"G-Geez... This place is in shambles..." It was comforting, in some way that I still didn't understand, to know that I had been within the village gate limits, but that was soon wiped away once the sight of the village and it's condition finally hit. The once lively and festive town now felt empty and hollow, not many townsmen on the streets like there'd been 15 years ago. It almost felt as vacant as it was when Aphmau and I first arrived all that time ago. Then again, my ass was shivering off at some weird feeling from within.....

Speaking of Aphmau! She was standing a little ahead of me, just exiting out of the old Lord's cabin. Well, that's what it used to be way back when. Aphmau was mumbling to herself, not really paying attention to her surroundings, giving me the perfect opportunity to scare her shitless.

Using all that training from so long ago, I silently walked up beside her, drawing as little attention as I could, and waited for her to move. She still hadn't noticed me, somehow, falling right into the small set up she was in. Just as she turned around, we were face to face, causing her to jump a bit from where she had been standing.

"ACK!" The loud noise she made created the result of my laughter, lightly patting her head when she finally calmed down.

"Hey, Aph! How's it going?" She frowned at my way too perky question, punching my arm lightly.

"I should be asking you that! We were worried about you! Are you okay? How's your head feeling? Do you need to lay down some mo-" Aphmau was all over me, trying to inspect me to the best of her abilities. I laughed and lightly pushed her off, stopping her from worriedly rambling on my predicament.

"I'm fine, Aphmau! Just trying to take everything in" She only sighed, smiling along with me soon after. She starts walking, mumbling things here and there, some things less audible than others.

"I promised to visit everyone by night fall-" She started, slightly nervous.

"Then that's the plan!" I exclaim, scaring Aphmau out of her thoughts. The slightly smaller girl had jumped a bit, leading me to laugh. She glared in my direction, still upset over the predicament. That was later emphasized by the small fist that collided with my shoulder.

"Are you okay, though? Does anything hurt?" Aphmau worriedly asked, poking and prodding at every piece of my available flesh she could. It tickled, like the old fabrics merchants would sell in my parents old village. My giggles made it apparent to the smaller girl, her reaction of huffing giving away how she felt about it.

"I-I'm fine! I promise! Stop asking" I manage to breath out, lightly patting her head. Aphmau's small inspections stopped then and there, her mind changing back to her original thought prior to my interruption.

As we walked forward, we came across a small cozy cottage, one seeming to house a living family. It sorta was one of the few places not completely demolished into rubble, so someone had to live there! It's common fucking knowledge in future dystopias like this! They had to be somewhat intact and this just so happened to be fully intact. Obvious clues of survivor living quarters is obvious! (Stop breaking my fucking fourth wall!) No.

Aphmau casually opened the door, not bothering to knock, may I add, and made her obvious break-in known. She really has no manners in these situations! She could walk in on someone taking a damn shower or fucking another person or murdering someone! I'm pretty sure she startled the half meif'wa girl with baby blue hair half to dea- Wait, the fuck up....

"Oh, hi! I'm sorry" Aphmau stated, running up to the tiny halfa before us. I pulled her back quickly, though, giving her the 'It might have rabies' look. Aphmau shrugged it off, marching right back up to her. Damn this woman and her optimism!

They held small talk while I analyzed the meif'wa halfa's features. It was obvious she had some relation to Kawaii~Chan, seeing how similar many of their features were. It also would make sense for such a young halfa to be here in the first place, that and I doubt another person would abandon their child in Phoenix Drop again after its small falling out 15 years ago. Ah, I remember it like it was yesterday. Oh, wait, scratch that. It was earlier today for me.

"A-Aphmau~Senpai...?" A meek voice of surprise sounded from behind us, causing Aphmau and I to turn and face the sound. Almost immediately, a pink figure hugs Aphmau tightly.

"Kawaii-~Chan! I-I can't believe it's really you! Oh my gosh!" Aphmau shouted in reply, excitement lacing her voice. My arms crossed, watching the situation as it unfolded. It had been years since the two had truly seen each other, in mortal dimension time anyway, so their tight hugging and loving embraces speaking for themselves under the circumstances.

"APHMAU~SENPAI!-"

"*Ahem* And (Y/n)" I quickly interrupted.

