Epilogue: A New Beginning
June 6th came and this was the last day of the school year. So, me and Ringo got ready for the day ahead of us and waited until it was time for Lemres to pick us up. He arrived and we stepped outside… The weather was so warm and breezy on this day; it was so nice. Me and Ringo were finally wearing clothes made for the summer, too. I simply wore a blue t-shirt, as well as shorts. And as for Ringo, she was wearing a red and white sun dress… and she also wore white sandals. Unlike us though, Lemres decided to stick with his trademark outfit, despite how warm it was.
Lemres: "Alright, are ya two ready to go? It's the final day of the school year."
Me: "Yep."
Ringo: "Absolutely."
Lemres: "Right. … You know… Primp Magic School's staff have decided that it was time for me to graduate. They realized the kind of power that I have after Ms. Accord, Rulue, and Witch told them how I saved all of ya at one point against Yoggus. After coming to know that: They said I was becoming an extremely powerful magic user, and suggested that I should go out into the world to either go to a magic college or start making a living."
Me: "What? But… Me and Feli won't get to see you anymore in school."
Lemres: "Aw, don't be sad, Dave… I'll still always find a way to spend time with ya. It's not like I'm going away or anything. Besides, who's gonna take you to Primp if I'm not around?"
Me: "L-Lemres…"
Lemres: "C'mon! Let's enjoy our last day of school together, Dave."
Me: "... … Yeah."
I softly smiled and the three of us went through a portal to reach Primp Magic School. I said goodbye to Ringo for the meantime and me and Lemres made our way to Potions class. There, we met up with Feli, who decided to wear a sundress, like Ringo. However, hers was a light purple in color… Also, Feli was wearing light purple flats to complement her sundress.
Me: "Feli… you look great in that."
Feli: "Th-thanks… Michelle picked it out for me."
Feli blushed and I made a warm smile… And not too long after that, the final Potions class of the year started. Once the class ended, I said goodbye to Lemres and Feli… Then, I walked over to Ms. Accord's classroom. By the doorway, was the instructor herself.
Ms. Accord: "Hello, Dave. Are you looking forward to Summer Vacation?"
Me: "Yeah, I am. With all the friends that I have… there's no way that I'll get bored."
Ms. Accord: "*giggle* That's wonderful… Anyway, I thought I should let you know that I will have something to say to you and your classmates when class starts."
Me: "Is that so?"
Ms. Accord: "Yes."
Ms. Accord smiled and I went inside the classroom. And there, waiting for me… were all of the rest of my school friends.
Everyone Else: "Hey, Dave!"
Me: "Heh. It's good to see you all for this final school day…"
I took my seat and class began… though, I wouldn't have called it a class on a day like this. Ms. Accord came in and began to speak to us.
Ms. Accord: "Okay, kiddies… as you may know: This is the last day of the school year. Me and the other faculty members of the school talked the other day, and we decided that some graduations for students were in order. So, for this period: All classes will go outside to cheer for the graduates when fifteen minutes have passed."
As soon as she said that, I KNEW what this entailed. When the time came… the whole class went outside, along with the rest of the students in the school. Outside, was a small stage with a microphone posted on it. Many of the students were sitting down on chairs that stood in front of the stage. Meanwhile, all of the instructors were standing off to the sides. We sat down on several of the empty chairs and waited for things to begin. Eventually… the principal, Mr. Zier, got up onto the stage and walked over to the microphone. Once he was ready, he took the mic and began to speak.
Mr. Zier: "Hello, everyone. I know that this is the first time that many of you are seeing me for the first time… but I must tell you that I am the principal of this school."
Miscellaneous Students: "Woah…"
Mr. Zier: "In any case, we are here to see some students that are ready to graduate and move on in life. But before we go through with that, I should mention that this has been a turbulent year. I'm sure you all remember hearing about the school burning months ago…"
Miscellaneous Students: "*gasp* *various murmurs*"
Mr. Zier: "Yes, that was an unfortunate event… more unfortunate than any of you would know. And there were other things going on that none of you even knew… You see…"
Mr. Zier told all of those students that this world, and another, were both on the brink of destruction at one point, and the reaction that the students had was to be expected.
Miscellaneous Students: "*major gasp*"
Mr. Zier: "Worry not, though… the two worlds were saved by not only Ms. Accord's Basic/Intermediate Magic Training class, but all of these people as well."
