, its thrusters blasted furniture and decorations out of the way.

"And here we are. At the end and the beginning..." Cullen said, satisfied.

Iris's hologram appeared next to him. "The cloning process is still incomplete. It's strongly advised that Project Janus be delayed until a new subject is prepared."

Cullen waved her away. "You already gave me a child, Iris. He was useless to me."

"The new subject's benefit from Hostile specimen DNA—"

"Destroy it."

Iris's holographic expression morphed into one of sadness. "Please confirm command."

"Destroy it!" he spat out. "Do you think I need another 'baby with no crying' from you? I have a strong, worthy daughter … and I'm all the family she has left."

The elevator opened, and McKenzie stepped out. "You got enough firepower at your fingertips to make an Apache copter blush," he gritted out. "Most of my men have died. The hell do you need us for?"

"The early stages of Project Janus cannot be disturbed, Mr. McKenzie," Cullen replied with ease. "Your compensation was increased commensurate with recent losses."

McKenzie glared angrily at him. "And what am I supposed to do with your briefcase full of cash now that the world's gone, huh?"

The Mech took a menacing step toward McKenzie, but the Commander just set his jaw and stood his ground. The robot crouched, and its cockpit opened so that Cullen could stand up.

"Oh, no, my friend … The world is only beginning! And it will soon revolve around men like you and I." He smiled eerily. "You understand what it is to be feared, Mr. McKenzie, but do you know what it is to be worshiped? To make mountains fall at your whim? To be as we are now, forever?" McKenzie didn't respond, but Cullen locked eyes with him. "This is our time. We can't let it slip through our fingers."

"Yeah," McKenzie nodded. "I can make sure they're cut down. No one's getting up here."

"Excellent," Cullen grinned. "Iris, you may begin," he ordered. "'Let us make man in our image' and all that, yes?" He stepped out of the Mech, which rose to a standing position, and blue lights flared in its free hand.

Iris, still looking uneasy, heeded the order. "Project Janus initiated. Spacetime disruption will commence in 3 … 2 … 1..."

Cullen sighed in contentment and observed his work. "A door opens … and chaos becomes order!"

A/N:

We have two married couples now! How sweet! And it was a beautiful ceremony, don't you think?

As Edward said, had they married in any other way, it would have been something like Vegas or the courthouse. This gave them something to remember.

The little getaway on The Dorado was rather nice as well, and what do you think of Edward's little fantasy?

It couldn't be all fluff, of course. Cullen started Project Janus and now a vortex threatens to swallow everything! What will our gang do?

Now that we're reaching the end, I'm no longer gonna give you teasers here below, so you'll just have to wait until next week ;-)

Stay awesome, guys!