A continuous numbing stiffness gradually dragged Tom into consciousness. A faint flare of pain seared his chest, spreading throughout the rest of his body. His face felt unusually heavy for some reason. He grew progressively aware of a repetitive beeping sound echoing next to him, and he could smell the overwhelming scent of antiseptic and a metallic tang to it. He wanted to hide away in sleep again, but he felt a small pressure on his hand and detected another more familiar scent in the air.

One of smoke and peppermint…

Blearily, Tom blinked his eyes open. He was in a small stark white room, lying in a bed, his torso covered in bandages all over, with little plugs attached to his body and an IV bag injected into his veins.

Feeling the small tug on his hand again, Tom glanced down. His gaze softened as his eyes landed on the curled up form sleeping soundly next to him, hunched over the bed with his arms crossed, sitting in a chair. Tom sat up stiffly and gently pulled his hand away to card his fingers through the soft, caramel horned hair.

Tord slowly stirred awake, immediately jolting up when his gaze focused on Tom and realized he was finally awake at last. "Tom!" He jumped to his feet.

"Commie." Tom rasped, his throat hoarse and dry. His whole body ached.

"You're okay!" Tord leaned over him, reaching his hand out to cup his face lovingly. "God, I was so worried for you. You've been out for days!" He bent his head down to nuzzle him.

Tom leaned into his touch and lifted his hand to place over his when he felt something metallic around his eyes. He stopped, palming the mysterious heavy device over his face in confusion.

Tord's gaze shadowed and he pulled away, releasing a sigh. "I thought I lost you…"

"W-what… what is this?" Tom's heart rate escalated and the beeping grew more frequent.

"You are in the Red Army infirmary."

Tord reached into the nightstand next to the bed and pulled out a mirror and held out to him.

A pair of neon digital green eyes within a black screen stared back at Tom through the reflection as he slowly tipped his head left and right. He lifted his hand, palming the device on his face that covered his eyes.

"I created it for you." Tord's voice broke through the silence. Tom snapped his gaze toward him. He smiled back at him softly. "Your eyes… they were beyond saving. They got too damaged in the fight with Reagan. The doctors did everything they could to flush out all the acid and poison from your system, but you would never see again. I worked night and day to make this visor for you to give you your sight back. What do you think?"

Tom stared back at his own reflection, stunned. He experimentally winked and watched the device that makes up his new eyes flicker in and out. He surveyed around the room and noticed for the first time how high definition everything looked. He could even see the specks of dust in the light. His sight had never been better.

"It feels a little heavy." Tom admitted, his digital eyes narrowing. "This is… bizarre, not gonna lie. But I think I can get the hang of this."

Tord nodded. "I can make some modifications later, if you want?" He suggested. "I just wanted you to get used to the idea of it first before making any more adjustments."

"What happened to Reagan?" Tom sat up in bed, his eyes wide. "I don't remember much from the fight. Did I-? Is he-?"

"Shhhh… don't do this to yourself, Tom." Tord soothed, placing his hand on Tom's shoulder and gently pushed him back down. "We're both safe. Reagan won't hurt anyone else ever again thanks to you. That's all that matters now."

Lowering his head, Tom's shoulders drooped and he clutched the bed sheets.

"To hold even a shred of guilt for a person like Reagan is wasteful. Why bother?" Tord couldn't help but ask, unable to keep the bitterness out of his voice at the mere thought of the troublesome Irishman.

"Because he was in pain… and he was so scared…" Tom's voice was no more than a whisper. He reached out in vain with his mind, only brushing up against a faint trace of anger and hatred that was no longer there, but he still remembers its sensation vividly. "I thought- I had hoped that I could reach out to him, the same way you reached out to me that night. If I could've made him see how precious life is to waste it all away on anger and grief, that he would change his mind and see the error of his ways. But I failed."

"It's not your fault. Heck, it's not even your responsibility!" Tord sat down beside him. "You gave him a chance, which is a lot more than he deserved, might I add; and Reagan foolishly threw it away. He sealed his own fate, Tom. You had nothing to do with it."

"I know."

Thinking back to his conversation with Reagan in the enclosure, Tom half expected the voice to pop up and guilt trip him over his failure to help the disturbed troubled man. And indeed, the voice was whispering nasty things into his head at that very instance; insisting that all of this was his fault. But Tom didn't listen. He can't keep blaming himself for things out of his control. He did his part. Reagan didn't. He couldn't have done more.

