Peace.

Those fleeting moments where the world doesn't seem to exist, that's really what we aspire to experience someday. It's almost too brief to remember, but we do somehow. The lightness, the carefree nature of it all, it's like sitting in an English meadow for hours after sunrise (Okay yes, we are picturing Pride and Prejudice here but go with it). It's a moment you would carry in your heart every day, and it heals you. You feel strength to face another day, you feel lighter somehow. It feels ethereal, peacefully magical, timeless.

Those brief moments after she opened her eyes next to the love of her life, Raina felt that lightness, as a blush overwhelmed her cheeks. Everything that she'd read about over and over, the love that lasts forever, it was real. It wasn't just a fantasy that borderline depressed and imaginative writers wrote about; it was a real experience, and it lasts. People say that when you're young they assume you know nothing, well, Raina and Edmund looked young, but they are older than pretty much everybody on earth, so it doesn't count.

Edmund stirred as well, as Raina observed his cheeks dusted with a pink tint in the moonlight. Her heart raced as butterflies overwhelmed her stomach, and her knees grew weak. Something about this boy, ahem, man, had an emotional and well, physical chokehold on her that she couldn't even begin to fathom. The impending battle, the possible sacrifices, the horrid visions that were on the horizon were miles away in those fleeting peaceful moments.

Edmund's eyes fluttered as he gained consciousness, his eyes falling on Raina's gleaming brown orbs in the moonlight, as he gulped. He couldn't imagine being where he was in those moments, being with Raina, a girl he loved with all his heart since he was a mere 14 year old child.

'Hello there.' He spoke in a groggy voice which somehow made him sound even more attractive. The blood that rushed into Raina's cheeks were so scarlet, they were maroon. Her eyes sparkled like midnight rain, because he was her bejewelled sunshine. She felt warmth envelop her chest, as she brought her hand to his cheek and gave it a light slap, to make her shake off the shyness she felt being alone with him in that moment. Her little whack made Edmund squeak in surprise, looking at her in an accusatory manner.

'Ow what was that for?' He spoke as he rubbed his cheek. Raina chuckled, as she clutched the sheet closer to her chest, and sat up.

'You're staring, Edmund. It's not proper.' Raina mimicked his sister's words from a couple of years ago, right as they were about to go into battle. Edmund threw his head back, laughing.

"Fair fair, but well..." He replied as he too sat up, and Raina couldn't help but drop her eyes to his exposed chest, which by the way, was even more taut than she remembered. Damn did he start working out? Okay Raina, pull it together-

"You're staring, Raina. It's not proper." Edmund mimicked her words, as her eyes widened, and she buried herself in the blanket to hide her embarrassment. Edmund pulled her to him, so her back was to his chest, as she felt his deep laughter reverberate off his chest. It was a thrill, one that she had never known.

"Shut up."

"Make me, Laurel."

Raina turned around and leaned in close to kiss him, catching his bottom lip in her teeth, gently. Edmund felt his heart thump at the action as his arms went to his lower back, feeling the smooth skin, before grabbing her hips, and turning her to him. He mumbled her name as they continued kissing for a few moments. Raina pulled away to look at him, her heart going a million miles an hour, reliving everything that happened between them over the past three years.

Her face clouded over as she realised they couldn't stay in this moment forever.

"Ed..." Her voice quivered, as Edmund's features immediately contorted in worry as he cradled her face.

"I'm scared, Edmund. I know this is the only chance we have, but what if..." She trailed off, her voice cracking, as tears glistened in her eyes.

"What if I'm the reason Narnia goes extinct? What if Narnia gets destroyed because of me? How could I live with myself, how-how can anyone even-"

Raina's words were cut off by Edmund's firm but soft lips on hers, as his arms were tightly wrapped around her waist. He pulled away just to look into her eyes, before wiping her tears away with his thumbs.

"Narnia will live because of you. I've seen you do things no one in any universe would be able to do. When you put your mind to something, Raina, a shadow king, is absolutely nothing but a pesky mosquito in your way. You'll swat it away."

Raina's cheeks were burning red, as her eyes filled up again, this time, from the sheer happiness she felt being with the love of her life having such unwavering faith in her. She threw her arms around him, holding him for dear life, as she quietly cried on his bare shoulder.

"I love you, Edmund Pevensie."

"I love you, Raina Laurel."

Raina sighed before getting up and putting her clothes on, when she turned around and saw Edmund mirror her previous expression of sadness and worry.

"Are you okay?"

