"Hongjoong, did you get that order in?" Mingi yelled from his office.

"Yes! Two hours ago!" The older shouted, then poked his head around the corner a few seconds later. "Did everything go through?"

Mingi pulled up the appropriate screen on his computer and quickly scanned the form. Then he hummed and nodded. "It did. Perfect."

Hongjoong's lips tilted in a crooked smile and he walked forward. Mingi pushed himself away from the desk so that the older could sit on his lap. "Does this mean we are done for today?" Hongjoong asked while teasing the hair on Mingi's neck.

"I suppose."

"Good." Hongjoong leaned forward to press a light kiss to Mingi's lips. "Hwa and Youngie have dinner ready in the main house."

Mingi perked up at those words and jumped up, looping his arms around and under Hongjoong to cradle him next to his chest. This made the older tilt his head back and laugh before holding onto Mingi's neck.

They walked together through their small home and into the main courtyard, which was filled with flowers, shrubs, and a beautiful fountain in the center.

Four homes were situated on each side of the courtyard, each with an iron, arched entryway layered with creeping vines.

It was a perfect setup, one that had taken months of planning and financing, but the team had been more than happy to do it.

Once they had taken the time to heal and recover, everyone took the time to branch out into the city to try and figure out how it was holding up with Mercer and The Pack gone.

What they found was an entirely new society.

Most of the people were still celebrating on the streets, happy that they didn't have to pay rent or extra taxes or fear for losing their lives.

Stores were flourishing again now that the owners didn't have to hide their goods or bow down to Mercer.

Everything was better. Happier. Fuller.

And it stayed that way too, for about a year or so. And then the crime rate started to rise once more.

At that time, Yeosang was busy surveilling the city to keep an eye on things while everyone else was doing what they could to help clean up any left behind messes. They weren't making themselves known to the public only because they didn't want to be accused of trying to take over.

The public needed to decide who was going to lead them and help repair everything.

Thankfully, as time passed, a leader was elected and the city plus all the surrounding areas were able to return to some semblance of normalcy.

Seonghwa made a comment one day about how he had nearly forgotten there was a world outside of their city. His father had been so hell bent on gaining control over everything he could, starting with the immediate area and stretching out to a few cities a few hours away.

Trade was steadily rebuilt, along with highways, partnerships, and everything needed for them to reintroduce themselves to other forces in the world.

One thing they ended up learning as this happened was that Mercer had set up Pack check points to limit anything getting into his predetermined zones. He had truly cut them off from everything so he could have his own section of his 'perfect' world.

Hongjoong and his team handled taking out the check points as secretly as possible, turning into a vigilante group determined to do the right thing.

When they were confident in what they had accomplished, they started to slowly emerge into society again.

Now, five years after Mercer had been defeated, Yeosang worked with the head of a large technology company. They employed his expertise to help invent new systems used for all types of surveillance, security, and anything else that may be needed.

He still kept up a little command center at home to alert him if anything suspicious happened that needed fixing, but he was happy to be a part of any advancements that would take their city to the next level.

Jongho had fixed up his fighting ring, which had stayed in tact and survived everything, which had been a very touching moment he and Yeosang shared. The two of them worked hard to clean everything up and now he ran the most successful training facilities around. He took the time to find trainers for taekwando, hapkido, taekkyon, and several other fighting styles so anyone could come and learn.

Not surprisingly, Yunho opened up a garage where he did a lot of custom work on cars. He bought and sold vehicles constantly, flipping them for a profit or stripping them for parts which he used for his own custom ideas.

This gave birth to his new color-changing red and orange sports car he lovingly dubbed The Horizon. Yeosang had helped equip it with everything Yunho needed to be a master of the road, although he swore his drag racing days were far behind him. No one believed him, but they didn't feel the need to mention that.

Wooyoung and San spent a lot of time at the training center as well. The younger was determined to learn every way possible to defend himself and San was more than willing to teach him. In the years after their victory, the two of them had become very close and would disappear for hours at an end to explore the hidden parts of the city and stop any criminal activity that threatened to start up.

They both had very restless spirits, especially Wooyoung, and sitting still was something they both had a hard time with. It was a way for them to cope with the demons of their past and no one tried to stop them.

Seonghwa had the hardest time deciding what he wanted to do with his new found freedom. He stayed by Wooyoung's side a lot, often commenting on how he just wanted to keep the younger safe, but really it was because he was lost.

His entire life had revolved around working with the Pack and eventually taking over for his father.

