Chapter 06: Returning home
After they reached the base, Zero welcomed the two of them and then they went to the teleportation room where Alia had prepared the teleporter for Magnum. "Coordinations are set to Iron Earth.", Pallet said. "All systems are working right.", Layer said. "Everything is set and ready to go.", Alia said. Then, Magnum stepped into the teleporter and looked at the Count. "Looks like this is a farewell, my friend.", the Count said with sadness in his eyes. "Why don't you come with me? My friends would be more than happy to know you!", Magnum requested. The Count was hesitated to Magnum's request and said: "I don't know."
Zero put his hand on his shoulder and said: "Go with him, Edmond. It would be good for you to know the Iron Leaguers." "If that's the case, then let's go.", the Count said with a smile then stepped into the teleporter next to Magnum and Alia transmitted the two of them to Iron Earth.
Meanwhile, Gold Heart was sitting in her usual place, thinking of Magnum Ace when she suddenly heard his voice:
Magnum Ace(from afar): Guys!
Gold Heart: Could it be...?
Topjoy(looking at the distance): Hey, everyone. Is that who I think it is?
Magnum Ace(getting closer): Hey! Guys!
All: Magnum Ace!
Bull Armor: It is him!
All the team met up with Magnum in the middle of the training field. They all had a group hug and Magnum was extremely happy for being back with them. "Man. You had us worried to death. Where have you been all this time?", Mach Windy asked. Magnum explained everything to them and how he had a good time with people in Paris. "Woah! I didn't expect that you would've lost your memory. How did it feel?", asked Gold Foot. Magnum sighed and said: "Well, I felt like I was in a maze and I couldn't get out. But somehow, you guys were always in my heart." After saying that, Magnum stood up and pointed out as he said: "Now, everyone. Let me introduce you to his Excellency, the Count of Monte Cristo!"
The Count appeared to the Leaguers and bowed to them. "Good day, Monsieurs. I'm the Count of Monte Cristo. It's a pleasure to meet you all.", he said. Then, he turned his vision to Gold Heart and said: "Well, looks like we're destined to meet again. Right, mademoiselle Heart?" "Indeed we are, Edmond.", she replied to him. Everyone was surprised, especially Ruri:
Topjoy: Oh my God!
Kiwami Jyuurouta: So you two know each other, huh?
GZ: Woah! So the Count is also Edmond Dantes?
Gold Heart: Exactly. And something else... (slaps the Count on his cheek)
Gold Mask: Sis.
Gold Heart(with tears in her eyes): How could you do this to me?! You had Magnum with you the whole time, but you didn't say it!
The Count: Heart.
Gold Heart: You should have told us! I would've been relieved to know that he was with you. (starts crying)... Why did you do this? Does my feelings mean nothing to you anymore? You idiot!
The Count(smiles): You have all the reason to be angry. But I need you to know that I did that on purpose. I wanted him to come back to you unharmed, physically and mentally. That's why I kept his place a secret.
Gold Heart: Idiot.
The Count: Yeah. I know. Sometimes, I act like a fool. I'm sorry, Eagle.
Gold Heart(embraces him): Thanks, Ed. You're a good friend.
Topjoy(starts to cry): Oh my God. This is a sweet moment. Me can't hold myself. Somebody please hug me.
Mach Windy: Topjoy.
Later that day, Gold Heart took the Count in a tour around Iron Earth and introduced him to many other leaguers as: Gebara, Wild Hawk, Alucard, Amp and Watt, Dues, Thirteen, Health Parse, Grey Link, Jet Setter, Sisely and Dyke Dyson.
Then, they returned to the Silver X's headquarters and watched the sunset on the sea. "You know? I understood what you meant that day.", the Count said. Heart just looked at him wanting to hear what he has understood. "You were right. Sometimes the heart of an Iron Leaguer is more honest than humans. I understood that when Magnum retrieved his memory and saved my life. He had the light in him the whole time. He just needed a chance to let it go.", he explained. Heart was proud of what he has learned and said: "Well, I'm glad you have learned this from the Iron Leaguers." After that, the Count went back to Paris and told everyone about what he saw in Iron Earth. 'Who knows? Maybe someday, Magnum would propose Eagle and they will have kids. I wish to her to live happily with them.'