And then, everyone else that joined in the fight against Yoggus appeared at the sides of the stages. And yes, even Schezo was standing there. All of those other students were floored by this, especially since they were seeing Hohow Bird in the flesh.
Miscellaneous Students: "*various bits of chattering*"
Miscellaneous Male Student: "Holy crap, it's Hohow Bird!"
Miscellaneous Female Student: "He saved the world!"
Mr. Zier: "Ahem. … … If you would let me finish… All of these people should be praised equally for saving two worlds from total destruction. So please, give each and every one of them the respect they deserve. … Beyond that though, let us celebrate the few students that are graduating from this school."
Miscellaneous Students: "*various murmurs*"
Mr. Zier: "So first, let us applaud for… Cheryl."
Miscellaneous Students: *applause*
Mr. Zier: "... Next: Mike."
Miscellaneous Students: *applause*
Mr. Zier: "... Then... Victoria."
Miscellaneous Students: "*applause*"
Mr. Zier: "... Rachel…"
Miscellaneous Students: *applause*"
Mr. Zier: "And finally… the one who deserved to graduate the most: Lemres."
Everyone: *major applause*
Mr. Zier: "These five students here have been with us for a few years now… and they have displayed incredible levels of magical power. You may all be upset that they won't return in August, but trust me when I say: They will have a good life in the real world, and possibly receive job opportunities over time. In any case, let us hear each of them speak of their experiences here."
Everyone: *applause*
One by one, the graduates all spoke what they wanted to say… and in between those speeches… more clapping came from the students. This continued until Lemres was ready to speak. He looked nervous at first, but then he saw me and smiled.
Lemres: "Hey there, everyone… I jus' wanted to say: I feel proud about saving the worlds with all my friends. We worked hard to protect people like you, as well as your loved ones. However, I wouldn't have been able to display such great magical power without the help of one guy in particular… Dave. You've been the best kind o' friend that I could ever ask for, and I need to thank you for being' with me for months now. … C'mon, say somethin' up here as well! Let everyone know how influential you are as a person."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing there, but I was getting excited. Lemres gave Mr. Zier the mic back and he looked like he was urging him to allow this. Mr. Zier nodded and spoke into the mic once more.
Mr. Zier: "Yes. We should let Dave say a few words here as well… Come, Dave."
I stood up and began to walk over to the stage. Ringo briefly stopped me and whispered something to me.
Ringo: "Go on. Tell them how amazing you are, Dave."
Me: "Yeah."
I got to the stage and got on it. I approached the microphone… and began to speak. I told all of those students how incredible I was. I told them that I changed multiple people for the better… I told them that I was the kind-hearted, yet firm Demonic Dragon Warrior… I told them that I was the reason that all my friends befriended me in the first place… And, I told them that because I was able to have so many friends… I was able to save the worlds. Once I was finished, the students clapped more and more for my accomplishments, to the point where they began to roar into cheers.
Miscellaneous Students: "*large crowd cheer*"
I stared in awe with the amount of warm reception I was given… I was recognized by these students as a hero! I made a wide smile and said:
Me: "Th-thank you, everyone!"
The event soon ended after Mr. Zier allowed me to back down. And from there, the school's bell clapped.
Mr. Zier: "It looks like this school year is now over… Everyone, farewell. For those who are returning here for the next school year: Things will be quite different. More classes will be added, and we will tell you more about the updated curriculum once you all return in August. As for the first day of the next school year, you will all be sent a letter late into Summer Vacation. In that letter: It will tell you what day school will start again. Until then, take care."
All of the students began to leave to retrieve their things from the school as me and my classmates stood up. We met up with everyone else, and we all stood together in a circle after I urged everybody to make a circle. Everyone did this… except Schezo. Though, I didn't mind. I understood why he didn't join us in the circle.
Me: "Guys, it's been great meeting you all and coming to know you for the people you are… … The school year may be over now… but that doesn't mean we'll ever stop having fun together. In fact… I believe things have only just begun. This might have been the end of a turbulent school year… but endings always lead to new beginnings. No matter what life throws our way from this point onward… we'll live out our lives as best as we can and smile."
Everyone Else: "Yeah."
Me: "Let us put our hands, and wing, in the middle… and raise them up in the air."
Everyone silently nodded and we all placed our hands in the middle. Then, we shot them up in the air and cheered:
Everyone: "Let's enjoy life to the fullest!"