When he was comfortable with it, he ended up visiting the old compound and sorting through everything he could. More often than not he would return home with boxes of files or random weapons, trinkets, or supplies to share with the group.

Several of Mercer's plans and traps were revealed, which in turn helped them stop anything that had already been started.

The hardest one for them to look at was the plans for his time machine. Mercer had gathered everything he had needed to build it again before Seonghwa was even born, then stored it deep under ground.

Thankfully it was entirely sealed off after the explosion. With it being six stories down, it was impossible to get any kind of crane or heavy machinery down to move the large pieces of cement and any auxiliary shafts had all collapsed in on themselves.

They would never know what else could be hiding in the depths beneath their beloved city.

In the end, Seonghwa ended up working closely with Hongjoong and Mingi on their vision for the future.

Building up a police force.

It was something Mingi had been adamant about and Hongjoong agreed with him almost immediately.

All three of them shared the rolls of Chief of Police, trainer, merchandiser, consultant, and really anything else that was needed.

It took a couple of years to get it stared, but thankfully the tyranny that had reigned before inspired the citizens to step up and support the need for a fair and just party to help keep the peace.

And that's what they ended up being called. Peace Keepers.

It felt like a more fitting term than police men and women. For a new city, new ways were needed.

As the team of eight fell into their chosen rolls, they decided it was time to move out of Hongjoong's warehouse and get a place of their own.

That's when they decided to build their little piece of paradise. Each couple designed their own home, which Seonghwa and Wooyoung taking the 'main' house. They purposefully designed theirs a little bigger that that they could host the meetings or even just family dinners.

They were all connected by the courtyard, which they all tended to whenever they needed to relax and just soak in a peaceful moment.

Hongjoong squirmed in Mingi's arms and tapped his cheek several times to get him to laugh. Which Mingi did, very easily.

He set Hongjoong down, electing to take his hand so there was still a connection between them, before they entered the main house.

"Hello!" Hongjoong called out while slipping out of his shoes at the entryway.

Mingi did the same and followed the delicious smell coming from the kitchen.

"Hey! Everything is all set!" Wooyoung beamed before carrying a large bowl into the dining room.

The atmosphere was lively, excitement buzzing between all of them as everyone turned up one by one.

Yunho and San were helping set the table, which also involved San fussing over Yunho's dress shirt and making sure it was tucked in.

"Sannie, it's fine!" Yunho said with a whine when San yanked him away from the table.

"It will be in just a minute. I can't believe you went out driving in your nice clothes." The younger grumbled as he fussed.

Yunho's ears immediately turned ran and he pursed his lips. "It was just a test drive."

Wooyoung snorted. "Yeah, and I'm three meters tall."

"No one asked you, shrimpy." Yunho narrowed his eyes, then let out a playful laugh when Wooyoung cried out and started to chase him around the table.

"Hey, hey!" Seonghwa appeared within seconds, snapping his fingers to get them to stop.

Wooyoung stopped mid-lunge, arms outstretched, and pulled his head down back as if trying to hide between his shoulders. "Sorry, Hwa."

"Well they are going to be here any minute. I can't believe I have to take care of such children." The oldest grumbled before turning back to the kitchen.

"You know you love us!" Wooyoung yelled happily before running to Seonghwa's side and jumping on his back.

San was also there hugging Seonghwa from the front and the three of them clambered into the kitchen arguing amongst themselves.

Mingi could feel how wide he was smiling at the interaction. He was so proud of what they had built together and there was no place he would rather be.

There was one night when Hongjoong had asked him if he wished his memories had never come back.

It was a tricky question and one that Mingi mulled over for several minutes. In the end, he pulled Hongjoong to him and kissed the top of his head before whispering, "No... I know there is a lot of pain that comes with them, but... They are what brought me to you. In both lives. I have no doubt that I would have fallen for you again if I hadn't remembered, but it would have changed my relationship with all of you. I'd live through all of it time and time again if it meant returning to my team every time."

Mingi knew his words would always ring true, especially tonight.

When everything was perfect, after much rearranging by Seonghwa, he admired the table filled with delicious dishes overflowing with food Seonghwa and Wooyoung had spent all day preparing.

It was the ultimate feast, designed around the eight of their appetites, and showing off the variety of preferences they had. And all of it was meant to be shared.

For today was a special day.

All they needed now were the guests of honor.

At the first sound of the back door opening, the six of them gathered around the table and waited until Yeosang and Jongho rounded the corner to shout, "Congratulations!!"

The couple jumped and looked at them with open mouths before looking at each other with shy expressions. "What's all this?" Jongho asked.

