I was already awake and dressed for the day as the sun began to rise over the horizon. I once again looked myself over in the mirror as Marco showered. Maple was on my shoulder, still a bit sleepy as Gladius hovered next to me. The sword was busy messing with my hair, trying to get it to its usual messiness.

"Gladius, c'mon, my hair is fine!" I whined.

"Hush now. I just don't want it getting in the way of your glasses." He used his wings to tussle with my hair just a bit more before I swatted him away, careful not to knock Maple to the floor.

The Wasabi Whip laughed as the sword huffed in frustration. "I'm just trying to help, Caleb."

"I know, I know…" I grumbled. "I just don't like my hair being messed with. I'm very particular about how I like it." I shook my head, and it ended up exactly how I wanted it to be. "Like this!"

Gladius let out a tired sigh. "Fine, I understand. But if it gets too long while we're still away from the capital, then I'm having Jenny cut it."

"Cool", I said with a shrug. The bathroom door opened and out walked a clean and freshly dressed Marco.

"You ready to have one heck of a last day, dude?" The Safe Kid asked, sliding up beside me as he used the mirror.

I nodded. "Today, I'm hoping we can all just chill on the beach together. After yesterday at lunch and especially dinner, I realised we all don't spend much time together as a whole group when we arrive in a world. I still remember how Ralph, Jenny, Steve and Majima were running around Echo Creek when we couldn't leave."

"So you want your new-found family to be together for a beach day, huh?" Diaz teased playfully.

My cheeks heated up, and I looked away. "Sh-Shut up…" The other boy laughed as he walked over to our room's door. I followed after him, face still burning in embarrassment and shyness with my gaze not passing over him for even a second.

Walking into the hotel's lobby, the only one there was Star, who was spinning her wand in her hand lazily. When she saw us, she perked up instantly.

"Guys!" She dashed over to us, eyes sparkling with joy. "You two ready for a beach day?!"

"Never been more ready!" I cheered.

Marco rolled his eyes with a smile. "Yeah. Same here. It's gonna be interesting to see how everyone handles a bit of sun."

I snorted. "What, are you worried some of them are going to cook like they're spinning in a microwave?"

Star was barely able to contain her laughter as Diaz shrugged. "Maybe, maybe not." Star just lost it at that.

Gladius shook his jewel, letting out a sigh. "You are all so terrible at jokes it hurts."

"Then why don't you try one?" I said smugly, Maple giving the sword a pointed look.

The sword stumbled on his words. 'Well- I… You can't- Jokes are hard to come up with!"

"Exactly", I said in victory. The sword slumped in defeat as I turned to address the princess. "So, where are the others?"

"They all went out to get our spot in the beach set up." The Mewman jabbed a thumb at the front door. "I wanted to wait here for you guys because you were all the last ones to show up. You two are slower than most girls are when getting ready."

"Hey…" both of us strong men whined out pathetically.

Gladius barked out a laugh with the princess and Wasabi Whip joining in. "You two know she's right. One of the benefits of being a sword. No hair, no need to shower, no reason to wear clothes."

I growled. "Just wait till you realise you can shapeshift… When you become a human, then we'll see who's laughing!"

Star's laughter died down to a giggle as we all left the building for the last time. I was still a bit grumpy as Gladius' jab, but just decided to let it slide as we made our way through town to the beach. Even after a few days, everyone still gave us odd looks. It made me glad Dry wasn't here, because he would've definitely burnt half the town down.

Our walk to the beach was quiet, the sun high in the sky with very few clouds. It was honestly so calm, and it made me smile just slightly. This was such a nice break from the chaos.

Soon enough, we reached the ever pleasant beach, everyone already set up and relaxing. Jenny was sunbathing, joined by Maria and Ralph; Steve was in the water with Vanellope, Hilda and Twig, swimming around like he was searching for treasure; Majima, Zomboss and The Doctor tried to play a game of cards (I assumed it was poker) at a foldable table, but it seemed to be a bit of a messy playing experience; Manolo, Izzy and Merida were chilling on some blankets that sat on the sand; Dave, Barranco, Flowey and the Powerpuffs all worked together to build a crazy looking sandcastle.

I decided to take a seat next to Ruby and Iris, who were simply lazing on their blankets. Star and Marco went to join up with Amy and Rory, who were watching the card game in mild amusement.

Leaning back so I was lying down, Maple shifted off my shoulder and onto my chest. Alfur scurried over and hopped up high so he could rest on Gladius' hilt, who hovered over us and watched the horizon.

