I'll just say that if there is something mentioned in this TSOT fic that contradicts the last TSOT fic, this one will take precedence. For example, the first TSOT fic takes place in March, this one will take place in May. TFBW takes place in April. So there's a one-month time difference in-universe.

Nevertheless, I hope you guys enjoyed reading this fic as much as I enjoyed writing it, because honestly this was the most fun writing experience I've ever had.


Chapter Twenty-Four - Finisterre.

It was a rather warm Saturday at precisely 1 PM. The streets in front of South Park were not that busy, relatively speaking for adults. In terms of children, however, things were different. Most of the children were wandering around socializing or playing non-electronic games such as tag with each other - which really isn't surprising, given what today is. Given that we're currently in the month of May, the snow was melting somewhat, though a substantial amount still was in the general Park County region.

When I got in front of the South Park Mall, which was now fully rebuilt and refurbished, however was when the mess began. There were two large crowds of children in the parking lot, at least one hundred of various ages on each side, across the street from each other, divided based on gender. On the mall side were the boys. On the street side were the girls. What was more surprising however was that not only were they all in their roleplay gear again, they must also have their World of Warcraft powers once more given that some of them were warlocks with felhunter and some of them were Death Knights with ghouls by their sides. At least scanning into the crowds, I could see that none of them were from my class. Still, Ray must have gone back on his word so quickly since yesterday...but why?

Speaking of the devil(s), Ray and Damien came up to my left side, standing side-by-side with each other. Damien looked upon the scene and snickered darkly. "Ah, silly mortals...such petty squabbles...such frivolous games. The Gender War...their doing...they reap what they sow."

"Guess I'm not shopping now. Anyways, Ray, why are they all roleplaying right now?" I'm not mad, I'm genuinely curious.

Ray almost choked a laugh. "You remember how Cartman saved that photo of me and Scott Malkinson at the strip club when we were playing superheroes? Turns out that fat fuck sent over that to Nelly Hall. She, as you can guess, used that as leverage against me." Well great, of course Nelly would do that shit. "Of course, I'm unable to only give girls powers unless the boys swore fealty to me, so I made a compromise: I made it so that so long as you're in South Park, you can have your powers."

"If it makes you feel better Stanley," Damien added, "none of the children from Herbert Garrison's class - the Grand Alliance - are participating in this conflict. Dare I add that they refuse to even roleplay at all."

Upon hearing that, Craig, Clyde, Token, Tweek, Sally, Heidi, Nichole, and Annie showed up behind me in their normal clothes. "Yeah, fuck them," Sally said.

"Let's just sit back and watch them beat the crap outta each other," Clyde added.

"Hey Token," Heidi said, "you made a mockumentary of Eric Cartman's obesity called 'Fatty Doo Doo' once, right? Think you could do sort of the same for this Gender War?"

"Yeah, if they're gonna keep acting all sexist like this, we might as well make money off of them, right?" One one hand, Annie has a point. On the other, the ethics of this is quite...questionable at best.

Apparently Token has no qualms about this, given that he replied with, "You know what? That's not a bad idea. I'll be back in ten minutes with my camera." Token then left.

I looked forward, given that Tammy Nelson from the girls side began to yell at the boys. "That's right, you stupid boys! All of you deserve to die!"

"You're all nothing but whore sluts!" Douglas Petunia, or Doug, shot back. "Slores, I should say! You wanton temptresses hold no sway over us!"

"Oh fuck you!" Monica Ryland yelled.

"Time to die!" Louis Emery, or Lou, screamed.

The boys and the girls began to go at each other, attacking with swords and sorcery. This is eerily reminiscent of what happened back in Middle Park two days ago, where the Gender War eventually came to this. This time though, I honestly don't feel any remorse for them. This war has gone on way too long now, and really, if they're going to keep acting like idiots, then I won't feel one bit sorry for them. I have spotted something straight across the street on the roof of one of the buildings.

Chris and Kathy were both on the roof. Chris had his phone out with his right hand recording the fight while his left arm was holding Kathy. Both were laughing as they watched Chris's phone. A moment later, the pair laid their eyes upon me. They both waved and smiled happily at me, and I couldn't help but smile and wave back. Seeing the pair having fun was nice to see.

