[Add's Point of View]

...

At last, my goal has been accomplished. All of the pain and suffering I've endured from the very day I lost Ara for the first time, up until now. A lengthy, tedious, but memorable journey. The things I've done, the people I've defeated, all for Ara's sake.

Kekeke...

From the corner of my eye, I could see Eun spiraling out from domination. The transformation soon reverted, the markings and tails were gone, and her hair was normal once more. I hurriedly ran over to catch the falling Ara.

Although she was still unconscious, I embraced her, tightly. I promised to myself that it was going to be the first thing I'd do. I held her close to me, I haven't felt the warmth for a while.

All enemies were eliminated. I could finally stay with her in peace. What a wonderful feeling this was!

Screw you, Luto. Because for ever and ever, my detestation for you would only grow stronger as the years come by.

...

[Ara's Point of View]

...

When I woke up, the first person I saw was... Add? I slightly yawned, realizing that I was in his arms, my head rested against his chest. My cheeks were dusted with red, it was a long time since the last occasion I was able to spend time with him.

"A-Add..."

"Ah, so you're finally awake." he smiled. "It's been a while, hasn't it?"

"Y-Yes."

"Sit up for a moment."

I followed his order, as I sat so I was directly facing towards him.

Promptly, Add leaned in closer, cupping my already tomato-like cheeks to kiss me. My face was heated instantly, and I was certain that it was redder than apples and roses combined. It was definitely the longest kiss duration we've shared by far.

Afterwards, I turned my head to the side, covering my face with my hands from embarrassment. "U-Uwah..."

"Heh. I love you, Ara. That cute expression of yours gets me every time..."

"A-Ah, I-I love you t-too, Add."

...

Then, we were interrupted by Amelia and Ace. They were wonderful children, and I was glad that they belonged to none other than Add and I.

"Pardon the intrusion, but, Ace has a question for both of you." Amelia rolled her eyes. "Alright, go on and ask, whatever you were going to say."

"Oh, u-uh. S-Since I'm not actually your um, legitimate son, will you guys a-accept me again? A-As part of the family?" Ace was twiddling with his thumbs from anxiety.

"Ahem, I'll answer that for them, actually." she started. "Ace, you're part of the Haan family, yeah. But, not because you're a child of Ara and Add. Because you're going to be married into the clan. That's right! I hereby announce that..." Soon, Amelia broke down, and was unable to finish her sentence. "... that, um. E-Err, y-you'll be my..."

"Future h-husband?" he finished her sentence.

Both of them were very clearly blushing. It was actually quite adorable! I smiled in joy.

"I-IDIOT! THAT TOOK YOU LONG ENOUGH TO F-FIGURE OUT, ST-STUPID!" Amelia shook her head, attempting to hide her immense crimson.

Add blinked, and in fact, he was laughing. "N-Never thought that this'd happen..! Kyahaha!" Chuckling, over and over again.

"Th-This isn't funny, Father!" she huffed.

Ace followed. "A-Ame is right!"

...

When things settled down, we all formed a group hug, consisting of me, Add, Amelia, Ace, Chung, Eve, and Ji, who was barely able to slip in. Eun might have been jealous, since she was unable to take a physical form to participate, being sealed inside my hairpin and all...

"Th-Thank you, everyone. This feeling of friendship and family, I'll never forget it." I sniffed, partially wanting to cry.

"Yeah. Let's go back home soon, and restart everything. As a big, happy family." Add proposed. "Eve, Chung, both of you are welcome to visit, I suppose."

"I'll take you guys up on that offer, then." Chung grinned.

Eve gave a brief nod. "Affirmative."

...

Everything that Add had been through for me was touching. It was because I mattered more than anything else, right? I haboured those emotions for him as well. There was nothing that I valued more than him, because he was Add. The one I loved dearly.

I was looking forward to Amelia and Ace's relationship to grow, perhaps even stronger than the one I have with Add. They were amazing individuals, after all. Witnessing their progress and success was going to be fun. As a parent, I was proud. I'm sure Add was, too.

I was delighted, and absolutely satisfied. Everything was complete.

The real destination of our tale. Back home, in the stronghold of Ruben Village, where our stories could be shared with all its inhabitants, and all of our allies. 

The true ending of our adventure.

...

---[CHAPTER 26 - TRUE DESTINATION : END]---