I took a deep breath of the ocean air. "So, how's the morning going, girls?"

"Great!" Iris cheered. "Had a bit of a swim, and now I'm just enjoying the sun."

"We don't get much sun in Gloomsville", Ruby said almost sadly. "It's always cloudy when it's day. The one time it wasn't was when Misery left to visit family. And as it turns out, our sun loves to make things melt."

"Oh my…" Alfur whispered in awestruck horror.

"Oh yeah, I remember that!" The cyclops shouted. "It was so bad the house nearly caught fire! We had to flee to a cave underground until Misery came back."

"Oh dear, that sounds awful!" Gladius shouted in shock.

Ruby waved him off. "It was fine in the end. Made us appreciate Misery all the more, knowing what she was protecting us from. Besides, I like the clouds. It always made the manor more warm and cosy."

"Well, I'm glad it turned out fine in the end." I looked around, noticing a distinct lack of a skeleton and winged warrior. "Where are Galacta and Dry Bowser?"

"Dry wanted to get out of his disguise", the rag doll girl explained. "So he went off to the woods to get some time away from the town. Galacta went with him to make sure he didn't burn the forest down."

I sat up and shared a look with Gladius. "I'm gonna go check on them." I began to stand up, and the Wasabi Whip moved to rest in Ruby's lap. Alfur hopped off Gladius and onto Iris' head, and together we headed to the forest.

I stepped over plenty of roots that made the ground uneven, and soon enough I found my two friends relaxing at the cliff side. Dry Bowser was sitting while the knight hovered next to him, arms crossed.

As I approached, they turned to face me.

"Was wondering when you'd show up, kid", Dry said, well, dryly.

I smiled and sat on the spot opposite the knight, taking in the sight of the ocean. "I just noticed neither of you were at the beach, so I asked Ruby, and she told me. I just wanted to make sure everything was okay."

The skeleton shrugged. "Kind of. I'm just getting tired of all the stares I keep getting in the city. It makes me feel so out of place. Doesn't help the disguise Butterfly made me was super uncomfortable." He nodded his head to a nearby tree, and I turned to see it draped over a branch.

Galacta hummed. "I do believe this trip is nearing the end. I can sense a massive source of power getting closer as we travel through the portals, so I predict we'll get you two home soon."

Gladius nodded. "I feel the same. Soon, we'll be home, Rainbow will smother us both with love, and we can all get a happy ending."

Dry scoffed. "Maybe. Depends if we don't get sucked in with anything super crazy or dangerous. And that's coming from me."

I snorted. "True. But I'm gonna stay optimistic. We've been through so much. But call me crazy, I think we're in the final stretch. You joining us feels like the last massive hurdle we had to overcome."

"Another gut feeling?" Galacta's tone had the slightest hint of amusement to it.

"Yeah. Yeah, it is."

Gladius let out a hum. "Well, I'm just glad that we're all together through this. Call me soft, or what I'm saying cheesy, but it feels nice. I've been stuck in that rock for too long, and from within that storage room I had no one. But now, it feels like I have a whole group of people I can trust and count on."

"Well, said Gladius", Dry affirmed. "Well said indeed. I guess tagging along with all of you wasn't that bad of an idea after all."

"Not like you had much choice, but sure, whatever you say bonehead", I teased playfully. The skeleton groaned, but simply ruffled my hair playfully in response.

Subconsciously, I leaned into his side as my heart beat happily. I felt Dry tense up for a moment, hand reaching to try and push me away. But after a moment, he relaxed and wrapped the arm around me, hugging me closer into his side. I let out a content sigh, my eyelids dropping a bit as I watched the waves dance about across the big, blue blanket below.

"This is nice", Dry said in a calm whisper. "A lot nicer than the beaches at home."

"I've always had a soft spot for these places", I said. "It's always so calming, and the music that accompanies it was always my favourite."

"Understandable", Gladius said with a nod. Although he ever so subtly turned towards the trees, like he had heard something.

Galacta stretched his wings after a few more moments of relaxing silence. "I suggest we get back to the others. I don't want them to start worrying about us."

"Good call." Dry Bowser stood up, still hugging me to his side, only to freeze when a short but sudden rumbling came from the forest.

We all paused and shared a look. "What was that?" I asked fearfully.

Gladius had fully turned to look into the thicket, moving to float defensively in front of me. "I'm sensing something approaching… It's big."

A flock of birds was scared off as the rumbling got closer. It sounded like a marching platoon of soldiers, and my blood ran cold as it neared.