I decided to leave my other friends and Damien alone, and I headed west to take my leave. I bypassed a few more children who were also roleplaying, but they all left me alone. Eventually, I passed by City Wok. However, as I was about to walk towards Stark's Pond, two children came out of the front door - Kyle and Bebe to be exact. They looked into each other's eyes, unable to notice me for now.

Kyle scratched the back of his neck with his right hand. "I...I had fun traveling with you yesterday. I was just wondering...if you don't have any plans if you wanna get some ice cream right now."

Bebe smiled, holding both of Kyle's hands. "I do, but first, there's something I've wanted to tell you, for a really long time." Bebe frowned, then looked at her shoes. "I'm not sure how to say this."

Kyle only lifted Bebe's chin so that she could look him in his eyes and he smiled at him. "I know." They both leaned in for the kiss.

Well, this technically isn't Kyle's first kiss. Still though, it was really awesome to see both of them happy together. After a few seconds, they split apart. Noticing me, they waved and grinned before the pair walked south towards the police station. I can't really blame them for only wanting to wave, since I think the pair want to spend time with each other.

Eventually I reached Stark's Pond. There was a single bench on the east side of the pond and I sat there alone. Looking at the north side of the pond, I saw Ellen and Tyler together, and Ellen was holding a green kite in her hands. The pair briefly waved at me before walking into the treeline towards the west, and really, I'm not sure why. At least though sitting by myself I have some time to think alone. But first, I have to read two more texts on my phone.

Draco texted me, Thank you so very much yesterday, travelers. Because of your help, Harry Potter no longer has an iron grip on our school. I apologize on his behalf for any prejudicial remark against you. That was really nice to see, and I'm glad North Park will be doing better for it.

Rachel texted me, The Kids Next Door is no more. A dark deed that had to be done - but I will miss the time I had in there. Still, I have to thank you travelers for what you did. I'm deeply sorry for any trouble my ex-agents gave you. This also warmed my heart to read.

Truthfully, the adventure has only lasted two days, though I feel as if everything I've been through was a culmination of what we have done in the past two years. This wasn't only about Cartman, but about all of us as well. When I first started third grade, I really only cared about Kyle and Kenny - I didn't really give much of a shit about Cartman as I always found him rather annoying. Then Wendy came along, though really, I was always nervous around her as I wanted to be badass. Having her around helped me feel badass, but for the most part, it's just Kyle, Kenny, and myself. Hell, I didn't give much of a shit about Butters either, thinking he was just a complete dork.

Fourth grade was originally going to be much of the same, but then became a much different beast. Within just of September I broke up with Wendy, then reconnected with her over a corrupt list Bebe made. By mid October was when all hell broke loose - the Gender War beginning, and Cartman and Heidi getting together. Things calmed down for a bit after Christmas, but March when I first went on my first journey with Wendy to Sovngarde made me realize how much we needed each other, and how much we only treated each other like prize. Playing superheroes helped me realize that as long as we have each other everything would be okay. In that sense, I suppose THIS adventure made use realize that we all can make a stand. I have much more to cherish and protect than when I first started third grade.

"Hey Stan."

Apparently I've been so engrossed in my thoughts that upon hearing Wendy's sweet voice, I jumped nearly an inch. "H-h-hey!"

"Aw, did I scare you?" Wendy giggled softly before moving in front of me. "Anyways, what are you doing out here alone?"

"Just needed some time alone, reflect on everything." Well, that is nothing but the truth.

"Mind if I sat next to you?" In response, I scooted slightly to the right, and Wendy sat to my left. My heartbeats quickened - I'm still quite nervous and emotional around her, can't act like a complete dumbass, right?

From the treeline in the distance where Tyler and Ellen entered was exactly where they exited just now. Tyler ran out first, and Ellen ran out a moment later, with a kite completely in air. They stopped in front of each other and Ellen handed the kite rope to Tyler. A moment later, the kite shot east, pulling Tyler along. Ellen pointed and laughed at Tyler before chasing after him.

"Aw, they look so sweet, almost as sweet as Chris holding Kathy - or especially Kyle and Bebe kissing."

Blinking, I turned quickly towards her. "You saw Kyle and Bebe kiss?"

Wendy nodded. "I did. And they won't be the only one."

