(DISCLAIMER: This is NOT the final chapter. Merely something to help tease it, as well as provide some much-needed background about how Maxill changed over the years. If you wanna head right to the finale, you can skip this chapter when I finish writing chapter 18. Now then... This is the story of a man who wanted to do what was best for his loved ones. And it cost him... everything.)

Many many years ago...

(The music "Subcon Forest Time Rift theme" from A Hat in Time plays)

Maxill was doing everything right, within his control. His hair was combed, his tuxedo was void of any stains, and he made sure his posture was right at home in a fancy restaurant like this. And yet, he still felt nervous. The waiter had already given him his free bread while he waited for his date to arrive. His palms were sweaty as he kept looking back at the clock, and the door, and the windows. He knew it'd only make time go slower, but he couldn't help it. But while he was considering bailing out on the whole thing, there she was. Walking in like that good-looking woman from those Detective Noir films. As she was checking in, he took the opportunity to put on his best act of composure, looking at his reflection in the window to assure himself he looked fine.

"Sorry for the late arrival. Dear ol' daddy decided to give me the whole 'make sure he treats you well' speech before I left. And you know how he can go on for quite a while." She said, playfully rolling her eyes. "I understand what you mean. My aunt Draglede has a strong case of neophobia. One time I brought my new phone with me, and she aggressively accused me of witchcraft." That story made her chuckle, something that helped Maxill feel less anxious. Elline then looked at the menu. "Have you decided what you wanna order?" Maxill grew an awkward smile. "I actually haven't even looked at the menu yet. You?" He asked, speaking truthfully. "No, but I'm certain I'll figure it out before the waiter gets back."

Maxill nodded along. He still remembered the day they met. She was having a rather audible argument with her employer, Rick. Well... it was more accurate to say 'ex-employer', now. The rumors always painted him as a guy who wanted everything done a certain way, and if his employees deviated from the norm in the slightest, he'd totally lose it. The whole exchange ended with her tossing her apron at the overly hairy ape of a man, and marching out the door. Being the gentleman he was, Maxill walked out to check on her after she seemed to have cooled down a bit. She said she was looking for a part-time job, to help pay off her college funds. Feeling sorry for her, he bought her a soda. And the two proceeded to chat.

Before leaving, Maxill told her they had an available job at a clothing store in his family's hotel. And if she submitted an application, he'd try and put in a good word for her. So he gave her his business card, and they waved goodbye. She did end up taking the job, and their relationship grew from there. Thanks to his good deeds, she was able to get the money she needed. And now, here they were on a date. Something told Maxill, that this was the beginning of something special...

Timeskip...

The wedding was a joyous occasion. Friends and family alike attended the ceremony. Elline had spent weeks making her own wedding dress, and she looked like a dream in it. Not that she couldn't afford one through normal means, heavens no. She just had that spark to add her own personal touch to things. That was what he liked about her: she was everything he wanted to be. Passionate, resolute, never losing sight of her goals. And Elline seemed to like him for his kind and good-willed nature. There was no hesitation when they gave their vows.

After all the excitement, the newly wed couple returned to their hotel for the night. These events only served to strengthen the pre-existing playground discussion among the staff about Elline essentially romancing her way to the top, but they didn't let it bother them. And Maxill made sure no one got away with hurling such accusations at his wife. This day would go down as one of the happiest, for the two lovers. And the metaphorical sun of these glory days was still high in the sky. It's amazing, how easily such a wonderful memory can be turned into one of bitter sadness.

Timeskip...

Elline was walking back from putting Vinny in her crib. Gently closing the door behind her. Sitting in an armchair not far away, Maxill chuckled. "No need to be so cautious. You know she can sleep through almost anything." Elline smiled, taking a seat next to him. "Yeah, but better to be safe than sorry. She gets cranky without enough shut eye." The fireplace was nice and warm, even as the winter winds were starting to blow in, outside. Vinny seemed to like watching the snow plow out the window, whenever the road needed clearing. Elline was looking forward to the day when she got older, and she could film her making her first snowman.

