Elihu the Young Acadamy shone under the sun. Fine fragrance flitted past on the breeze, drawn out from the gardens to incense the grounds. Towering oaks creaked and swayed, murmuring an ancient song. Clouds traveled a sky of brilliant blue, birds soared overhead, and the air-conditioning units sputtered and thumped.

I'm going to miss this place, Mike thought as the Battlefront walked onto the courtyard. The school stretched around them, the roaring river on the other side. This place had become his home.

Before the crowd, Fred had hoped onto a wooden bench. She gazed out at them, hands on her fists.

Fred cleared her throat. Mike noticed she looked nervous, almost as if she was uncomfortable addressing the people she had long led. Unconsciously, Mike moved to stand closer to her.

"All right, everyone! Sorry to shift you, but for this, we're going to need to need some space. First of all, let me tell you all how much you rock. You saved my sorry behind, and then together we all managed to beat the stuffing out of all of those monsters."

The Battlefront rallied in a cheer, fists pumping as voices rose. "Woohoo," a voice called out. "We won!"

Fred smiled. "Yeah, we have won. I'm pretty sure that by now, you all realize that Emily over there isn't an angel. Totally awesome, yeah. But she's on our side.

The air of triumph faltered for a moment, as dozens of egos humbled. A hesitant sea of apologies and 'thank-you's began to wash over Emily. She quickly dispelled them with a bow of her head, and the discomfort retreated.

Fred sighed. "It appears we were wrong about several things. Emily's a human. And she was right about this school, this world we're living in. We weren't brought here as a punishment. As much as I hate to admit it, it makes sense. This world is a chance to experience what we were never able to enjoy, our youth. We are here to meet other people like us, and to find peace."

"Guys, we're not meant to stay here. This world is a way station, where we get everything sorted out. Once that's finished, we move on."

Mike could feel his breath quicken as his eyes widened. Around him, his friends grew quiet. We've known all this for a while, he realized, glancing around. I'm not sure how long, maybe when Emily beat up those shadows the first time. But no one wanted to admit it.

No one wants to leave. No one wants to leave everyone they know behind.

"But Fred," Jake called out, voice unsteady. "What happens once we pass on? What comes after?"

Fred slumped. "I wish I could tell you. But I haven't the slightest clue what's in store for us. But, that's part of the adventure, isn't it? Not being sure what's going to happen next."

The leader of the Battlefront straightened. "Guys, up until now I have done my best to protect you, and achieve what we all desired. But I won't direct you any longer.

"As of this moment, I am disbanded that which I created so long ago. Thanks everyone, for sticking with me for so long, and through so many crazy missions, disasters, and adventures. I am ending the Battlefront. In this decision, I can't control you. I want you to have the choice what to do next."

Fred gave an awkward wave, and then she hopped off the bench. They all stood for a moment, silent as the clouds moved above them. Finally, a small voice broke the seal of indecision.

"In my experience, some people will need to talk with their friends to find peace," Emily said, "while with others, some time alone is necessary. Many people will need a combination of both. But please, do not be worried. After all of your time here, you all have grown very close to where you need to be. And you won't pass on until you are ready."

There was silence for a few more moments following Emily's observation. Then the rustle of wind was joined by a flurry of movement-Irie had grabbed Kate by the hand, and had begun to skip with her protesting friend down to the river bank.

Others gradually began to disperse. The youths wandered in of in groups of two, three, and often one. They spread out over the school grounds, talking quietly as they walked to the fields, the gardens, or down to the river.

Mike sat down on the grass. He didn't mind being alone, and he was content to watch his friends from afar.

As time gradually passed, he began to notice the changes. The young man who had been sitting beneath a tree was no longer there when he glanced over. Irie was all by herself, gently dipping her toes at the water's edge. He saw a pair of friends embrace, and then only one pull away.

Mike let his eyes drift shut. On its own accord, his medical school knowledge began to weave through his thoughts, products of hours of last-minute studying. He remembered how the body would always find a way to recover, how even when one organ fails, the rest can step in to pick up the weight. It had all seemed so miraculous to him, to the loser whose largest activities had once included wasting time on the internet, and seeing how long he could go without checking his watch.

I'm really a pretty dull guy, Mike thought to himself. I mean, I don't have a loud, colorful personality, or an astounding ability, or any sort of unusual personal drama. For a moment, he felt like he had in the moments after he had felt Ammit's fangs tear through his flesh. He felt like a fading shadow, grey and boring.

But, well, Lizzie never thought I was boring. The little goofball. And as for everyone else…

Mike opened his eyes. Looking around, he felt his stomach drop; it looked like everyone had vanished. But gradually, he began to see figures that remained. Jake was returning to the benches, swishing his halberd thoughtfully. Elliot and TK walked beside him, shoulders bumping against each other. Fred still hadn't moved from in front of her bench. And Emily stood in the middle on the courtyard, gazing up at the sky.

Getting to his feet, Mike joined the others meeting in the courtyard. It was time.