"Nothing it's just, I was thinking about the last time we had a life or death situation and...well, I guess I hoped that it would be all of us." He mused sadly, as his eyes went to a sheathed sword that hung near a cabinet.

Peter's sword.

Raina's heart broke at the sight of him, knowing full well that he not only mirrors her fears but that he fears never seeing his family again, should this go wrong.

And it could. It totally could.

Do they have everything they need to fight the Umbra Regem? Yes, they do.

But does that mean any fear of what may happen will be eliminated? Not by a long shot.

As Raina deliberated on Edmund's words, she didn't notice him get up and put his clothes on, until he walked up to her, looping his arm around her waist.

"I'm going to go get to Caspian. We need to get ready." He told her, as she nodded.

"I'll get my bearings."

As Edmund left, moments later Caspian walked in the room.

"Hey, Ed's looking for you. We need to get ready now. It's time." Raina explained, as Caspian nodded grimly.

"This is it, isn't it?"

Raina sighed, before looking him straight in the eye.

"I'm not going to lie, it could. And if it is, I'm glad and honoured it was with you guys."

Caspian smiled, before giving her a side hug, rubbing her arm soothingly. Purely by force of habit, Raina's eyes flashed violet as she tried to read Caspian's thoughts.

If this is the end, Susan, know that in any other world I would have left Narnia and gone back with you.

Raina's heart sunk in on itself as she tried to keep herself. Caspian turned to her again.

"I'll get Drinian and the rest."

Raina nodded as he left, closing the door on his way out.

She sat down on the bed again, mulling over Edmund and Caspian's thoughts. She closed her eyes.

Coriakin. Are you there?

Your Excellency! Are you alright?

Yes. I need to talk to you. About the prophecy.

What do you wish to know?

In the battle between the Pevensies, Caspian and Dark Island, is it only meant to be Edmund and Lucy?

There was a brief pause on Coriakin's end. He clearly wasn't expecting this question.

Your Excellency, I must admit I can't fully state if there was any more knowledge of this subject, but I would also say that it was Aslan's words and lessons that propelled the older king and queen back to their world.

Well, older or not, Narnia is facing its biggest challenge yet, one which will determine if there will even be a Narnia at the end of this.

I won't deny that, Your Excellency. But what do you desire to come from this?

Raina paused this time.

This battle will be fought by us. ALL of us.

***************

Meanwhile, in another world, two continents in fact, stood the older Pevensies who tried their best to assimilate into a world that their previous world should have prepared them for. Peter was practically unrecognisable from the bags under his eyes, his tousled hair, and clothes that made him look far older than he was. Oxford medical school was certainly a lot to handle, and while Peter was sharper than most of them blokes, he was still struggling.

As his eyes bore into the tomes of ancient medical knowledge that he ought to have memorised by now, he felt his heart drift wayward. Compared to everything else he'd done and dealt with, finishing med school should've been a sucker's bet. He much preferred the racing heartbeat during a night raid, or the adrenaline rush of single/combat. But alas, it wasn't meant to be, was it?

In a grand old ballroom in New York City, a witty, beautiful, and charismatic young woman sauntered through the crowd, a glass of sparkling cider in hand. Her delicate brunette curls and ocean eyes could bring the harshest demeanours to crumbs. She was sought after by practically each and every person she deigned to converse with (especially if they turned out to be blithering idiots).

As an up-and-coming socialite as well as politics and IR major at Barnard College, Susan Pevensie's wit and leadership was known to all, and yet, like the patriarchal society that she resided in, it was her beauty that overtook it. She knew she wanted this life the moment she left... well it doesn't matter now, does it?

In another world, with different choices and circumstances, both Peter and Susan would have given these dreams up for something far greater and noble. They didn't get that chance 3 years ago.

They will, definitely this time.

Raina stood before two mirrors in her private quarters, closing her eyes and searching deep within herself. A gentle but steady warmth began to spread from her chest down to her arms, as her hands began glowing a soft golden light. She opened her eyes and found her new golden orbs staring back at her. She directed her power into the mirror, as they searched for the first High King and Queen of Narnia. Upon reaching them, she spoke to them.

Hey guys. Long time no see.

Peter jumped at the sound of her voice in his head, accompanied by a rushing wind in his dorm room. No, the wind was coming...from a mirror?

Susan almost dropped her crystal glass, earning confused glances from other patrons.

"Who's there?! Show yourself!" Peter commanded, somewhat nervously. Even in the midst of doing something that required all of her focus and energy, Raina couldn't help but chuckle at that.