We all hugged, shook hands, and smiled. Ringo and Feli each kissed me on the lips… and all was happy. We were now living a life of peace, and I couldn't have been any happier knowing that. Soon enough, though... everyone, aside from Ringo, Lemres, and Arle began to each say their goodbyes to me for the time being.
Sig: "You were cool, Dave… I like you as a friend. See ya."
Klug: "Once again, thanks for everything you did for me, Dave… Farewell."
Raffina: "I'd love to spar you some time, Dave. Bye."
Lidelle: "Th-thank you for being so kind, Dave… Goodbye…"
Tarutaru: "You have been quite exceptional, Dave… Goodbye."
Yui: "You are so strong, Dave… Also, thank you for allowing me to meet who would become my adoptive father. Goodbye."
Amitie: "Dave, let's have fun again soon! Bye!"
Witch: "You were a great student to teach, Dave! Please come back to my class next year to set an example for both new and returning students alike. … Alright, I'll be going now. Bye!"
Rulue: "You've surpassed me when it comes to physical strength… you should be proud. And, thanks for getting through to me at that fighting tournament. I must go now, take care."
Ms. Accord: "You were such a wonderful student, Dave. You worked your way up from not having any magical power whatsoever... to being one of the strongest students that I have ever taught. Also, you are such a kind person... For that, you have my absolute respect."
Popoi: "You should be proud of your accomplishments, meow."
Ms. Accord: "At any rate, I believe that it is time for me to get going. I'll see you in August, Dave. Farewell…"
Tee: "Hey, thanks for helping me realize my mistakes, Dave. I may have grave sins on my back… but I'll turn it around for the better, believe you me. I'll try to do everything that's in Yui's best interest, too! So... goodbye."
Hohow Bird: "Dave… thanks for showing me what being a true hero is all about. Let's take down future criminals and villains together! Until then… Stay valiant!"
Satan: "Dave… you're the reason why we won the final battles. Ecolo told me that you came to learn of the spell: Final Judgment. And thanks to your knowledge of that… our triple fused form was able to use it to kill Yog Chaoticus. Also… thank you for everything else you did. You are forever welcome to come to the Puyo Underworld and check it out… ... My relationship with Rulue has deepened for a while now, as well… and I think it'll continue to grow. Anyway, I must be going now; I have an underworld to maintain. So farewell…"
Michelle: "Thanks a ton for helping me out of my insanity, Dave. Also, I'll have to remember to thank you again when we do go up to those lawmakers and take that stupid law down. Until then, see ya later."
Feli: "Thank you so much for coming into my life, Dave… I'm so happy. I hope we can keep this love life of ours going with Ringo and Draco. A-anyway, I have to get going. Bye!"
Ex: "Dave… you were such a wonderful friend to me. I honestly didn't think I would ever meet someone else who was as kind-hearted as me before I met you. Thanks for everything, my friend… Goodbye."
And then, all there was left… was Arle. She came up to me and began to cry with tears of joy.
Arle: "Dave… *sniff* You were so great… I hope you can stop Schezo from taking my power away."
Me: "Of course, I'll protect you from him for as long as I can Arle… … Speaking of which…"
Schezo: "Dave, are you ready to fight me for supremacy?"
Me: "... Yeah… HAAAAH! Let's go!
Me and Schezo began to fight against each other with everything we had… It lasted for a good thirty minutes, but no true winner could be decided in the end. Schezo vowed to defeat me the next time we would fight and he left with a smirk on his face. And then...
Arle: "Well… I guess I'll be going now, too. Bye, guys!"
Me, Ringo, and Lemres: "See ya, Arle."
Lemres: "... … Now, let's get you two home."
Me and Ringo: "Yeah."
And so, a week passed and a couple of things happened during that time. First off, me and my friends went over to the city of Terra to give the lawmakers what for. It took a lot of effort… but we eventually convinced them to remove the law after explaining that the law itself was taking away freedom from certain groups of people. And because of that, the law was taken out, and the lawmakers made this change known to the entire region. So, Raffina and Lidelle were finally able to express their love for each other while in public… and transgender people were also offcially recognized and encouraged to love and marry whoever they wish.