Not the only one? Oh, there's only one solution to what will happen now. "Um-"

Wendy didn't let me say anything anymore as she leaned in to quickly kiss me in the lips. We held about eight seconds before she retracted. "You stopped throwing up. What happened to the old Stanley who couldn't even talk to me without vomiting?"

"I had to grow out of it some day." And thank God it couldn't come sooner.

Wendy leaned her body against me. "You're still nervous though."

I felt my cheeks burn hotly. "I g-guess I still am."

"What's nervous to be about though? You were awesome the past two days. And the way we kicked Cartman's ass? We should all be celebrating, not going to war again."

I sighed deeply. "I...just want us all to stop fighting. I mean, sure, our class and friends stopped being sexist, and that's well and good, but it's not good enough to have only them get their act together. We still have lots of ways to go." I held Wendy's hands as I turned to her. "Nelly blackmailed Ray."

"How?" Wendy asked.

"The exact same way Cartman did. He sent the photo to Nelly, probably to cover his tracks."

"Those bastards!" Wendy squeezed my left hand so hard she nearly crushed it. I winced, though I doubt she really meant to do that. "S-sorry. Is your hand okay?"

"I'm fine, I promise," I replied. I think I'll be fine still.

"They all grew on me," Wendy replied. "All of them. Well, Bebe's always been with me, but the rest of those five. Especially Kyle." I wasn't sure what Wendy was getting at, so I tilted my head at her. "Kathy...she's energetic. Pretty smart too. I'm sure she'll get places."

"Same here," I agreed.

"Chris is really loyal. He's the toughest to approach and befriend, but he'll stick like glue. Ellen...she's so sweet, so kind. She doesn't deserve any shit. Tyler is the guy who will never give up, never back down. Despite his family, he'll always fight the power. Bebe gets alot of bad rep for being bitchy - she can be to be fair, but she's really sweet inside. And Kyle..." Wendy gently rubbed my left hand. "I used to be jealous of him. Seeing you both hang out all the time...well, I thought you two were..."

"Wait, you thought we're gay for each other?" I couldn't help but laugh.

"Yes...I mean, no!" Wendy groaned as she lightly slapped my left shoulder, so lightly that I barely felt the slap. "Stan, stop teasing me!" She tried to scowl angrily at me, but instead ended up giggling. "What I meant to say is that you know...so close you didn't need me? I suppose in a sense I am still jealous."

It's one of those aspects that continues to haunt Wendy. "Wanna talk about it? I'm all ears."

"I do worry, you know. Kinda sucks not really having anyone to talk to at home." I motioned with my right hand, as if telling Wendy to elaborate further. "Well, you remember what I said back at that tram at the North Park Airport? Or heard what I said to Ellen back at that damn castle?"

"How could I forget? Though I suppose it does make sense. I mean no offense, but it's why you seem...attention starved? Love starved?"

Wendy nodded. "I do worry about losing you. Though I suppose when I think about it, I miss the attention you gave me when I was looking at Bridon." Wendy frowned. "I've complained about you taking me for granted, but really, I should apologize for doing the same to you."

"First, regarding the Ms. Ellen thing, I was a really stupid third grader, and I am still sorry for throwing you aside like that." Wendy nodded at me. "Now that said, you know I am fully aware of your jealous streak. Like when you found out I had a facebook page, how crazy you got."

Wendy cringed. "I'm not sure why you're still so nervous around me."

"The truth is...I'm still terrified of what you think of me. Look, we both have problems and for a long time I wanted you to see me as perfect, and I've done so much to impress you - I can't put all my problems on you."

"I'll be fine, trust me." Wendy smiled. "You know, you had the hoarding issue, or the depression issue."

I leaned back on the bench now as I looked forward into the pond. "I suppose that's true." I rotated my arms a bit.

"Why'd you come here of all places?" Wendy asked.

"It brings back memories - when we first met." I held my hands to my heart. "I figured I'd find you here sooner or later."

Wendy rolled her eyes and groaned. "You could have just texted me if you wanted to meet me here."

"Wouldn't be much of a surprise now," I teased back.

Wendy put her hands on her hips as the corners of her mouth formed a slight smirk. "Oh, so this is a surprise now? Then in retrospect, I'm glad I gave you that surprise kiss." Wendy ran her fingers through her hair. "Speaking of surprises, how about some surprise reflections on each other?"

