The track "Endless Night", from "The Lion King" Broadway show, plays as Simba speaks with Aslan. You can find this track on my second music playlist for this story on YouTube.
Also, I did notice the irony is I went full circle with music and chapters, in a way. Since we, me as the writer and you as the readers, began in the Prologue with "The Lion King" characters, we come to the Epilogue with a few "The Lion King" characters, and others as well. In all, it still is an interesting irony.
Epilogue:
Resolutions
The strange high-pitch sound dissipated sometime in the mid-morning hours.
When the villains and their minions regained their senses, Maleficent ordered the villains and the minions to search every inch of the Merswold Camp, including the underground tunnel network and its many chasms, chambers, and corridors, for the nine heroes. Right away, one of the goblin scouts told Maleficent that the Jedi Knight named Anakin Skywalker left the scene by use of one of their starships. Appalled by the news, Maleficent returned to her throne room. There, she used a hologram to contact Darth Sidious. Right away, the Sith Lord appeared, but only as a holographic projection.
Maleficent immediately informed Darth Sidious the events that occurred after their last meeting. She included the events of the previous night and the early morning. After she finished her story, Maleficent told the Sith Lord, "Darth Sidious, it seems that the Jedi Knight you requested to kill – his name was Anakin Skywalker – has recently stolen one of the starships in the underground hangar. I am told that he also killed your old apprentice, Darth Maul, as I knew would happen."
However, Darth Sidious seemed pleased by this news. "Mistress Maleficent, do not be burdened with the affairs of Jedi. Allow the Jedi Knight to return back to my galaxy. I will deal with him there myself."
"What do you mean?" asked Maleficent, confused and shocked.
Darth Sidious merely cackled, but ever so softly. "You see, I have plans of my own for this particular Jedi. Since he defeated Darth Maul, I sensed that you detected a hint of darkness the previous night?"
"Yes, but… what can this mean? This Jedi Knight, Anakin Skywalker, might become one of us?" asked Maleficent, still confused but understanding Darth Sidious' plan a little. Disbelieving only slightly, Maleficent told him, "Darth Sidious, I cannot imagine how you can turn a hero into a villain. The whole idea is preposterous."
"Believe me, milady. If this can be done, it will. You can guarantee there was more than one hero last night who showed some signs of darkness. Thanks to your own diversion with bringing Sauron back, the Ring-bearer may feel, once again, a hint of darkness in him," said Darth Sidious.
"As I had hoped would happen. This Halfling has already proved easy prey for me, the villains, and Sauron himself. I can guarantee that we will find the Halfling again and bring him before Sauron, as promised," said Maleficent.
"Good," said Darth Sidious. "It would be a shame if this Halfling – Baggins is his name – plans on killing you first with that other short sword of his."
"The Seeker short sword?" asked Maleficent, appalled again. "Darth Sidious, now you are living in the past."
"I prefer to live in the future. It is much safer for the likes of me, and not you. Have fun with this Halfling, while you can. Let us hope he does not gain new friends and allies in the near future. That girl in the prophecy may not prove useful to any of us yet, but in time we may need her assistance to strengthen our ends," explained Darth Sidious. He then ended their conversation. "Now, I must return to the Senate. They will need me, as I am sure Anakin Skywalker will be in need of my help. As for you, watch your back. There's more than one villain who will gladly take your place."
"I rather doubt that, Lord Sidious," said Maleficent, and then she turned off the hologram.
After she left the hologram projector alone, Maleficent left her throne room from the descending stone stairs. Once she arrived in the meeting room, where the Black Cauldron still rested in the centermost area of the stone chamber, Maleficent watched Sauron as he carefully studied the cauldron.
Calmly, but sinisterly, Maleficent asked, "Admiring the handiwork, mi lord?"
Sauron, without facing the witch in the purple-and-black robes, asked in return, "The Halfling Ring-bearer, Frodo Baggins, escaped? Yes, I already know as well as you. However, it wasn't Aslan that sent that high-pitched sound through all villains' minds."
"I can assure you, Jadis has said a dozen times that it is Aslan who is the real cause behind our woes," said Maleficent, confident.
Sauron nodded. "That may be, but only while it lasts." Before Maleficent left, Sauron told her, "Come back when you are ready. There is a villain I should summon to this camp: the one who could not defeat 'The Boy Who Lived'." He added, "And remember this, Mistress of All Evil: there is another who is far stronger than Aslan and more knowledgeable. He is the one Morgoth fears, if Aslan has not already spoken of him himself. As you can see, even Aslan has not prepared himself for this moment. We will be ready, and waiting, for him, as I will wait for the Ring-bearer's return. His victory with the shooting stars will not last for long."
