Epilogue

SiN

Settingmy shuttle down in the DarkForest on Darverius, I reach for the button to open the ramp. It is nice to not have to hide my comings and goings any longer. The moment the ramp opens I take a deep breath. Nothing like being home.

"Race ya."

That'sthe only warning I get from my little mate as she takes off through the forest. She is so fast now I don't have to worry about the Selin catching her as she sprints through their territory. I had just caught up with her when out of nowhere we are picked up off the ground. The roots of several Guardians lift us through the air and we at the magical display of vines and roots dancing all around us. Mystic's massive trunk comes into view quickly, traveling like way.

Mystics' comforting voice echoes through my mind. "Younglings, it does my old heart good to see both of you well and in good spirits."

Jadereaches out from the limb and hugs the side of Mystics. "We have missed you something awful. Wait until I tell you all about the guardians on Zodiqua. We had quite the adventure."

"TheZodiqua guardians sent messages ahead of your arrival. They were happy to have assisted with the invasion of those nasty parasites. Now that your mission is over, will you two be staying for a few rotations?"

"I believe so. Jade and I both are ready for only the comfort you can provide, Mystic."

Thelarge limbs move both of us closer and just as I think she is going to open up her branches so that we can be placed into her sanctuary, Mystic stops.

"I recently started thinking about your comforts and even though at no point have I heard a single complaint from either of you. I know the limitations of my trunkand the luxuries I can provide for you inside. So, I asked for a bit of help from SAGE. Between the two of us and several other Guardians, we created you a special place."

Shemoves us around, sitting me and Jade both on the ground behind her trunk. BeforeI can say a word, a path opens before us. Jade looks over at me and I just shrug my shoulders, heck, I don't have a clue what's going on. I tell her through our bond.

Asmall limb nudges us forward, and as we walk along. I can see a small clearing opening up in front of us when we step into it. Both of us are speechless, as before us stands a dwelling, completely formed out of the roots of the guardians standing around.

"Go on, look inside."

"What is this?

"It can be expanded, if need be, later on. I wanted you two to always have a place to come back to. A sanctuary that offered the same safety you have always had within my branches. This is my gift to you, my special ones. MyGuardianKeepers. Welcome home SiN and Jade."

Iwhisk Jade up into my arms and walk us through the front door together and Jade waves at Mystic before shutting the door behind us. I capture my mate's lips with mine and leave the rest of the world behind as the darkness protectively settles in.

"Don't you think we should take a look around first SiN?"

"Absolutely, right after I make you scream my name into the heavens."

"Challenge excepted."

Mystic and theGuardians settle back around the dwelling they had made for the organics. All enjoying the peace echoing throughout the solar system while it lasts.

THEEND