Epilogue






And that, young ones, is how humans and Andalites saved the universe, Merin finished.

The two stared up at him, half expecting the story to somehow continue. Their uncle was excellent at telling stories. And he did so often, to their delight. This specific story they had both heard a thousand times, at least, maybe even more, as it was Merin's personal favourite. But they never tired of it.

Their mother, though, wasn't as delighted. Merin! Stop filling the children's heads with nonsense.

Merin swivelled his stalk-eyes up to look at her. It isn't nonsense, Larynia, he said. The children, Cassara and her older brother Erikkili, turned towards their mother and nodded importantly, agreeing.

Larynia laughed and clapped her hands together. Of course it isn't, she agreed. Now you two, get some sleep. Move it!

The two did as they were told, stretching lazily and yawning. They were tired, despite stubbornly staying up to be with their uncle. It was late, after all.

"I don't think it is such a bad story," Marco said from where he was sitting in a chair, seemingly having been buried in a book. "It portrays your temper excellently, dear."

Larynia glared at her husband. But she never managed to glare as angrily as she wanted to at him.

"And of course," Marco added quickly, getting to his feet and slipping his arms around her waist. "It shows what a wonderful, brave individual you are." He put on his best smile.

Larynia returned the smile, but then turned back to her brother. Don't scare them with your talk of defeats, she said. The Yeerks are still out there. You talking about defeats and failures won't help anyone. And they know the Time Matrix is a myth. If we do get defeated, we cannot count on the help of that myth.

"Be nice to your brother," Marco murmured. "He's going back to the Yeerkbane tomorrow. Let him tell stories if he wants to."

Larynia hesitated, reminded that she might not see her brother again after he left. Also reminded that, if he was called on, Marco might leave as well any time.

At that thought, she snuggled up closer to him without really thinking about it. Do you want anything to eat before you sleep? she asked her brother.

He sighed and declined, smiling. I'll be fine.

Larynia nodded. Are you leaving early tomorrow?

Before dawn, Merin said, the smile gone. Do not worry. I won't disturb you two or the children. I shall let you sleep.

Larynia pulled loose from Marco's grip, walked up to her brother and hugged him, lightly, and then pulled back, smiling. Some human habits, she said. Are actually useful. Goodbye, Merin.

Merin nodded and touched her cheek with the tips of his fingers. I won't be killed. Don't worry.

Larynia nodded, maybe believing him, maybe not, and walked back to Marco, taking his hand.

"And just so you know," Marco said. "I don't mind you telling stories. I think they're great. Make up some other ones as well. Since they kinda fit into what really happened, they are actually realistic. It's a nice idea." He shrugged. "You know I hate long goodbyes, so good luck and don't get yourself into more trouble than you need to."

Larynia and her human husband left the large room, leaving Merin to stand and watch them go. The fighter pilot sighed, rubbing his temples. 'Realistic'? he murmured to himself. If only you knew. If only you knew.






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*SIGH*

I'm going to miss this story...

Just one more thing. Someone - don't remember who at the moment, sorry - said something in a review about how easy it would have been for them to just "change" the reality to fit their purposes with the Time Matrix, and create a world where the defeat never had happened. Like in the Andalite Chronicles. They could have done that, of course. Except for one little thing. Cassie was dead; if they'd have wanted her alive, they'd have to "create" her again. And she'd have ended up a "mockery of a person", as Loren's mom was in that mentioned book. As well as that, the story would have lost a lot of good material. A lot of good ideas.

And, most importantly, it'd have been too easy. IT WOULD HAVE RUINED ALL MY FUN!!!