Heartfelt Goodbyes

**Aileen POV**

All three of us made our way back outside. Kuzon went over to the snack table and spoke with Kaibec. Obviously that little demon would be found eating. The DSS could convince him to become an official member by promising all the food he could eat. It's a mystery how he ever survived living near Shiuku's hideout. Besides ballsy squirrels, there weren't too many animals living there. They were scared of his aura and stayed away.
Lena and Tom came over to us. They had food for us in their hands which we both happily wolfed down. While Devon was still chewing, Tom placed an arm around him and they wandered off together. Whatever they were talking about, both men were smiling at each other.
That left me alone with Lena. The squad leader who had trained me and helped me escape from Shiuku. She had told me before how I reminded her of herself. We were both spacey, mostly wore our hair in a ponytail, and had trust issues. She always believed in me and my potential, even when my trust in her faded. There was a time, in a Longhorn with my brother, I had assumed she, Kaibec, and Tom were all working for Shiuku. I guess I owed the little gluttonous demon an apology too. He spent years risking his life after betraying Shiuku finding a way for me to go home. I was certain now that he was the first one to get Kuzon to debate helping me. All this started with Kaibec, Kuzon, and Shiuku. It'll all end with Kaibec, Kuzon, and my old squad leader.
An image of Lena and Devon kissing caused my face to flush. Maybe Lena was right, we were similar. Devon was attracted to us both. She smiled sweetly at me. "Aileen, your nostrils are flaring...So Kuzon sent you back to the past too? And it seems Devon didn't stop you from seeing the past like he did me."
For a moment I wondered what Kuzon was going to have Lena see. He's mentioned it would get her and Nye to save him from Shiuku.
I was about to ask, but I couldn't look her in the face. "Well at least now I know where he took you back to. The day Devon betrayed the DSS right?"
"Yeah, I saw him...persuading you to join Shiuku. Would have been a huge win for Shiuku...getting the Final Guardian." My lips twitched into a false grin. "I saw what caused Nye's death too."
Lena nodded, "Shiuku poisoned him. He told us on our way back to the DSS. Ten days later, he died hollering in pain with a completely blue face and limbs." She knew from my expression there was more to the story. "Shiuku poisoning him was the way he died Aileen. We've all accepted it."
I nodded. Tom and Devon were finally getting along. No one else had to know who held the needle. Shiuku was the one who gave the order anyway.
An awkward silence followed. The two of us were both lost in our thoughts for a while. Eventually Lena went for broke, "kissing Devon was actually a good thing. I'm glad it happened."
She liked kissing my man? While her true love was off fighting demons and protecting his teammates?!
"Let me explain. Kissing him was like a reality shock. I felt nothing like I did when Tom was near me. You know what I'm talking about right? I'm sure Devon's kisses send you more tingles than Roy, or Shiuku's did. And the evil bastard even stole Devon's aura!"
She was right there. Shiuku had been an amazing kisser, but was uncomparable to when Devon finally put his lips on mine.
Lena gripped my shoulder. "Bet you understand why Tom hated Devon for so long. You had the same 'I want you dead' stance as my stubborn dragon."
Yeah, I understood now. I had to fight back the engraved pictures of the two of them kissing. Since Tom had to witness their flirting for an extended period of time, I could see how hate could easily blossom. Lena squeezed my shoulder bringing me back to the present. When I met her questioning eyes, I saw my instructor, motivator, and most of all, my friend.
"I'll miss you. Things will be much less interesting without our other-worlder."
"I'll miss you too. Who's going to ride my ass about everything with you gone."
She punched me lightly, "don't slack off just because you'll be in Vernen. The unpolished diamond mentioned how close Vernen is to Lutz's capitol. By the time you return, you better be stronger than the one we sent to watch over Shion."
Right, the DSS had declared someone would accompany us. Someone had to keep an eye on Shiuku's child. A bit annoying seeing as how I was a member, but I guess I could understand their reasoning. The new ruler had given quite a bit. I suppose I could get adjusted to a new person joining the family. I wouldn't trust him, but I would welcome him. I'd just have to keep my guard up.
"Of course, the first thing you'll see when I return is defeat this outsider."
Lena rolled her eyes at my cockiness. There was nothing more we needed to say to each other. We both were well aware of where we stood. I gave my old squad leader a small bow and strolled through the yard to my adoptive family.
Mrs. Hemmer was already crying while Mr. Hemmer consoled her. Both of them were glued to the screen playing pictures of their kids. My own eyes betrayed me as I watched old memories. In almost every early image, Trevor was carefree. I was grumpy. Both of us were jealous of the other, but too stupid to talk through it. Little did we know, slowly we started to love each other. As the photos continued, I noticed the change in our faces. Trevor and I had been obvious to it, but our bond was forming. We became inseparable.
The next image was of us in front of a clubhouse we built in our late teens. It was lopsided and crudely painted in shades of blue. Random twigs were stuck in my hair. Trevor was picking out a twig. Both of us had cheesy smiles. We'd made a sanctuary away from the Hemmer's. A hideout for when they were mad. Childish. Yet, I loved the little poorly constructed building. It was the first of many projects we took on together. My obnoxious brother; my first rock in this dimension.
"Baby sis."
I raced to my brother and threw myself into his arms. He squeezed me tighter than any cobra could. I crushed his body just as hard as I could. Life would not be the same without him. Already I could tell he would be the one I missed the most. We had shared our dreams, sorrows, worries, and joys with each other. Sometimes a bit too much joy. Hearing about his sexual conquests, I could live without.
Somewhere behind us Kuzon announced it was about time. All the demons and humans rescued from Shiuku huddled near the demon lord. Among them I saw Trevor's cupcake girl. Jacob was with them as well. Only he was in handcuffs still. I was sure my Father had the key. Both of us were unsure about Jacob's fate. Until then, Father was going to keep him bound.