But there was one thing Tom did feel guilty over.

"Tord, I'm so sorry. I made a mistake." He stared at Tord meaningfully. "For attacking you. For believing Reagan over you. For not fully trusting you… I really am sorry. You're probably mad at me, and I wouldn't blame you if you were. Please forgive me."

Peering into Tom's new pair of eyes Tord sensed there was a lot more than he was letting on and felt something inside of him turn to ice. He rested his robotic hand over Tom's and gave it a reassuring squeeze.

Tom bowed his head and went on. "The truth is… I- I haven't been fully honest with you these last few months." He murmured. "I had doubts about you. I was scared. I was afraid to fully trust you in case this was all some hidden ploy of yours to use me and then cast me aside later. You've proven to be so ambitious in the past that I didn't know what lengths you would go to just to get what you want. I thought you… I thought we weren't real. And I know I have no right to think that of you after all the compassion you showed me… but I couldn't help it. I'm really sorry."

"Tom." Tord let out a soft cry. "You have nothing to apologize for. Of course you would be suspicious of me! Who could blame you after all the sh#t I pulled?"

He inwardly cringed at the memories of his past betrayals. First Tom, then Edd and Matt. He did nothing but prove himself untrustworthy over and over again. No wonder Tom was unsure about him! Granted, Tord had hoped that his recent actions to try and reverse his mistakes had been more than enough to atone for his past attitude, but evidently it wasn't enough.

He will have his work cut out if he wants to gain Tom's trust. Without it, there can never be a relationship between them.

Same for Edd and Matt if he plans to meet and apologize to them in the distant future.

"I am being fully sincere when I tell you that… I love you. I'm sorry I haven't told you that as often as I would've liked." Tord leaned closer to him, resting his forehead against Tom's.

"I know. I see that now." Tom nuzzled him back. "And I appreciate everything you've done for me."

Tord dipped his head and smiled, clasping his hands together. "I am so glad you're okay. Paul and Pat will be thrilled to know you're awake at last."

It would be so easy to end their conversation there. They just acknowledge their mistakes, they talk, and they make up. Happily ever after! And as much as Tom wanted to dismiss his persistent concerns aside and settle down with things as they are, he knew deep down in his heart that he would never be truly happy until he spoke up about what was constantly eating away at his insides.

Pulling away slightly, Tom frowned. "There's… something else I need to tell you."

"Go on." Tord nodded encouragingly.

Taking a deep breath Tom finally mustered the courage to talk. "Tord, I… I don't belong here." His voice faltered.

Tord blinked. "What do you mean? Of course you do!"

"I know you explained it to me in the past, but I can't help it. I am not comfortable with my position in the army. I don't want to be a weapon of war. I don't want to hurt, much less kill, anybody." Tom continued. "For ten years of my life I fully believed I was nothing more than a monster. Someone who does more harm than good and is better off dead. But now I finally have my life back and I want to do something meaningful with it! I don't know what yet, but I would like the chance to explore it if given the chance. I want to be someone who inspires others to do good, and make a change. That's my ambition."

Tord stared at him, his gaze searching Tom's. "What are you saying?"

Tom's heart broke inside his chest the longer he stared at Tord and he longed for the Norwegian man to understand. "I don't want to stay here anymore."

Tord peered into his eyes, mingled shock and grief and betrayal in his gray gaze. "Tom, you swore the oath." He reminded him, his voice rasping in his throat.

"I know I did. And I am so sorry." Tom dipped his head. Guilt surged through him. He'd never meant to hurt Tord, but he understood something now that he hadn't when he'd first made his choice. "At the time, when you extended me the chance to leave, I was so sure this is what was best for me. To remain safe here, be by your side through thick and thin, and fulfil my role as your secret weapon despite the fact I hate it being so. I figured then that if I could be with you nothing else would matter. That it was a small price to pay to reach full happiness. But I see now that's no longer the case. I can work on my happy ending, regardless of where I am."

Tord stood frozen like an ice sculpture as he listened. "What makes you so sure your happy ending isn't with me?"

"It's not that. Of course I am happy with you, Tord. It's just… not exactly the way I wanted it to be." Tom explained plaintively. "I think… we may have rushed things a little. I don't regret us. Not even for an instant. But I was so desperate to be happy that I thought jumping into your arms would secure the bright happy future I desired, despite all the awful things we would do to accomplish such a task."