"What the hell is happening here?!" Susan exclaimed, as she paced around a hidden corridor, and found an ornate mirror to be shining a lot brighter than it should in the nighttime.

I think you guys need a change of scenery.

That voice. It couldn't be-

"Oh my god, RAINA?!" Susan screeched, catching Raina off guard.

"That's one way to react, yes. Now hang on a sec."

Raina channels her power even further as she now clearly sees the images of Peter and Susan in the mirrors. She directed her power to propel them through a portal of her design, as she brought them to where she stood. Post a brief flash of light moments long, there stood the Magnificent King and the Gentle Queen. In the flesh.

Raina smiled.

"Was it a good party?" She asked, casually as Susan bounded over and threw her arms around Raina in a tight hug.

"I don't- how did you-? Oh I missed you so much!" Susan cried, as she buried her head in Raina's shoulder. Not a moment later, Raina felt another set of arms wrap around the two of them.

"Raina, it's been too long!" Peter mumbled, too wrapped up to say anything more. The three of them stayed in the embrace for a few moments, replicating the years they hadn't seen each other.

As they pulled away, Raina noted the change in their facial expressions as they recounted the last time they saw Raina. She pursed her lips, as she gestured to them to sit on the bed and she took a seat on a nearby chair.

"Buckle up, guys. This is a long conversation. We don't really have a lot of time, but you should know anyway. I might not get the chance to tell you this again."

"Wait, what?" Both siblings blurted out at the same time.

A tense and jaw-dropping conversation later, Susan paced the room, as Peter sat back, running his fingers through his hair.

"So, what you're saying is, we're about to go to war. AGAIN?" Susan asked, her tone was somewhat exasperated.

"No offence Su, but isn't that what you'd do every time you came to Narnia?" Raina asked, cocking her eyebrow.

"Eh you've got a point." Peter remarked, as he got up.

"We've got your back, Raina. Always have, and always will. Just be safe, yeah?" Peter said in a brotherly tone.

Before Raina could say anything, there was a knock on Raina's door.

"Raina, are you ready yet? We've got to get on deck." Caspian's voice called out. Susan suddenly stopped pacing, as she went still. Raina smirked to herself as she went to the door. She cracked it open and poked her head out.

"Um not yet, but there's something you should know." She said, covertly. Caspian furrowed his eyebrows, as Edmund and Lucy joined the mix.

"What's going on? Raina? Are you okay?" Edmund asked, as he tried to enter the room. Raina pushed the door back.

"Before you guys come in, I need you to brace yourself a little bit."

Raina's words sent waves of worry through the royals of Narnia.

"Raina, what's going on? Is it the Umbra Regem?" Lucy asked, cautiously.

Raina was about to say something when another voice joined the mix.

"Raina, what's going on? Why are you at the door for so long?"

Edmund's eyes widened.

"Is that-"

The door swung open to reveal King Peter the Magnificent and Queen Susan the Gentle.

It was dead silent for a few moments.

"So, who are we beating this time?" Peter asked, nonchalantly as Edmund was the first to run into the room and give a massive bear hug to his older brother and sister. He was followed by Lucy and Caspian as Raina watched the scene unfold, happy tears in her eyes. Peter looked up to see Raina standing aside.

"And what might you be waiting for? Get over here!"

Raina joined the hug as everyone stayed in the embrace for a few more moments. As they pulled away, it was apparent to Raina and Edmund that Caspian's eyes were glued to Susan's as he had to physically shake himself off from his daydream. Raina snickered.

"Well then, now that we're all reacquainted, we need to prepare. Dark Island is no joke, and having had words with the lord of Dark Island..." Raina scoffed bitterly while saying the last four words, as Edmund, Lucy, and Caspian shuddered.

"And it's safe to say that anything can happen once we're in the thick of it. I'll do my best to keep the Umbra Regem away from you guys, but I'm fairly certain that annoying and ugly shadow demons aren't going to be the only unwanted guests we'll be dealing with here."

Everyone nodded, as Raina sighed and went to the window of her cabin, looking out at Dark island about a mile away. She breathed, shakily, as she turned to the Royals of Narnia.

"We need to be ready. Everyone, armour up and meet me back here." Raina announced.

"Well, before that..." Peter suddenly spoke, causing everyone to look at him, as his features changed to one of smugness. His gaze fluttered between his younger brother and Raina, a smirk engraved on his face.

"When did this happen, where did this happen, how did this happen, what happened and-"

"Good god, Pete, we're about to go to war and this is what you're fixating on?" Raina whined as Edmund sidled up to her, kissing her temple, which prompted a very un-gentlemanly gag from Peter.