Speaking of Elline, she was able to reconnect with an old friend of hers, in the form of Hellen Gravely. When Hellen offered to set up shop on the new floor, Maxill happily agreed. He felt his wife could use some spa time every now and then, considering her maternal role towards the latest addition of their family. Vinny was a happy child, but dealing with any baby tends to get exhausting from time to time. Raising a child is a challenge that you shouldn't expect to be magically repayed for, but some would argue that sharing the special moments in their life with them is reward enough for the effort. And Maxill and Elline would agree, there.

Timeskip...

It was mere minutes after he finished writing his final diary entry, and hid the collection somewhere safe. He was out on the balcony, watching the sun beginning to be swallowed up by the horizon. He heard a knock on the door. "Come in." He didn't even need to look back, to know who it was. "You wanted to see me, father?" He sighed. This wasn't gonna be easy for either of them. "Yes, dear. Please... come here. I need to tell you something important." Vinny paused, but walked over anyway. She had a worried expression. "Am I in trouble, dad?" Maxill hung his head low, and shook it. "No. No, you're not... and I know this may sound weird, but... don't call me dad." That didn't seem to make her feel any better. "What? But why?" Maxill looked away, not wanting to look her in the eyes. "It's... not important. I need you to listen carefully: I placed my trust in someone I shouldn't have. And now that decision is coming back to haunt me."

Vinny didn't say anything. Likely because she didn't know what she could add to this serious talk. Maxill's palms were sweaty. "A bad person is coming to the hotel tonight, and he wants to hurt you and your mother. I am not... I am NOT... gonna allow that to happen..." Vinny furrowed her brow in concern. Wanting to speak up, but not knowing how to address him, since he doesn't want to be called 'father'. Maxill let out another sigh, and faced her. "Even if we fled for the rest of our lives, I don't know if he'd still find us. But I have a sliver of a plan. I want you and Elline to hide. Find the best place to hide that you can, before the sun goes down. Since the terms of the contract take effect tonight, if you can just stay safe until morning comes...!" He realized he was clenching his fists, and took a moment to regain his composure.

"...But what about you? What are you gonna do...?" She asked, her voice tinged with sadness. He didn't feel like he was even fit to tell her, but they didn't have much time left anyway. "I'm not going to run from this. I was the one that brought this on us, and I'm going to take responsibility for what I've done." He knew this was probably the last thing she wanted to hear, but if he didn't get it out now, he would likely have missed his chance forever. "You can't do that! What if something happens to you!? Mother would lose it, and... and...!" Her eyes started to tremble, welling up with tears. But Maxill started turning for the door. "You'll be fine. I have no intention of leaving you like this. It's the coward's way out. Rest assured, Vinny: I will make this right. Weeks. Months. Years. It doesn't matter. I will make... this right." He then walked away. He didn't want to leave her without a proper goodbye, but he couldn't bear standing in her sunlight any longer.

Besides... it would probably be easy for her to forget him, in time. In fact... in fact, her life would probably be much happier...

without him.

Near present day...

Maxill awoke back in his office, like every other night. Why do these bad memories feel the need to taunt him on a regular basis? He never forgot his promise, that day. He'll never let himself forget his promise, that day. He heard a knock on his door. "Come in." He stared. It was Vinny. Standing in her usual upright manner, with her arms folded behind her back. "I wish to inform you that Mordread is once again making our female guests uncomfortable. Though the recent drop in complaints suggests that your warning had some effect on how he conducts himself." Maxill sunk back into his chair. "Figures. Notify Kruller to escort him to my office, after his shift." Vinny nodded in a slow robotic fashion. Her voice, and her eyes completely empty. Either because her emotions had faded away, or because she had long since suppressed them.

"It will be done." Vinny stood there, in case Maxill had further instructions. And it turns out, he did. "Good. Now then, I have an important task for you, a few days from now. We'll be having some special guests at our hotel. Four revered icons from the Mushroom Kingdom. You will be informed of their identities tomorrow. I would ask you to see them safely to their rooms. That is all." Vinny once again nodded. "Very well." And with that, she walked away. It was better this way. Keeping things purely professional. Helped give him some semblance of peace. But his job wasn't done yet. He's a man of his word, and he will not go back on it. His only salvation was his final words before his time was up. He will make this right. If it was the last. Thing. He. Does...

(The music "Midnight Mountain" from Spyro: Reignited Trilogy plays)

(Be prepared for Chapter 18: Contractual Obligation.)