"You're worried about what I plan to do in order to take over the world." Tord sniffed, turning his head away. "I don't know how many times I have to tell you this, but some things in life take sacrifice to make difficult and long, everlasting changes in the world. War is not nice, but it is a necessary step in order to secure the world as mine and implement the necessary changes. I promise you I only have the best of intentions here."

Tom lifted his head and fixed his gaze intently with Tord's. "Good intentions won't make the world a better place. Good actions will."

They stared at each other for several heartbeats, Tom's words hanging in the air like a thick fog that clouded their surroundings until only they were visible in one another's eyes.

After a few moments of silence Tom finally broke away his gaze and dipped his head. "But I know I can't stop you from doing what you think is right. You worked hard to be where you are now." He caught Tord's eye, pity swelling in his chest. "Just know that, even though I don't fully agree with you… I still love you."

"You do?" Hope glimmered in the Norsk's eye.

"Of course I do."

While his heart ached immensely in his chest, peace flooded over him for the first time in the last month. He felt another pang of regret. Tom knew he was letting Tord down by going back on his word to stay and be a soldier by his side, but even if Tord refuses to let him go he needs to come clean to him now about what is truly bothering him. That alone felt more liberating than anything else.

Tord smiled softly. "I love you too. And I only want you to be happy."

"Please, understand. I have no intention of ever hurting you, Commie. But now that I am here I'd like to be something more than alive." Tom went on fiercely. "I want to take some time off to work on myself. It's not fair to you that I rest all of my insecurities on top of you hoping none of it comes back to haunt me."

"I don't mind taking care of you, Tom." Tord cut him off. "You are no burden to me."

"I know. But it's still not fair to you. I want to evolve, Tord. I want to be more than just my condition. My whole life I believed there was nothing extraordinary about me in the least, but now I can find out for myself what I want to dedicate the rest of my life to." Tom argued. "And I want to figure out what to do with my powers. I don't want to use them to harm anyone. I want to use them to protect others."

When he faced off against Reagan, and even when he took down Tord all those months ago, not once had it crossed his mind that his actions didn't come from a place of cruelty or even hatred… okay, maybe a little bit of hate… but Tom only did what he done to protect those closest to him. It had been an instinct right from the start. Someone posed a threat to his friends and he had to keep them safe at all costs.

Warmth flooded him and Tom smiled. That's who he is meant to be.

A protector.

Now Edd and Matt were both safe and sound, and Ella can finally rest in peace now that he got the rightful justice for her in fending off Reagan once and for all. It was a shame he couldn't have done more for her though.

I promise I will remember you, and carry your memory with me for the rest of my life. Tom silently vowed.

"Thomas, if you think for even a second that you need to go off on your own out of some obligation to protect the rest of us because of something regarding your condition, I am telling you now you don't have to do anything." Tord spoke cautiously. "We all care for you, no matter what you decide to do. You don't have to deal with this on your own."

"I know that. But I want to do this for myself, Tord. I want to do this, and go out in the world until I am well and ready to make things right with the rest of you." Tom answered with clear conviction in his voice. "It's my decision."

This time he knew what he truly wants. He didn't think of this idea on the fly because the voice told him to, or out of obligation to others like Tord thought. No. Tom was sure now that this is something he wants to do for himself and no one else.

"I understand. But… it's not that easy, Tom." Tord shook his head. "By swearing the oath you promised to devote your life to the Red Army, come what may. To leave now when we are bracing ourselves for war would mean treason."

"You're their leader. Is there really nothing you can do?"

"I'm sorry, Tom. But I did warn you to think carefully about your decision."

Hearing his words, Tom hung his head in resignation.

Tord felt a pang of guilt in his heart that gradually worsened the longer he stared at him.

Every fibre of his being wanted to keep Tom close. The Red Army oath was the perfect reason to deny him his wish. But Tord knew deep down he could easily mend that, if he so wishes. Part of him argued that with time Tom would learn to deal with his situation and grow happy to be with the Red Army, just as he did before. That it was all a matter of getting used to the idea.

But would Tom ever be truly happy with them?

He seemed so happy before when it was only the four of them. Tom, Paul, Patrick, and himself. But it seems that it is only in their off time when the Red Army is not involved. When it is, Tom has no interest in their goals whatsoever. Can he really force his own life into Tom's just on the selfish idea that he doesn't want to part with him, with the belief that with a little time he will settle into the idea and be happy with him?