"Well, I mean-"

But Wendy continued. "This is the side of you that I love seeing. The caring, tender side. You don't need to be so nervous all the time." Realizing it now, I guess I have relaxed a little once I started talking about where we are. "When we were in Middle Park, I was a bit jealous that you were talking with the other couples, but looking back, what you did was really sweet."

"I stirred alot of shit calling everyone out," I replied. "I just wanted to ease the tension a bit for what I said."

"That is exactly why I think you're a sweet and tender person." Wendy smiled brighter. "Sure, you've done quite a bit to impress me, but honestly, I've been super impressed with you already the way you handled everything the past two days. And your motive for going after Cartman..."

"Honestly, I thought he was always up to something - but I still stand by the statement that he is one of us, despite how horrible he is as a person," I replied.

"It's understandable, really." Wendy turned away from me to stare out at the pond. "Still though, the fact you even bothered at all is undeniable. And I loved your speech at the assembly yesterday. We all need a wake-up call at this point." She turned around in her seat so that she was facing behind. "I passed by the mall earlier today. The boys and girls are really going at each other. It's sad. I understand boys and girls always have differences, but I just wish we can respect each other's strengths and weaknesses instead of what is happening now."

As I continued to listen to Wendy speak, I've realized that she has changed a bit. "You seem less aggressive about all of this now."

"Honestly, before, I was way too hostile. That Photoshop situation shook me." Wendy groaned. "Cartman was right all along. Not that I didn't believe in the cause - I still think everyone should be happy with who they are, but I also wanted to be the prettiest girl."

"That part's still true, but there's more to it than that." I gently held Wendy's hands now. "Alot of people see you as outspoken and political, and yeah, I can see why, and I like those parts about you, but I know you're more than just that. I love your energy and positivity. People can claim that you're just trying to be an attention whore - fuck them seriously. That's what I love about you - the way you can always manage to get a smile out of everybody you meet. How you're so empathetic to others that you can almost immediately guess how they feel, and most of the time you're right." I chuckled lightly. "It's almost as if you could read people's minds."

"It comes with experience. I always pay close attention to how my mom and dad interact, you know since there's nobody else in the household besides me, it gives me time to analyze. No bothersome siblings or pets to preoccupy my time."

"Also time to hone your talents alone, such as your singing." I must admit, hearing her sing is very soothing. She has many talents, and singing is among one of her best.

"You want to hear me sing?" Wendy smiled even wider.

"Who doesn't?" I faced her directly now. "I mean, between you doing the High School Musical stuff...and the way you sang back at the airport in North Park, I'm surprised that you're surprised that anyone wants to hear you sing."

"I'll sing that same song only if you sing with me."

Upon hearing Wendy, I felt my cheeks burn once more. "I s-s-swear to God, someone is secretly watching us. Stalking us. Waiting to record us."

"If that's what you're worried about, you're already too late - I bet Bebe is gossiping about you at this point," Wendy giggled.

"Well there's nothing left for me to lose, is there?" I scoffed.

Wendy cleared her throat briefly before starting. "'Summer after high school, when we first met, we'd make out in your Mustang to Radiohead, and on my eighteenth birthday, we got matching tattoos...'"

That was when I joined in with Wendy as well. "'Used to steal your parents' liquor and climb to the roof, talk about our future like we had a clue, never planned that one day I'd be losing you...

"'In another life, I would be your girl, we'd keep all our promises, be us against the world, in another life, I would make you stay, so I don't have to say you were the one that got away, the one that got away...'" And from there, we kept singing.

Kyle was right all along when he said what he said yesterday, and now I cherish everything I have. No matter what gets in your way, always live on and live strong. For life is a journey. The places you go...the deeds you do...the tales whose hero you become...every road is yours to take...so journey forth into this great world you live in...and find an adventure all on your own.


My mind is made up. This will be the last fanwork I plan on doing for South Park in the near future. However, as I said in the last chapter, I'll still be around the fandom, and I'll still be frequenting the South Park Archives discord (the fandom wiki discord for those who are confused). The discord invite is still: /invite/south-park

With that said, writing this had been an epic journey for me and I hope it was for the rest of you all, and in my opinion this had been my favorite piece of writing I've ever done. It's not perfect by any means, but this one I will cherish myself.

For those of you who stayed until the end, my deepest gratitude. Thank you all very much.