"Of course, and as I already know, there are bigger plans for this Halfling and the girl named Maia. Have you heard of this prophecy about a girl? No one spoke her name, but if Maia is her name, then we need to be wary," said Maleficent.
"I agree," said Sauron. "Now leave me in peace."
"As you wish, mi lord," said Maleficent, bowing before him. Slowly, she climbed up the flight of stairs, as if her dark presence was meant to help Sauron focus on his next task.
Returning to the Evenshire Camp…
Shortly after breakfast ended, Remy told his rodent cooks to take a long break to eat and rest until lunch. Most of the rodents cleaned up the kitchen area during the first thirty minutes. Once the task was done and the rodents were out of the kitchen pavilion, Remy looked impressed by how the equipment sparkled, letting him know it was clean. Before Remy left the kitchen, his father – Django was his name – entered the kitchen pavilion with Emile, who was eating another helping of what appeared to be a strawberry-filled pastry.
Bewildered, Remy asked, "What is it now, Dad? There aren't any animals trying to sneak into my kitchen again, looking for a few table scraps?"
"No Remy, but he wishes to speak with you," said Django, as Aslan entered the kitchen pavilion from the curtain.
Seeing the timid, nervous look across Remy's face, Aslan told him, "Relax Remy, I do not wish to alarm you. I have come to make sure you had enough food stocked and ready to serve."
Remy shooed the air. "Oh Aslan – you know we ran out of food after breakfast. The next shipment doesn't come until tomorrow."
"Well, then you must check your pantries and cupboards," said Aslan, with a knowing look across his face.
"Huh?" asked Remy, confused.
Emile exclaimed, "Remy, look! We have plenty of food to serve now!"
"What are you talking about, Emile?" asked Remy, confused.
As he heard his rat sons excited about all the delicacies – some were foreign and new, while other foods they were familiar with eating – Django faced Aslan and told him, "You know, you aren't bad for a lion."
"As you are a good father, Django," said Aslan, calmly. He told Remy and Emile aloud, "That food has been made especially for you. Eat at your hearts' delight. I will see that the next shipment of food is delivered, long before lunch has begun."
"Thank you, Aslan!" cried Remy, a little overexcited. He thought against this, but received merry laughter from his brother, father, and Aslan in exchange, which made him feel warm and fuzzy inside.
o-o-o
Throughout the morning, Merry asked many of the heroes where Melissa fled. For many, this had been a quiet morning, which was a relief since some of the louder and obnoxious heroes – both people and animals – decided to wander off in search of something "useful" to do. Although Sam and Rosie worried that Melissa might change Merry, Pippin was especially concerned that he might lose his best friend to the hobbit lass.
Merry eventually found Melissa sitting by herself on a rock, staring out at the bay's crystal-blue water. Merry got her attention straightaway, when he asked her, "Can I join you?"
Melissa calmly told him, "Certainly Merry." She looked around, cautiously, "Your friends didn't want to accompany you?"
Merry shook his head. "No. They would prefer I spend more time with them, than figuring out your troubles."
"I have none," said Melissa.
"Yes, that would seem obvious," said Merry. Joining her on the large, flat rock, Merry broke the silence that followed by asking, "I hope you're nicer to my cousin Frodo. He's not as bad as you say he is."
"You don't know him that well-"
"He's my friend," said Merry. "Of course I know him, well enough I might add." He added, "You seem to be a capable sort."
"For doing what, Merry?" asked Melissa, growing suspicious. "Clearly, you have not been outside Middle-earth, as I have."
"Where were you from, in the Shire?" asked Merry, curious.
"How did you know I came from the Shire?" asked Melissa, stunned.
"I was curious," admitted Merry.
Melissa paused. Then she explained, "I grew up in the Shire until I was sixteen, to the Snowberry family. I lived in Scary for a time. Then my dad decided to take my mother and myself on a trip to the Gladden Fields. We did not return to the Shire until after my father's death. He was killed by orcs. It was very disturbing." She admitted, horrified, "I'll never forget it. The orcs would have killed me if my mother hadn't come in and rescued me. We survived, but after we returned to the Shire, my mother died and I was sent to live with relatives who lived in Bree. I hated Bree-town." She attempted to finish her story fast, "I'm sorry. The memories I have of Bree are just awful. Bill Ferny didn't give me much pleasure."
Merry reassured her. "Go on. I'm sure it must have been painful for you."