But that's not what Tom wants.

He expressed his wishes very clearly. And after all the suffering he endured this past decade, doesn't he deserve the chance to seek out his own happiness, even if it is someplace else far away from him? It wouldn't be the end of the world to let him go, and besides… he kinda owes it to Tom.

The Red Leader within him refused to abide with the idea. But Tord gradually reminded himself that he was the Red Leader, and what he says goes. Even if this decision will ultimately break his heart, he knew it was the right thing to do for his dearest and greatest friend who suffered for way too long.

He deserves better.

Tord sighed, lowering his head. "Well… I guess there's only one problem left for me to deal with now."

"And what's that?" Tom asked.

A robotic hand gently lifted his chin, raising his head so that his digital eyes could meet a single glistening gray eye staring back at him. Tord was smiling at him sadly.

"Just how much I am going to miss you."

Tom's eyes rounded with surprise. They simply stared at each other, sadness clouding their gazes before Tom lurched forward and wrapped his arms around Tord in a tight hug. He ignored his aching body's protests as he buried his face into the crook of Tord's neck as the Norwegian firmly returned the hug.

"Thank you, Tord. Thank you so much."

Two weeks have passed since Tom first woke up in the infirmary. He had to stay a few more days until Yanov was fully satisfied with his condition and gave him the clear to leave. During that period Tord made several upgrades to Tom's visor; including night vision, waterproof, and adaptability into his monster form – whilst also helping Tom adjust to his new pair of eyes.

And today is the day.

After many days of planning, it is finally here.

Tom finished packing his one bag. He didn't have many belongings here with him ever since he first arrived in the base, but he was allowed to take whatever he could with him. Mostly essentials and a few sentimental items.

The door slid open behind him.

"Our transport is ready to depart." Tord stated by the doorway, hands folded behind his back. "Are you ready?"

Tom smiled, lifting his bag over his shoulder. "Ready as I'll ever be."

A small thrill of fear sparked within him at the prospect of leaving his home for the last year today. But he shoved the nervousness aside, wondering about the new opportunities that would be opening up to him after today and easily replaced the anxiety with excitement.

Tom and Tord exited the laboratory levels and ascended into the hangar. Tom kept his head held high, but felt curious looks sliding under his skin with each soldier he passed. He wondered how many of them knew what today means for him, and that they wouldn't see him again after this.

As brief as his time in the main base was, Tom was glad he got the chance to interact and get to know some of the soldiers, and understand their way of life.

Just before they reached the facility, they heard a voice call out to them. "You weren't planning to leave without saying good-bye to us first, right?"

Paul and Patrick walked up to them, hand in hand, their eyes bright but sad. Tom smiled as they approached.

"I wouldn't dream of it." He said. "You guys are great, and I'll miss you two so much."

"Good luck out there, Tom." Pat dipped his head. "Do you have everything you need for your travels?"

"Yup! Got everything I need right here." Tom motioned his bag.

"Remember, if you ever need anything you will always be welcome back here in the Red Army." Tord added.

"Thank you." Tom then turned back to Paul and Pat with a bright smile and a mischievous look. "You two better hurry up and get married already. Sheesh! You guys are killing me with all this wait!"

"I know, right?" Tord said.

Patrick laughed and folded his arms across his chest. "Oh we couldn't possibly go forward without you there, Tom."

"Oh just you wait you guys." Tom promised. "I am going to become a marriage officiant, come back here, and officially marry the two of you myself if I have to. I will make it happen."

"Oh my god, can you really make that happen?" Tord asked.

"With the internet? Of course I can! There are online courses to become marriage officiants, didn't you know?"

Pat smiled. "I can't wait."

Finally breaking the silence and unable to hold in the waterworks anymore, Paul lurched forward with a broken sob and wrapped his arms around Tom in a crushing hug. Tom's digital eyes rounded with surprise, but he eventually relaxed and hugged Paul back whilst patting him on the back soothingly.

"It's okay there, big guy." Tom murmured. "I'm going to miss you too."

"You're gonna marry us and it's going to be beautiful." Paul sobbed but still managed to smile despite that. "Then… Pat and I will draw straws to see which one of us will marry you two. I can't wait."

Tom grinned. "That will be great."

"Take care, Tom. And good luck!" Paul pulled away. He was about to wipe his nose on his sleeve until Patrick offered him a tissue.