Dry Bowser, sensing my discomfort, moved me behind him. "Alright, I guess not even the most peaceful places are safe. Stay back, I'll handle this." His mouth sparked and ignited with his iconic blue flame. "C'mon then! Whoever you are, show yourself!"

An animalistic snarl hit my ears, and out from between the branches I spotted a glowing green eye. As the beast slowly crawled out from the shadows, more of its hideous appearance was revealed. From the eye its eye was hidden in with acid drooling out, the massive mane of white fur, and the nearly ten foot long green and black body, it was clear it was some sort of centipede.

I whimpered as the skeleton and knight moved in front of me, standing next to Gladius as they stared the Beast down defiantly.

With a vicious snarl, the creature lunged forward, acid drool flying about and melting the plant life as it went straight towards Dry.

But the skeleton didn't back down, taking the creature head on like it was nothing. The acid didn't leave a scratch on his honey body as he delivered a fierce right hook, making the beast wail in pain and back off.

"Galacta, help me out here!" The undead lord barked out.

The knight nodded and dashed over to the end of the beast's elongated body. With ease, Galacta Knight lifted the end of the body and swung it over him, then slammed it down behind him.

"C'mon you two!" I cheered. Gladius was keeping me out of the brawl, forcing me away whenever some of the acid drool came even the tiniest bit close.

Dry Bowser ran around, ripped a tree out of the ground, and slammed it onto the beast's head. Repeatedly.

Galacta pulled out his lance and struck the ground, sending a shockwave towards the creature's eye. It collided, and once more the beast wailed in pain.

But the beast was quick to retaliate, swatting both my friends away and racing right at me.

I screamed in terror as the thing's jaws came right at me. Gladius fruitlessly tried to block the thing, but I knew it wouldn't stop my inevitable fate.

But Dry Bowser suddenly dashing in front of us and gripping both jaws, forcing the centipede's mouth open, did.

"Fine, you want to sneak on my friend?!" The skeleton roared, his mouth filling with blue flames. "THEN SNACK ON THIS!!!" With a ferocious roar, Dry Bowser unleashed a massive stream of blue flame. The beast couldn't even cry in pain as the fire completely swallowed its whole form, breaking away its body bit by bit. I watched in awe as the creature was reduced to nothing.

Galacta was shielding himself from the heat with a wing, but otherwise was emotionless to the scene.

After a few moments, the flame died down. I looked at the sight before me, and gawked at the amount of destruction. The ground was scorched, the forest that was in the way was utterly decimated, and all that was left of the creature was a green jewel that resembled its eye.

Dry Bowser was heaving out heavy breaths, eyes dimming as his adrenaline and anger slowly extinguished. Growling as he stared at the gem, he pulled me close.

"Let's… go. Now." He gave a look at where his disguise once was, which was now nothing but ash.

"Yeah…" I just let Dry hold me close as we left the absolute disaster of a scene. I was dead silent as we left the forest and made it back to the beach. Dry, and discreetly as he could, snuck over to the still sunbathing Jenny, Ralph and Maria, and folded up into his shell.

Maria gave him a look, then sat up and faced me. "What… what happened?"

I shrugged. "Some beast attacked us. Dry utterly decimated it, but most of the forest ain't growing back."

"So the usual?" Flowey called out from the still in progress sandcastle.

"Yes." Gladius said flatly.

Everyone else simply shrugged, deciding to just let whatever happened slide. Although Jenny locked eyes with me, and gave me a look. I smiled sheepishly, and she just sighed with a shake of her head.

~X~

As the sun began to set on the city, we all carefully snuck out towards the forest. I made sure to guide everyone away from where Dry and Galacta battled the beast, just so it wasn't too suspicious.

As we walked, trying to get distance so we could open the portal in peace, Ralph was quick to bring something up.

"You know, I'm kinda surprised we aren't bringing along anyone new this time 'round." He gave me a confused look.

I simply shrugged. "I just wanted us to get some rest. Roping ourselves up with Steven and the gems would have just sent us down this rabbit hole we wouldn't have gotten out of."

"That's fair…" Steve said slowly. "But it's still odd. Tired of having to babysit all of us?" That got a laugh out of the others.

"No, never. But… I don't think having more people tag along is a good idea right now. We're at a party of over 20 people, and I honestly don't think I could handle another for people joining."

"Four?" Vanellope sounded off in confusion.

"Pearl, Garnet and Amethyst wouldn't leave Steven's side, even if we proved ourselves."