"Oh come on, we aren't oblivious." San giggled. He bounced in place before leaning into Wooyoung's side. "Yunnie overheard your phone call, Jongho."

"What?!" The youngest narrowed his eyes and glared at the driver, who immediately threw his hands up.

"It's not like I did it on purpose! That's what you get for not checking to make sure the garage was empty." Yunho said with a chuckle.

Jongho opened and closed his mouth a few times before pushing his lips out in a pout and looking at the ground.

Next to him, Yeosang was blushing heavily and looked like he wanted to run and hide.

Mingi stepped forward and tried to give a kind smile. "Well, we know. So how did he do it?"

"I want to see it!" Wooyoung pipped up, earning a pinch from Seonghwa to get him to calm down.

Not that it ever worked, but he instantly curled into Seonghwa's side and kissed his neck, so that was progress.

"It's- I- He, um..." A soft, shy look took over Yeosang's face and he slowly lifted his left hand to reveal a silver band embedded with eight black diamonds on his left ring finger.

Jongho held up his hand as well, showing off he had one of the same design. It was an elegant design for a couples ring and Jongho must have put a lot of time into designing.

"We just went to the ring." Yeosang finally said, his smile growing wider when Wooyoung hurried over and took his hand. Hongjoong also leaned over to take a peek as well. "It was the first place we were both truly happy, so it was beautiful."

"Now don't make a big deal." Jongho said quickly. "We don't want anything extravagant, just something with all of you."

"That sounds wonderful." Seonghwa smiled gently while pulling Wooyoung back into his arms. "We can decorate the courtyard and get some local restaurants to cater. I'll take care of it."

"Thanks." Yeosang wrapped his arms around Jongho's neck and kissed his cheek. "That sounds perfect."

"I'm happy for you two." Mingi tilted his head a little. His chest filled with warmth at the thought his two friends getting married.

It felt... right.

There were days that they felt like they all felt like they were still trying to figure out how they fix in the grand puzzle that was their world. Their pasts were complicated and full of death and suffering.

But over the years they had worked on forgiving themselves, which allowed them the chance to dream of a better and brighter future.

Yeosang and Jongho getting married would be the first step. It was as 'normal' of an act as anything, and one they most certainly deserved.

In the grand scheme of things, Mingi would never be able to predict what the future would bring. But as he watched his family gather around their celebratory meal, all chatting happily about wedding plans, he found himself silently thanking whoever would listen to him for his life.

After all the pain, all the death, all the torture and uncertain ventures, he was proud to say they had accomplished their goals.

He was happy with where the Peace Keepers were at and knew they would do great things, and above all else he was grateful for his family here.

Hongjoong met his eye and nodded with a knowing smile. He always seemed to know what Mingi was thinking about.

They both lifted a hand just above the top of the table and touched a special bracelet each of them had, which had been designed and decked out by Yeosang for all their needs. But he most important part was the symbol carved into the flat part of the bracelet.

One that they all touched for comfort or when they needed to feel connected.

When they noticed, everyone else around the table did the same thing. This led them all to placed their hands over their hearts while still touching the bracelet in a silent moment of thanks.

The simple symbol acted a reminder for all of them.

A reminder of all the hurdles they had overcome to get to this moment. Together.

And it would always be something that kept them together. Connected by a forgotten past and souls that would always find each other.

No matter what.

No one else had to know what it truly meant, but they would.

Hope, happiness, peace... they were provided with whatever emotion they needed...

Every time they looked down and saw that small, engraved '8'.

End.

I am trying so hard not to tear up while posting this. Wow... What an amazing journey this was. I can't believe it's come to an end...

I hope this wasn't too cheesy or disappointing for anyone. If I'm being honest, I had a really hard time deciding how I wanted to end it. Part of me wanted to do an unhappy ending for a change, but the boys just wouldn't cooperate with me haha. When I started writing Mingi's part in the last chapter, it ended up not feeling right if I were to have him lose his memory permanently. After the 100 chapters of torment I put them through, they needed a happy ending, right??

Anyway... Thank you so much, my precious Flamies, for sticking with me through this adventure. I know it was extremely dark at time and not everyone's cup of tea, but it has been one of my favorite stories to write. For those of you who stuck it out to the end, I am eternally grateful. 

I love all of you so damn much. You make every day better for me with your comments and support.

Here's to more adventures to come!!

Please stay happy, healthy, and safe.

I love you, with every fiber of my being <3<3<3

And thank you again.

In the words of our beloved Wooyoung.... Bye-bye!!