EPILOGUE

The group rested in Bosstown that night. Mayalo apologized for the town's dilapidated state. He was clearly embarrassed by what Mozaro had done under his nose. The lizardmen, goblins, and other hostile creatures were banished from the town, and scampered back to the nearby forests and mountains where they'd come from. Mozaro had kidnapped various magic users since taking over Bosstown. They had all been freed and were excited to reconnect with their loved ones. The group even saw Enza.

"I am sorry for anything I did to any of you!" He apologized for the hundredth time over dinner. It turned out he was one of Mayalo's assistants before Mozaro came. The group kept forgiving Enza for what happened while he was brainwashed. He was so grateful for the forgiveness that he allowed everyone to scratch the chin of his trusty falcon, Dudley. He insisted that the bird had been his best friend for years.

With everyone freed, and their resources restocked, the group was ready to depart Bosstown. They received nearly endless praise from the citizens for their accomplishments. It took them longer to leave then they would have liked just from saying goodbye to everyone and accepting their thanks.

They finally began their walk away from the city limits of Bosstown. For the first hour of the journey all five members of the group were silent. Nobody knew what to say to each other. Finally, it was Maxine who broke the ice.

"So what's everyone doing now?" she asked loudly. Nobody knew how to respond. "Well," she said when no one answered quick enough for her liking. "I'm going back to Everred. Lena will be thrilled!"

"I think Lore and I are going to Summerville," Trick said. "We need to see our mom. She needs to hear about our adventure from us."

"What about you two?" Lore asked Zack and Cody. The twins looked at each other.

"I don't know," Zack said. "We've got a lot of stuff to figure out." He shrugged. "We still need to figure out how to get home." This brought a more uneasy silence over the group. "Sorry, guys." Zack chuckled. "We have people back home."

"We know," Trick said. "We're gonna miss you two."

"Surely you won't miss me," Cody said quietly.

"I don't know. You're a lot like Lore. I've grown to like Lore," Maxine said.

"Thanks," Lore said rolling their eyes. "Can't deny that we are a lot alike," they said to Cody. He smiled at Lore's vote of confidence.

"I appreciate it," Cody said.

"I guess with all those magic users freed, we might do well to get some advice from them. Maybe they can help us find our way home!" Zack said hopefully.

"Not a bad idea," Cody agreed.

"So you guys should probably head back," Maxine said.

"We actually left some stuff with Trick and Lore's mother in Summerville. I'd like to

get it back," Zack said.

"You want eggs and bacon," Cody jeered. The group laughed. They enjoyed each other's company the rest of the day as they trekked onward to their destinations.

They set up a camp as they neared Everred. As the others went to bed Zack went up to Maxine. She smiled at him.

"Well, you did it," she said. "I'm so proud of what you did. I'll admit I didn't expect us to pull it off." She folded her arms and threw a stick into the crackling fire. "It was amazing."

"Thanks for helping, Maxine." Zack was fidgeting. He was trying to build up nerve, and he didn't know how to say what he wanted to. "You know," he started. "I know you want to go back to Everred, but I'd love if you stayed with us. We make a good team, you and I. Us. You know?" He looked at her. She was smiling as he stumbled through his pitch.

"Who'd have thought this is where our relationship would end up after I robbed you and your brother blind." Maxine laughed.

"That's right! Your group!" Zack said, trying to shift conversation away from his apparently failed proposal. "What happened to them?"

"Those guys," Maxine laughed. "I gave up the bandit business. They're free now to do what they want with their lives. I don't need to steal my way through anymore. Savior of Bosstown has a profitable sound to it." She smirked as she poked the fire.

"Good," Zack said. He was turning red.

"I think you're awesome, Zack," Maxine said. She was looking at him seriously. "It would be a crime against the universe if you and I weren't fighting on the same team again. In terms of heart stuff, though…" she paused to formulate her words. "Mine is with someone in Everred, and has been for a long time." Zack nodded, and smiled. He felt an enormous weight leave his chest. It was like two universes worth of pressure had been released at Maxine's answer. He could move forward.

The following morning the group resumed their trek to Everred. Zack walked with Cody. They weren't saying much to each other, and Cody was fine with that. He appreciated that Zack forgave him, but they needed to have a long talk about their next steps, and how they can better work together, utilizing their newfound abilities. A few hours into the walk, Trick and Lore joined them.

"Hey, got a second?" Trick asked. Cody nodded. Trick was practically bouncing up and down, clearly having trouble containing their excitement. "Well, Lore and I were talking last night," they began.

"All night, Trick means," Lore interjected. Their eyes were bloodshot and baggy. Clearly they had wanted to sleep, but Trick was too talkative.

"We still want to go home and see our mom, and Arka," Trick started. "But we also want to stay with you guys! So, if you'll have us, we'd love to join you, and help you find your way home!" Trick had a bright smile at their news.

"I appreciate it Trick, but you guys don't owe me anything." Zack said.

"Maybe," Lore replied. "This isn't something we're doing out of a debt. We want to help you guys. Trick and I are adventurers. We aren't going to find that at home."

"It's why we left in the first place," Trick added. "Our first adventure started horribly, but ended up being good because we met you guys."

"That is of course if you'll have us," Lore said. Zack looked to Cody who nodded immediately.

"Of course you guys can stay with us!" Zack said. The twin jesters were ecstatic at the news. "And of course if Maxine wants to join, she's more than welcome!" Zack called to Maxine. She turned and smiled.

"I'll be sure to answer that call!" she exclaimed. The group was all smiles as they continued their journey. They didn't know what would be next for them, but the prospect of facing it together thrilled all five of them. This world was strange, and Zack and Cody were still outsiders, but they were ready to discover the answers they sought.