I turned to the Hemmer family. "Please come inside the house with me. I'm not sure I can say this while those damn pictures rotate on a giant screen." Trevor wasn't the only one I would miss. They were all incredible and irreplaceable in my heart.
All three followed me inside. We walked into my old room. Minus what I had left at my apartment, everything in this room was exactly how it had been for years. The purple blanket resting on the bed had soaked up many of my tears. The bookshelf by Trevor's head had let me escape my own head. The little chair by the desk had little cracks from my anger. The drawers had been stuffed with countless letters to my Father. The walls had heard many heart to hearts with my family. Now was time for the final one.
"I...I don't know where to begin...you all...you took me in when I had nothing...you...made me strong... and loved..." I sniffled in-between words as I spoke. "You supported...me and treated...me like I was your blood...Never...did...did I feel unwanted."
Mrs. Hemmer crumbled onto the bed beside me. "You are our daughter! This is your home! And damn it you better come back here first in five years!"
I was taken aback. Mrs. Hemmer rarely cussed. She must have really been losing it. Mr. Hemmer added, "and our grandbaby! We'll be away from him for so long. We've given Sekai cameras. You all better take pictures for us!"
Fuck my burning eyes. "Thank you mom. Thank you dad for everything."
They both tackled me on the bed. My hair was getting wet from all their tears. Mrs. Hemmer cried, "you never called us mom and dad before. Are you trying to break my heart? My baby girl."
"Making an old man weep like your newborn. Dark King's daughter indeed." Mr. Hemmer kissed my forehead.
It took several minutes for us to sit back up. We were all crying messes and I didn't care who saw. This was my family. I wouldn't have survived had they not taken me in. Something in the forest probably would have eaten me.
I held my hand out for Trevor. Like so many times before, metaphorically and literally, Trevor lifted me up.
"Guess this will be goodbye." Trevor ruffled my hair.
Well, I was already blubbering worse than Shion. "You... are absolutely my best friend. This whole time you were the best brother I could have wished for... you annoy the living shit out of me... you're beyond cocky and arrogant... but you made me laugh... you were always there for me...I can't imagine not having you...to talk to... I love you Trevor... Who...who am I supposed to harass now?...I'm a princess and Lord's wife... a future Queen...I need someone to...make fun of...who can dish...it back." I laughed through my tears.
"Love you too sis. I told you as much last year at Longhorn."
I couldn't take much more. Before I lost all my nerve to go home and better my country, I left the room. Trevor stayed with his parents for a little longer. Without looking back, I carefully retrieved my son. Never wake a sleeping baby; especially if said baby is a demon with uncontrollable powers.
Steading my heart, Shion and I walked back outside. Devon and Tom were now next to a giant pile of suitcases. Devon sprinted over to us. He swept our son up from me in a fluid motion. Shion didn't even stir. My husband got lucky. Devon was cooing sweet nothings in our snoring baby's ear when Sam approached us.
"So it's finally happening. Ms. Aileen is going home, so I'm free from worry of abduction! My world just got much simpler."
I laughed, "yup, you can go back to your dull life again."
"I'll miss you pain in the ass. It will be strange integrating myself back into everyday life. Never would I have figured getting a date with some girl at a restaurant would lead my life into hell. But I suppose I did find my true love, so... I guess I'll miss your ass." Sam swatted my butt.
Devon hissed, "that's my firm ass." He proceeded to slap my butt harder.
"I'll miss you too. And I swear I'll unleash hell on you if Shion wakes up because of your possessive ass slapping."
"Sorry love. I'm a demon. We are territorial and possessive. She touched what's mine."
I groaned internally.
"It's time." Kuzon announced. "Everyone leaving here please line up. I can send three at a time and then any luggage. Aileen, King Ulrich, and Shion; you all are up first."
As much as I wanted to go last, this made the most sense. Devon softly placed our son back in my arms.
On shaking legs, I made my way over to Kuzon. Everyone who wasn't leaving sauntered away from the demon lord. Leaving the house, Mr. and Mrs. Hemmer joined the stay group. For some reason, Trevor was coming to stand beside me.
"Let's get started; I have an upset wife waiting for me." Kuzon growled at any stragglers.
"Trevor, get out of here!" He was going to wind up in the wrong dimension.
He blinked as if surprised. "Lena and Tom told you someone trusted by the DSS would have to accompany you." He bowed with a smug grin on his face. "I was chosen for this role. Gotta make sure Shion grows up not being evil and all."
Was he fecking serious!?
"Oh and dear sister, that was very heartwarming. I didn't know you loved me so much. Don't worry, we have five more years to torment each other."
That's why his parents put so many pictures of him in there. This was a going away party for both of us! They knew and still let me blabber like an idiot in my room!? I could kill him!
"Alright well the first and second group are here!" Trevor waved to Kuzon. I really was going to kill my brother. He was lucky I was holding my baby.
Trevor ushered everyone seeking a new life a few feet back. Father came up beside me and placed a hand on Shion's head. Below our feet, the ground began to mist purple. This was it. I was going home. I turned to look at my friends and family one more time. It would be five more years until I would see them again. Lena and Tom were waving, the Hemmer's were crying and blowing kisses, my friends were sticking out their tongues, and Kaibec was munching on some chips. In front of me were so many faces of people who I had grown to love. I tilted my head to see Devon standing with Trevor and Sekai. He too was staring at the crowd of faces here to see us off. I knew from his piercing gaze that he felt the same way I did. They were our family. We would not let them down.
.
Who would have thought the sucidal princess who believed she was too weak for her family name; had always been strong. She just had to open her eyes. I have an amazing supportive family and we are each other's real strength. Now it was time to use that strength to protect my people and growing family.