"Thanks." Tom then shook hands with Pat. "Thank you for everything you guys have done for me."

"Don't mention it." Pat smiled sadly, his eyes glistening. "Things won't be the same around here without you though. But I hope you'll find what you're looking for out there."

"Good-bye, guys."

Tom nodded and then stepped back, holding back his tears as he waved them good-bye when Tord began to lead him away. They kept waving at each other until they were out of sight.

A helicopter was ready and waiting for them. Tord spoke briefly to the pilots while Tom hopped inside, situating himself near the window before Tord joined him, taking a seat right beside him. They didn't have to wait for long until the helicopter took flight.

They soared through the skies. Tom looked out the window, watching the ground grow farther and farther away. The sun was low in the sky off to the West, painting the clouds gold and orange as it sank behind the mountains over in the horizon. The weight of the moment suddenly dawned on Tom. His heart seemed to be doing some kind of painful thumps in his chest.

"Nervous?" Tord asked.

Tom gulped. "A little. But it's the good kind."

Tord stared at him for several heartbeats before nodding. "Here; I got something for you." He pulled a device out from the inner pocket of his uniform and placed it gently in Tom's hand. "A communicator of your own. This way you'll have access to me, or Paul and Pat if necessary. I'm serious Tom. If anything happens, or you are in need of something, don't hesitate to call us. Or even just to keep in touch with each other."

"Thank you." Tom pocketed the device away.

"I guess this means this is the end for us, huh?" Tord pointed out, his head drooping.

Tom squeezed his hand. "It means this is a 'not right now', Commie." He said. "We love each other, and we can keep doing so even from afar. But our relationship will have to be put on pause until we meet again."

"I know." Tord bit his lip anxiously. "But the wait until then will kill me."

His words made Tom wince.

The upcoming world war will be devastating, even without a monster in the frontlines. It will be dangerous. Anything can happen. And without Tom there to secure his win, the Red Army could very well lose the war with one wrong move on their part. If that happens, Tord will be executed for his crimes.

This could very well be the last time they ever see each other.

Tom didn't want to think of that possibility.

"Don't worry about me." Tom murmured. "Focus on doing your best and winning this war as quickly as possible, and with as few casualties as you can."

"I will. I promise." Tord vowed. Then he paused, his tone softening. "I understand that you don't want to be part of my plans. But... I hope you get to be part of my future someday." His eye shone with such love that Tom felt the wind being knocked out of him and left him breathless.

Taking his hand in his robotic one, Tord lifted it to his lips and placed a kiss on the back of his palm.

"I hope so too." Tom agreed.

In a matter of hours the helicopter began to make its descent, just a few miles away from the nearest town, on the outskirts of the Red Army perimeter. They landed on top of a grassy slope. Tom and Tord hopped off and walked together down the hill in silence, hand in hand. Both just enjoying these last few minutes with one another before the inevitable farewell and separation comes about.

Their time together was drawing to an end.

"Here we are." Tord announced as they drew to a halt at the base of the slope. He nodded toward the treeline on the opposite side of the meadow. "Keep heading straight and you should arrive in town. Do you have any idea on where you're going first after this?"

Tom nodded, his eyes brimming with sudden sadness. "I mapped out a plan with Patrick. I will stay in Norway for a little while and then head off South. I'm thinking about renting a boat and sailing away."

He felt Tord's hand on his shoulder. His legs felt suddenly heavy.

These last few days since he left the infirmary had been special. A lot of excitement devoted for what comes next in the new chapter of his life and what he will dedicate his future to. But Tom also spent plenty of time enjoying the last days with Paul and Pat, but most of all Tord. His time spent together with them would live forever in his heart.

"So I guess this is it, huh?"

"Your future awaits." Tord sighed, turning to Tom and taking both hands in his. His gray eye bore into his digital ones. "Promise me you'll be safe out there. And should you feel overwhelmed by your powers or the voice again you can always contact us."

"I promise." Tom vowed. His gaze darkened. "One last thing. Once you start the war… what will become of Matt and Edd?"

"I will send soldiers after them. To keep them safe and away from the war. I will talk to them, apologize, and explain the whole situation." Tord answered, tipping his head. "May I contact you when I have them in custody?"

Tom hesitated. He didn't know how to feel about Tord's plan to go after their friends, but he had to remind himself Tord wouldn't hurt them. He is merely going to do the best he can to make sure the war won't hurt either of them and then make amends like he wants to. Tom would hate if anything happened to any of them. Maybe this was for the best.