After that was done, we all went up to space with the SS Tetra to try and find Ex's wife. It took a couple of full days to search, but we managed to find a woman who was in a small spaceship… and she turned out to be Ex's wife, whose name was Wy. From there, me and my friends continued to live life to the fullest. I knew that I was going to enjoy the fun times that were to come. … However, little did I know at the time… someone was talking to themself somewhere in the shadows of an undiscovered place beyond space and time… and they were plotting something.
?'s POV
?: "So, you managed to kill Yog Chaoticus, Dave… *irritated huff* Damn it... I must get rid of him before he starts causing problems for me. But I don't have enough power to do it myself… What can I do to…? … … …! That's it...! I'll trap him in this... And once I do, I'll be able to do what needs to be done. So go on... live your current life, Dave. But make no mistake: I will take you out of the picture… and you will never see your "friends" again. *chuckle*"
The End…?
Author's Notes: So, this is where I WOULD say: "That has been it for The Misadventures of Dave.", but... that's not really the end. See, for about a little more than a year now... I planned on having this story stop at a cliffhanger. Why? Well, there are MANY good reasons for this decision, but I can't say any of them here because that'll spoil you guys on what's to come. However, what I CAN say is that the entire story of Dave isn't over yet… not by longshot. There's going to be a direct sequel to this story coming at some point in the future… and let's just say that it's going to be VERY interesting. It definitely won't be as long as this story, but it'll still be lengthy in its own right. You might see what it's all about once it's release, but for now… it's a total mystery to you guys.
Anyway, holy crap, I'm FINALLY done with writing this behemoth. I didn't think my first story would keep going until now. I began posting chapters for this story all the way back in 2019, and now it's 2022! Damn, does time fly by when you write stories like these… Although, it didn't take 94 or 95 chapters to finish this like I thought. I was close with my guess, since the epilogue was technically the ninety-third chapter… but I was off by one or two. That's fine though, this story was already long enough as is. Had I actually kept in the entire fights of the sixth, seventh, and eighth Yogs: This story probably would have kept going for another 20 chapters or so.
Like, I had to condense things there… especially since I didn't come up with particularly interesting things for the last three Yogs. Plus, writing out good, long fights is difficult and time consuming. And that's what the Yogs fights were supposed to be. Thankfully, I was able to work around that because I had already written out lengthy fights for third, fourth, and fifth Yogs. And considering that I basically had twenty or so characters go into the final battles… I found a way to at least make the fight with Yoggus somewhat lengthy, by making the characters say various lines. So in other words: Artificially increasing the length of what was essentially the first half of a final boss fight in an RPG, Dragon Ball Z style. In return, though… the "fights" with Yog Swartus and Yog Chaoticus were more like short victory laps.
Anyway… This is where I ask you, the readers... the question of the hour, now that this story is over: How much did you guys like it overall? Which arcs or separate chapters of this story did you like the most? For me, my favorite arc of this story, and this is just personal bias talking here… but I really liked how I constructed the fighting tournament arc. That was probably the best written arc I made for this story. It wasn't rushed, it had good build-up, and the plot twist near the end of it was effective. At least I think so… Now, I'm also open to any criticism you guys have for me. After all, I know for a fact that this story isn't perfect. At the time of me writing these notes: The first twenty or so chapters were written sloppily because I was younger back then, and I didn't have as much experience with writing stories as I do now.
Also, in retrospect, I think the beginning part of this story meanders about a lot. Now, sure… there were funny and lighthearted moments within those first twenty chapters… but a lot of the writing there is juvenile and lacks legitimate maturity. That, and there wasn't much to the story back then, in terms of narrative. And when I got to a bit of the Yog stuff... I wanted to move away from that juvenile writing, make the story more serious, and introduce a long-lasting conflict. And that's exactly what I ended up doing. However, I still made it a goal to have the characters go back to some lighthearted fun every now and then. After all, this wouldn't be a Puyo Puyo story if all of the fun elements were dropped in favor of having a completely serious narrative.
So really, I wanted to find a healthy compromise here and I think the last thirty or so chapters did just that. So, there was both lighthearted fun and serious business, and I like it when stories have both of these things. In any case, that about wraps it up for this story. I hope you guys have enjoyed reading it… and I'll see you all for the sequel to this story, whenever it may come out. One thing's for certain with its release, though… I'll only release the first chapter of it once I've finished writing every single chapter for it, so that I can update the story weekly and without fail. With all that said… until Dave's next adventure, stay… tuned, I guess. Bye, guys!