"Yep, I've got my answer. Bye."

As everyone cleared out, Edmund lingered in the doorway. Raina looked at him, curiously.

"What is it?" She asked, walking up to him.

He sighed before speaking.

"Thank you." His voice was low.

"For what?" Raina placed her hand on his cheek, eyebrows furrowing.

"Pete and Su. I'd...I have been thinking about them a lot since we came back and after everything I was worried I may never..." His voice trailed off, as Raina hugged him tightly, burying her head in his chest. Tears pricked her eyes as she spoke.

"You will."

Edmund gently pulled away from the hug but kept his arms firmly around Raina.

"I don't know if you can promise that, Raina."

*****************

In another chamber, Peter, Edmund, and Caspian were putting on their armours, feeling the air grow serious and solemn around them.

"I never thought I would get to come back after last time." Peter's voice grew airy, as he recalled the last time he was in Narnia and his conversation with Aslan. Caspian hummed, as Edmund looked at the ground, trying to keep himself from growing too emotional.

"Well, I don't think Raina was about to let you guys go that easily. She is annoyingly resilient." Caspian smiled at the end, which prompted a nod from Peter and a chuckle from Edmund.

"Don't I know it?" Edmund said to no one in particular, as all eyes turned on him.

"Ed, it took you guys way too long." Peter clapped a hand on his brother's shoulder and pulled him in for a hug. Edmund looked surprised before embracing him.

"Either med school made you emo or you may have brain damage." Edmund snarkily commented, prompting a brotherly whack on his head at the behest of his brother, who shook his head in feigned annoyance.

"Maybe a bit of both."

"ALSO Caspian..." Edmund suddenly turned to the Seafarer, a mischievous glint in his eyes, which would even rival that of Raina's.

"If my eyes did not deceive me, I believe I saw a very...interesting glance from you in my older sister's direction."

Peter's eyes widened, before turning his pointed gaze on Caspian, who looked like he was going to faint or throw up or both.

"Uhm- well you see, I- you must understand I-" Caspian couldn't string a single sentence together when Peter walked up to him and placed his hands on both of Caspian's shoulders. He looked him dead in the eye before speaking.

"You seem tolerable enough to have around more often than once every 1 or 2 years. But, if you break my sister's heart, even Raina won't be able to save you from the mountain of shit I'm going to bury you under, you got that?"

Edmund let out a low whistle, as beads of sweat formed on Caspian's forehead, before nodding.

"Yes sir."

Peter nodded and took a step back. His eyes fell upon a familiar gold hilt as he walked towards it. He retrieved his sword from its place on the wall, before unsheathing it. He looked at it for a few moments, before meeting the gazes of the Just King and the Seafarer.

"Last time, all I wanted was to be the leader again. Scientific evidence shows that the sudden end of adulthood in one world, and the abrupt beginning of a stunted adolescence in another can have adverse effects on the psyche, inevitably leading to poor decision-making."

Edmund's eyebrows reached the stratosphere as Caspian tried to keep a straight face.

"I won't make that mistake again. We all want what's best for Narnia, and in this case, that's survival." Peter turned to Caspian.

"You're the captain of this ship. Where do you want us?"

Caspian looked fairly surprised at the former High King, one who wasn't known for surrendering responsibility to anyone but himself.

"I think when it comes to planning strategies..." Caspian looked at Edmund with an expectant look.

"I have faith in your judgement." He concluded. Edmund didn't know what to say, as Peter mirrored Caspian's look.

He couldn't describe how it felt for the two people who looked up to the most were relying on him and his judgement to take them forward, when neither had taken kindly to surrendering the first command. Edmund was utterly shocked, grateful, confused, and happy all at once. Well, as happy as one could be knowing a battle awaited them.

"Let's get the girls. I'm not making any decisions without them in the room." Edmund conveyed, as he went to the door.

"Smart man." Caspian and Peter said at the same time, prompting a quick snicker.

********************

No matter how many times she wore her armour, Raina couldn't help but feel the same amount of pressure she felt every time. As her reflection stated back at her, she recounted her experiences from the past 3 years. She still couldn't reconcile with the fact that she was Goddess of Narnia, an immortal, and the only person who could save Narnia from the Umbra Regem. She fixed her swords and daggers on her utility belt, and tied her hair into a tight braid.

Lucy and Susan entered her quarters, armed as well.