Melissa looked at him, stunned. "It was painful." She paused, and then admitted in near outrage, "Look, my own relatives abandoned me and brought me back to the Shire, all right?" She paused again, briefly this time. "Then I lived in Scary afterwards, avoiding much of my early life avoiding spiders that could have eaten me without question-" She stopped herself from telling the rest of her story. "I'm – I'm sorry, but you should not have asked about my past. It's not a pretty story." Melissa stood up and leapt off from the rock, almost too feline-like.
Merry asked her, before she left him, "Melissa, how did you leave the Shire? The Shire's not all that bad."
Melissa only muttered these words, "You weren't me in my situation. I'm sorry." She heaved a sigh, and then admitted, "You're the second hobbit to ask me about my past. The first hobbit left for the Animal Headquarters. I haven't seen him since."
"Who else have you told?" asked Merry, stunned and suspicious.
"Never mind," said Melissa, leaving the beach before Merry could ask her anymore questions.
o-o-o
After a quick search, Reepicheep found Amor lying on the grassy area, which stood before the beach. For a few seconds, Reepicheep wondered if something was indeed bothering the salt-and-pepper hedgehog. Usually, Amor would bark at him obnoxiously, or say something that was rude and uncouth, as was his usual behavior.
Concerned for this hedgehog, Reepicheep asked, calmly, "Eh… Amor, is something wrong?" He noticed Amor did not give a response, but instead kept his gaze away from the large mouse. In a reassuring voice, Reepicheep told him, "Relax, I am certain you will meet your girlfriend again."
Amor grunted, doubtfully. "I doubt it. Jezebel was in Prevale, along with my parents, and my brothers, and my sister. I'm not sure if they're – all right or they're-" He heaved a few sighs, attempting hard not to let him emotions get the better of him, even though it was very difficult to resist.
Reepicheep spoke again to the hedgehog, "Now, now. Let's not hold a grudge over this matter. You must have faith and hope. Think about this in a positive perspective: if your family and your girlfriend are all right, then you have nothing to worry about. If they're not – then they should be in Aslan's country, waiting for you to meet them again." Seeing the hedgehog face him with mystified eyes, Reepicheep continued to tell him, "We'll see what happens in the end. Won't we?"
Amor chuckled, but briefly, "At least you're good at cheering people – and animals up, even when they need hope."
"Well, we can never give up on hope. We all need hope, Amor, even when the days begin to feel dark and dreary. You'll see what I mean and what happens," said Reepicheep.
Amor stopped the large mouse, before he left, "Wait Reep-"
"Yes Amor?" asked Reepicheep, surprised yet curious.
Hesitant at first, Amor finally asked, "Do you think Jezebel is right for me? I mean, she becomes too perky for her own good – I know as much – but her heart – I mean, she is a good hedgehog. I just don't want her taken the wrong way." He admitted, "She has become obsessed with me, and I don't know why. I was pretty sure having an obsession is a bad thing, but then I – thought that maybe she kept thinking about me because she – believes that she's – in love with me." He asked, out of curiosity, "I don't know. What do you think about her, Reep?"
"I think you already know the answer. You mustn't ask me. Ask Jezebel yourself. It may seem awkward, but… the way you make this sound, it's almost as if you two are in meant to be together," explained Reepicheep.
"So, is love an obsession, too?" asked Amor.
Reepicheep shrugged. "That is a very good question, Amor. I do know that lovers keep that question, and its answer, inside their hearts. You will understand someday." He added, "I, too, hope that if I was ever to meet someone – a female mouse, perhaps – and she loves me in return, then I would do what all proper animals must do."
"Would you – wed her?" asked Amor. He recovered, only too soon, "I'm sorry for asking-"
"No, no. You're doing fine, Amor." Reepicheep paused to think. Then he answered, calmly, "Yes, I believe I would wed her – marry her, so to speak."
Amor nodded. "Thank you. At least you're more resourceful than some of these animals."
"Well, I am the only one who has finally broken through your shell. Now, aren't I?" asked Reepicheep. He walked away from the hedgehog seconds later, but not before seeing Amor wave happily back at him. He returned to the Evenshire Camp, knowing that he did the right thing at the right time.
o-o-o
Several minutes after dusk arrived, Simba trudged towards an opening in the Evenshire Camp. Peering up at the clear, starry night sky, Simba attempted to make contact with his father, Mufasa, and the other Lion Kings of the Past. He was soon caught by Aslan, who joined him moments later.
"Simba, what are you doing?" asked Aslan. Once he sat beside the Lion King, Aslan asked him, "Do you still wonder if your father sits to the right of me?"