"Ah, overprotective guardians…" The Doctor mused, "You have to love that."

"Well, that makes more sense than I expected", Zomboss admitted with a shrug.

Majima snorted, but otherwise the walk returned to silence, only the breeze of the summer evening to fill the void. In my head, I was hoping we could get this lucky come the next world. I was hoping this could keep on a roll, but realistically that couldn't be true. We'd be sucked right back into hell after we moved on.

I let out a tired sigh as we scaled up a gradual hill that overlooked the city. It was a clear field, with some occasional patches of colourful flowers to add to the green canvas. It was that last bit of peacefulness we got to have before moving onto the next part of our journey.

After we reached the top of the hill, The Doctor set the still shrunken TARDIS on the ground so Star could return it to normal size. The time traveller quickly headed inside to do a double check to make sure everything was all okay since we showed up.

As the time ticked on, and Who worked inside, we all found ourselves sitting on the grass. I idly picked a flower and flicked its petals, Hilda and Vanellope snuggled on my either side. Maple was on my shoulder, half-asleep with Gladius resting in his scabbard as it was strapped to my back.

"Sooooo…" Vanellope said sleepily. "While you were off frolicking in the woods, Marco ended up spilling what you told him yesterday to all of us…"

I simply hummed. "I thought he would. But yeah, I mean it. You guys are the closest I've had to a family in… years."

Hilda tilted her head just a bit. "Is there… a reason why? What about your parents?"

I fell silent, my eyes losing a lot of their life. "Don't have any…"

"But everyone-"

"I ran away."

Everything stilled as everyone, who were all passively listening, turned to look at me in shock and concern. I faintly could see the look in Maria's eyes, and I could see the reflection of what I sobbed to her back at Gloomsville.

"They weren't good people", I vaguely began. "They were flat out abusive, and after too long being stuck under them, I left them at 11."

Amy, Rory and Maria all gasped as the pieces clicked together.

Suddenly getting uncomfortable from all the stares, I discarded the flower and pulled both girls next to me into a duo hug. They looked up at me in concern, then snuggled into the hug as my heart pounded in my ears. Maple, not wanting to be left out, nuzzled against my head, trying to help me calm down.

"I had nothing for a while", I continued in a cracking voice, "And had to pick up the pieces of what I took with me. It… It was hard for those 5 years…" I tried to swallow the lump forming in my throat. "But… That's all behind me. I'm here now. I would rather just… move on."

The two girl cuddled deeper into the hug, and Twig even joined in. All the love around me helped to calm me down, and I visibly relaxed as The Doctor stepped out of the TARDIS.

"Alright, everything is in order, so we can-" He stopped when he saw the scene before him. "Did I… Miss something?"

"We'll explain later", Amy said as she walked by the man, giving me a very concerned glance as she walked into the blue box. Everyone else followed her, each of them giving me a look of worry, concern, sadness or a mix of all three. After that, all that was left was me, a slowly waking Gladius and Maria.

"You should get in, Maria", I said in a gravelly voice. "I'll get the portal opened and we can-"

I was cut off when she pulled me into a hug. "Caleb, you have done so much for us. Whatever happened back then… We'll help you through it."

I choked out a sob. "You don't… You don't have too…"

Maria pursed her lips, then bent down and gave me the softest kiss on my forehead she possibly could. I completely froze, then looked up at her in awe.

"We all love you, Caleb." She ran a hand gently through my hair. "And I'm going to make sure you always keep smiling. After you get the portal open, you're sticking with me and Manolo. Okay?"

I silently nodded, and with another kiss in the same spot she finally left me on my own with my sword.

"What was that about?" Gladius asked.

I shook my head. "Don't worry about it. Let's just… Let's just get going."

Gladius seemed unconvinced, but didn't press as we silently opened the next portal. I took a deep breath, Gladius patting my shoulder with a wing, and we both walked into the TARDIS. It lifted off the ground, and entered the swirling colourful doorway.

~X~

And thus another arc comes to a close. After the plenty of heavier stuff, I decided that we all needed a bit of a grace period and needed some simple fun fluff. While the ending of this chapter did get a bit sad there, it was necessary for stuff I had planned in the future.

But yeah! This, I'll just say, is the arc at the final part of the overall multiverse adventure. Chapter 75 will be the start of the ending part of this massive story, so be prepared.

Up next: Caleb and Co. find themselves in a tourist trap town in the middle of the Oregon wilderness. What they think is a normal place is actually the heart of the weird incarnate…

~Caleb~