"-YOU'RE HERE! YOU'RE REALLY HERE! KAWAII~CHAN WAS SO WORRIED ABOUT YOU ALL THESE YEARS! OH KAWAII~CHAN MISSED YOU SO MUCH!"She rambled. I took a seat next to the baby blue haired halfa. She was just as done and out of the conversation as I was, but it hadn't been necessary for her to listen in so I wouldn't blame her. I gave her a quick awkward smile, the face being returned with an adorable version of my awkward smile. Almost like she were a living UwU or something. Maybe she was the living embodiment of Nyan Cat and I just hadn't quite realized...... She's definitely Nyan Cat reborn....

"SHE'S WHAT?!" My very important conspiracy theory had been put on hold at the sudden screaming from Aphmau's mouth. I stand quickly, only to notice her motioning towards the young halfa beside me. How had she not connected the dots of this young girl being Kawaii~Chan's daughter? It should've at least crossed her mind into being slightly believable, seeing as the two shared many genetic resemblances. Then the actual relevant factor came in after much more of Aphmau's rambling "Who is the father?"

The question brings a rose tint to Kawaii~Chan's features, showing off how changed her facial features are. Her cheeks weren't as chubby, her features all a bit more mature. The more we traveled throughout the village had made the 15 years more apparent, but seeing someone who once was so close in age with us really assisted in the situation dawning on me that we really had been gone for that long in mortal time. This wasn't some dream I'd be waking up from late at night that would lead to me checking on every single piece of detail in the present. There weren't any wild animals going to wake me early in the morning to remind me of every chore needed to do for tending to Aphmau. This was a different time of the same place I assisted in furnishing and raising up just earlier that week. Everything had changed. For better or worse? I had no fucking clue.

That thinking lead to my sudden aching question. Had Vylad changed? No, of course not. That wasn't even a possibility... Or could it be? We hadn't had any official interaction with one another for over 15 years, a lack of love could affect a shadow knight greatly.... Would he still have his unkempt, fairly unruly brown mop of curls and vibrant emerald eyes that first caused her attraction to him so long ago? Irene- Aphmau, would he still love her? Would he still gladly fight for her and stand by her side? Would he still being willing to protect and fucking give her warm cuddles?

'What the fuck are you thinking, (Y/n)?! Pull it together! We have more important things to worry about, like this hot tea we're supposed to be paying attention to!' My mind shouts to me, reminding me of my current objectives, and tea does sound nice after 15 minutes- scratch that, years of passed time with little to no context of just what the hell is currently going on. Mm, tea.

Sorry to get all sappy and sentimental, just felt like having an existential crisis. Now back to our regularly scheduled program of Maury.

From what I had caught in between my spurs of insanity, Nekoette-Tan, the Meif'wa halfa, had been the child of Dante and Kawaii~Chan and that Dante is still attached to his old uniform. If only he knew Garroth and I had thoroughly discussed replacing the old things, and by discussed I mean I criticized the designs in the heat of battle. Biggest scars I gave him: Truth on his fashion sense. I digress.....The two became close sometime after our disappearance while taking care of Phoenix Drop, leading to their current relationship.

"Oh! But it's getting late and Kawaii~Chan has to make dinner. Please, it would honor us if you joined us for dinner later tonight. If not, Kawaii~Chan understands because everyone in town wants to see Aphmau~Senpai, but if she could... Aphmau~Senpai can join us for dinner later in the week?" A hopeful look plastered across her face, letting me know immediately that Aphmau wouldn't refuse. Damn her soft heart! I didn't particularly ave to go, seeing as I wasn't invited and Dante would more than likely be there. He can take my shift for a day or two thousand.

"ABSOLUTELY!" She replied, excitement lacing her voice. I prevented a groan at the memory of just how strict Zoe was on healing wounds, whether they be emotionally, physically, or mentally. Saved by the bed rest.