"Aslan, I know you are keeping something from me – something you are not telling the camp about. You didn't tell Anakin Skywalker the whole truth did you. You only told him a little." Still suspicious, Simba told him, "I do not think you are the Ilúvatar of Middle-earth, as you say you are, Aslan. Who are you really?"
"I am the Ilúvatar, King Simba, but the Ilúvatar lower than the Greater Ilúvatar," said Aslan, speaking in a serious voice.
Confused, Simba asked, "What do you mean?"
"Walk with me, Simba. I will tell you more inside my tent. Gandalf and Rafiki, your friend of the family, are joining me there," said Aslan, leading the way. He noticed Simba reluctantly follow after him.
Once Aslan and Simba came to Aslan's tent, Aslan allowed Simba to enter the large tent first. A few minutes passed before Simba was reunited inside the tent by Rafiki. Aslan followed seconds later with Gandalf walking next to him.
Confused, Simba asked, "Why do we need Gandalf the White? What is his importance to this meeting?"
"I am here because Aslan asked me, your majesty," said Gandalf, bowing before the current Lion King of the Pridelands. "And because I know more about Frodo's latest quest than Aslan would prefer. For you see Aslan, the White Council has been informed of his venture and the most frequent dreams he has had, since leaving the Evenshire Camp."
"I already know this, Gandalf. The Ilúvatar explained to me the situation now at hand," said Aslan. He then explained to the three, "With the stars back in the night sky, except for the natural loss of a shooting star every now and again, the villains have grown relentless. Sauron is back and I fear Morgoth may return soon, but I cannot face Morgoth alone. He became a threat before to my family, and now I fear he may risk a surprise attack on us, should he be freed from his prison."
Simba asked with caution, "Why would the villains be after Frodo Baggins? I thought he was merely a ring-bearer, and not that important to our cause."
"That may be, King Simba, but up until now we and the White Council did not think he would be as important as he should," said Gandalf.
"All right, now you are not making much sense," said Simba, sternly.
"For you, the path may not be easy. But here, we are not speaking of any ordinary hobbit. Now are we?" asked Rafiki.
"Indeed we are not," said Aslan.
"Then why tell Anakin Skywalker a half-truth, Aslan, about who you are?" asked Simba, "Or about Mother Nature?"
"Mother Nature is my mother, and I love her as such, Simba. That will stay close to me and those present in my tent until the time comes, in which the whole truth is told," exclaimed Aslan.
"Then it is as I have feared," said Gandalf, speaking solemnly. "If the girl survives, then-"
"Frodo will be happy and in peace. He will not be alone, Gandalf, as you say he will be if she does not survive the upcoming wars," said Aslan. He sighed, and then addressed the wizard robed in white, "As for right now, we can only hope that Frodo continues to stay alive. I will continue to keep constant watch of him, as the Ilúvatar instructed."
"Yes, but until you have come to aide him when he is most at need… he is alone," said Gandalf, continuing to stare at the opening in the tent for the gold telescope, where he saw two stars shoot across the night sky. As for the sky itself, the stars continued to blink in a natural way.
Well, that's one way to end a story – even at a cut off, such as Chapter 39 and now the Epilogue.
Now, for the acknowledgements: I would like to thank the devoted readers who have stayed with this story right to the end of this chapter, even when I wasn't in the mood to write or re-read The Dark Twilight, so I could work on the story some more. I also would like to thank Silvered Anna for her criticism, which I can admit helped me greatly in fixing errors and even rewriting Chapter 28, which was grueling to do. I also would like to thank ValueMyHeart for her ideas, including for Chapter 7 with the target practice, and helping me with the constant writer's block, which happened frequently during Part II of The Dark Twilight. I wish to thank CrossoverDreamer for addressing any typos to me that I missed and I hope to fix.
After almost a year's work, The Dark Twilight has finished, but the Epic Struggles series has only yet to continue. The Emerald Diadem, Story II in this epic multiple crossover series, will pick up where we left off here in The Dark Twilight. All I can really say now is this story is one of my favorites, not only because almost every character stayed in-character, including the OCs or original characters.
I hope you enjoyed this story, which I hope inspired and gave ideas to help you, the writers/readers, with your own stories. I hope the character stay in-character for your stories as well, but that may be a difficult task anyway. Nevertheless, we'll see what happens to every character in The Emerald Diadem.
-Aria Breuer
P.S. For those interested in all the music I selected and put into a playlist, then feel free to check out the two bonus chapters, which do describe how I became inspired to put them there and how they affect the story's events and moments.