"Yes, you may."

"Do you plan to visit them at some point in your travels?" Tord asked. "They will be ecstatic to see you again, I'm sure."

Tom considered the idea at great length but ultimately shook his head. "I want to find myself first before I see them again. I want to have something to show so that our time apart can actually mean something."

That sounded more like an excuse, but Tord didn't dare argue. After all it's not like he himself was running back to see his old friends any time soon. "If that's what you think is best." He merely dipped his head.

Finally it dawned on them that they had nothing more to say to each other and the time to part was here.

Lunging forward, Tom dropped his bag and wrapped his arms around Tord and hugged him tightly. Tord returned the gesture wordlessly, closing his eye as though in pain. He chuckled bitterly under his breath. I don't want to let him go. But he knew he must.

"Good-bye, Tord." Tom sniffled, holding back tears as they threatened to pour down from beneath his visor. "Thank you for everything." He nuzzled into his neck.

"Good-bye, Tom." Tord pressed his scarred cheek against Tom's for the last time. "Please, take care. Good luck out there."

They parted briefly only to reconnect again with a deep passionate kiss. Their arms wrapped around each other so that their bodies were pressed flush against one another, relishing the contact one final time.

After several long heartbeats have passed they finally pull away, their hands still intertwined. They both stared deeply into each other's eyes a few moments more.

Tord's eye glistened. "Tom, you…" He sniffled and had to pause to recompose himself, breaking into a small smile. "You will be great. No matter what you decide to do from here on out. I am hopeful you will find what you are looking for out there."

"Thank you, Tord." Tom smiled back despite the tears clouding his vision. "This means a whole lot to me."

Tom picked up his bag from the ground, ready to start his journey, and slowly pulled his hand away from Tord's grasp.

Tord's heart ached with dismay as Tom's hand slipped from his and he turned away with one last glance at Tord before heading off. He watched as Tom grew more distant from him by the second. He merely stood there and watched; unable to move, or do anything at all but to observe his most precious friend leave him. The familiar unbearable pain of loss threatened to overwhelm him, but Tord found himself strangely numb to it this time. Although he was greatly saddened by Tom's departure, he also couldn't help but feel exhilarated and content for him. He understood better than most what it means to leave those you love behind to seek after your own ambition. The Red Army is all about second chances and he is glad to have given Tom another shot at happiness, even if it means they may never see each other again.

I will find him again. He silently vowed. I will win this war for him and our friends, and we will be together again. I will wait for him – forever if I have to.

With each step taken Tom felt more and more at ease. This was the start of a new chapter in his life, and he was taking the necessary procedures to shape his own happy ending. Even though he had to part with Tord and leave everyone he ever loved behind for now, he felt like he could do this. He wasn't helpless to his condition.

His life had been entangled with his friends' for so long he never thought he could ever have a life outside of them. A life of his own. And while he will miss all of his friends very dearly and face the world's harshness and wonder all by himself, he will dedicate his time into searching and carving out his own path.

The voice had been completely wrong about him. There is a future where he can be happy out there without fear of things going horribly wrong all the time.

Tom could sense Tord's gaze following his every movement as he approached the treeline, his form blurring into the distance. He turned around, seeing the Norwegian man standing alone on the other side of the meadow. His hair and uniform blowing in the wind. Watching him with a dazed expression. Tom felt bad to leave him, but he had to have hope that they will meet again someday in the not so distant future. That they will reunite and live the rest of their lives together once the war is over.

Now that the time has come, Tom found it hard to put another step in front of the other that will lead him away from a place where he was so deeply loved.

Taking a deep breath, Tom turned away once more and lifted his head to the gold-and-orange streaked sky.

He was alone now… but he was also free. Free from the fear, guilt, and anguish that had plagued him consistently over the past decade. He was in control of the monster now as well as his own destiny. No one will decide his future for him but himself. The voice won't control or torment him any longer, and he will make sure no one falls prey to the monster again.

The future was scary but also ripe with possibilities.

The future is in his hands to shape now, and he could do anything he wanted.

Stepping through the undergrowth with one last deep breath, Tom disappeared into the treeline and vanished away from Tord's sight once and for all. His heart cried out to stay, but he knew he had to keep walking and ignore the hesitation. The shadows closed in around him.

Good-bye, Tord. We will meet again some day.

Tom was finally free.