After the two finished their discussion on the arrangements, we were finally able to leave. Kawaii~Chan and Dante's house brought a little too many invasive and overwhelming questions and concerns that I wasn't quite ready to look into. Nekoette~Tan did slip in small comments on how excited she had been to meet both of us, amazed by the stories her parents told them of their adventures. Her tiny ramblings finally stop once Kawaii~Chan makes her.
~~~~

After discussing just how Zoey had been able to open the portal, standing through Mystery Guy and Aphmau being awkward beans, listening to Donna ramble while admiring how young she still looked after 15 years and 4 kids, as well as taking in the sight of Yip's human form, we finally found the current guard tower. Dante and Laurence had been discussing something when we walked in, turning to acknowledge our presence. As we approached, Laurence had a strange look on his face directed towards me. I turned my head to different sides to make sure he'd been referring to me, because y'know.... other beings do exist. It wasn't another being.... Dammit!

Aphmau and Dante began conversation, forgetting about Laurence and me. The two of us made eye contact, awkward eye contact. I opened my mouth to say something, any possible words I could formulate quickly dispersing at his sudden words. "Heard from him yet?" They were harsh, almost hateful.

It took me a moment to recover from his tone before realizing his choice of words. Him? He couldn't possibly be referring to him. Why had Laurence brought it up so suddenly? What concern of his had it been? Why would he sudden ask about him of all people? Did he just want to open some can of worms that hadn't been his concern in the slightest? Wait, slow down. He wants you to get worked up, wants you to break down and crack. Just calm down.

"You haven't told them, have you?" His laughter made me sick as he belittled me, the smirk on his face making my stomach churn. My eyes quickly darted to Garroth's, only to find his crystal blue eyes stuck on the ground below him. "No wonder they trust you so much! You've been lying to their faces and keeping secrets, dear!"

Garroth kept his head low and eyes to the ground. Once again, he would keep his mouth shut and try to ignore the situation in front of him. Just like the others, except for... I fought back another flood of emotions, turning back to Zane to keep my stance. It wasn't the time to think of such frivolous things at the moment and I won't let him scare me again "No need looking back on the past, High Priest"

"Most women would be frowned upon for talking to their spouse in such a manner" My heart felt as though it had been stabbed with a dagger.

"(Y/N)... What is he talking about?" Everyone's faces had suddenly changed to a look of confusion, to be ignored as I launched myself at him. I was going to kill him, end him here and now so the world would no longer have to face the tyranny of Zane Ro'Meave. However, I was stopped mid strike, sword clashing with Garroth's and for a moment, all we did was glare, stare, and snarl before I stood down. I was perfectly fine with hurting Zane, but I could never find myself angry enough to even lay a hand on Garroth.

I slowed my breathing, taking longer and deeper breaths to relax myself. Dante was gone and Laurence's attention had been turned to Aphmau, a smile adorning his lips as they conversed. What was that sudden change? He went from seething with anger towards me to happily chatting with Aphmau. What the hell were they even talking about?

"Ah! Take a look... looks like the ship from that trade meeting is heading back here" Laurence stated, now facing the window that looked out over the seas. A tiny smile tugged at his lips, slowly leaving as he seemed deeper in thought "I wonder what Malachai looks like after all these years... Will he even remember me...?" A small bout of silence followed, almost as though Laurence had been worried, scared of seeing Malachai after all this time. I couldn't blame him, seeing as just yesterday he had been a young boy still growing before our very eyes.

I wanted to reach out to him, possibly even bond over the situation with him, but... I couldn't. We now held a different relationship in contrast to the close friendship we had just a few days ago. All of this caused by Zane... He just had to destroy another thing in my life while he could. He just wanted to add on to the list of reasons why I wanted- no, needed to get back at him, to ruin his life.

"Laurence... From what Levin's told me, I'm pretty sure he remembers you very well" Once again, Aphmau's come to the rescue like the knight in shining armor she is. Doing the impossible one step at a time. I would've preferred she comforted me too at a time like this. At least I remained an on looker, a listener that really didn't need to add on to the conversation. That's how it's been since we returned.... I'm pretty sure everyone preferred it that way, anyway. No use in complaining.

Things would be easier if you were here too...

A/N: How's it going? Long time no see! Sorry it took me over a year to update this thing. Life's a bitch. I do plan on trying to update my stories more, and this was one of many that I decided would be great to start updating and fixing. I can't say for sure when the next chapter will be out, but I can be certain that a few more chapters are either going to g missing or the story just won't make sense for a while. Remember: I am updating and changing the story, so that should explain that. We may even get a bit of insight on Vylad next chapter, but who knows? Anyway, MCI Out, Peace ;P