"Well, this is as good as it's gonna get." Raina commented, before shrugging and turning to the two royals.

"I'm still not completely sure of what's coming here, but I'm with you till the very end." Susan replied.

Lucy looked at her older sister with a questioning gaze.

"How do you really feel about being here again, Su?"

Susan looked at her younger sister with surprise, not realising that she might be even wiser than her. Raina watched them closely.

"I was settling in our world. The world which we were supposed to be in." She stated. The air was thick with the smoke of their pasts.

"But, Narnia has given me a place that no world could ever give me." Susan paused, as a blush crept into her cheeks.

"A home with someone, whom I fear I may never ever see again if I don't take a chance."

Raina's eyes bulged while Lucy's smile grew wide.

"You have a way with words, Su. Though I do prefer the translation of you being in love with Cas-"

Caspian, Peter, Edmund, and Drinian entered the quarters, armed to the teeth. Caspian's eyes caught Susan's as they lingered for a few moments, completely oblivious to the faces of practically every other person in the room. Even Drinian cracked a smile and folded his arms, amused.

Edmund decided to go up to them and snapped his fingers, bringing them back to reality. Susan glared at her younger brother, as Caspian sheepishly looked at the ground. Raina shook her head in amusement.

"While this is adorable and amusing, we do have a bad guy to deal with. And I hear he's the annoying type." Peter remarked, as everyone's faces in the room grew a little more serious, recalling their past experiences.

"Indeed. Now, just in case anyone needs a refresher course, there's going to be two battles at Dark Island, as per Coriakin's instructions. One will be fought by you guys." Raina looked at the Pevensies and Caspian. She felt unsettled by what was to come, because she knows that she's fighting an ancient demon of shadow, but they don't know who or what they're fighting. They nodded.

"While I shall host a less-than-friendly tea party with the Umbra Regem where I may eviscerate him for showing up."

Caspian's eyebrows furrowed as Edmund snorted, Susan cocked an amused eyebrow, and for the first time in her life, observed Peter and Lucy execute the exact same sigh and facepalm. Of all the Pevensies, even though Peter was most protective of Lucy, they really weren't alike in most ways. It was...an interesting sight.

"Or just kill him and hopefully keep Narnia from eternal destruction. Semantics, if you will." Raina's sarcastic defence mechanism was glaringly obvious in times of grave danger if it wasn't already clear to you, dear reader or dear Caspian. The poor lad was trying with all his might to understand what she said.

"Now, Ed. How do we approach this?" Peter chimed in, fixing his gaze on his nauseatingly strategic and sharp younger brother. Raina could tell Edmund was nervous, but he let out a sharp breath before facing everyone.

"To start, we're still missing one of the seven swords. If Lilliandil's words are to be taken at face value, the sword is somewhere inside the island, which means we'll have minimal means of escaping should things go awry." Edmund began, as he turned to Drinian and Caspian.

"To give ourselves every opportunity to find the sword and also get out of this mostly unscathed, we'll have to go into the island very slowly and very cautiously."

Raina mulled it over.

"I can go ahead with Eustace and Reepicheep, while you guys sail behind. If we can at least find the sword and figure out a way to get it to Aslan's Table, things should fare better." Raina explained. Edmund's eyebrows were creased as he fought the urge to tell her not to go.

"Are you sure about this?" Edmund asked, his voice level. Raina was mildly surprised at his ability to not jump and say 'you're not doing that'.

"Yes, I am. If there is any trouble that lies ahead, the three of us can fend it off while you guys can bring reinforcements."

Peter placed a hand on Raina's shoulder as Susan chewed her lip, nervously. Caspian wrapped an arm around her, protectively. Edmund sighed before meeting Raina's gaze.

"It's a plan. As for the rest of us..." Edmund turned to his siblings, Caspian, and Drinian. "We need to be armed, on guard, and well, as emotionally stable as we can be."

Peter snorted at that.

"Fair enough, Ed."

Edmund looked at Raina.

"This is it."

Raina nodded, gravely.

"This is it."

*****************

dearest gentle reader,

did you miss me?

believe me, i certainly did. i know its been 2 years. but i always felt like i need to finish this at some point. now, i don't mean to say i'll finish this in a few days. i am moving to London in less than 2 weeks, and i am beyond busy. but i have been writing this chapter for a while now, and maybe, if im not completely shitfaced by how much work im about to have, this fanfic could end this year itself.

im beyond grateful for everyone who continues to read this even though its been incomplete for so long.

once again, i ask you to please vote on the chapters and comment if possible.

happy reading!