"What do you mean, me?" Sean asked Evan. He didn't understand, "I don't have any powers. I can't bring them back!"

Evan relaxed, getting ready to get into it, "The original Sean-"

"Wait what? There's an ORIGINAL Sean!?" he started to panic, "Am I not-"

"Focus Sean!" Evan snapped at him, "Multi-verse, remember?"

Sean swallowed, still trying to wrap his head around it.

"The original Sean was being tormented by the demon, Sam in the log cabin. Sam focused on his depression but eventually, Sean overcame it"

"That sounds. . . that sounds eerily familiar"

Evan nodded, "In overcoming his depression, Sean inadvertently banished his demon, creating the multiverse on accident with the demon's sliver of power he left behind. The original Sean was the true creator of all of the egos and the multiverse versions of them, too"

Sean caught on, "So what you're saying is we just need to go find this ORIGINAL me and get him to create the egos again?"

Evan shook his head, "Nah, he's dead"

"Huh?"

"Some respiratory infection. Died"

Sean remembered Covid-19 all too well and having had it himself.

'Shit, I really could have died then?'

"Anyway" Evan interrupted his thoughts, "The original Sean is dead. . .. but there's still YOU.  . . . there's a chance you could have a sliver of that power in you as well since all multiverse versions are all linked. Sam reason why Marvin and I end up together in the different universes. Or Chase and Stacey. Everything is still intertwined."

Sean nodded, but he still wasn't so sure.

He didn't have to think long, though, as there was another popping sound.

Evan whipped around, ready to defend them if necessary.

Only to be met by Dark, Anthony, Mark, Gab and Wilford.

They looked alive. . . . but still defeated.

Evan relaxed, ". . . . . . Did you . . . ."

Mark nodded, holding Wilford's good arm around his shoulder to help him walk, "He's dead. . . . .  We . .. won . . . . I guess"

Dark started to cry again and stumbled over to the couch, sitting down.

He noticed some blankets over some bodies and he covered his face. He was tired of seeing death everywhere.

"He's dead. . . .. he's dead. . . . . . Anti's dead"

Evan saw the state Wilford was in and quickly pulled out a healing potion for him, having him drink it.

When Wilford was back to normal, he went over to sit next to Dark, putting a hand over his back. Not even the eccentric Wilford Warfstache could see any happy thoughts in this mess.

Anthony held Gab's hand. If he let go, he was afraid he'd glitch out of existence.

Mark sighed, holding onto his cane, " . . . . . It's not fair . . .is it?"

Sean was freakishly reminded of his friend, Mark again when he said that.

"It's not" Evan answered, "But we MIGHT have some hope still."

They all looked up at him. For a moment, Gab had forgotten.

"Oh yeah . . .. Do you think it could work?"

"Will what work?" Anthony asked.

"I think Sean might be the key to bringing them all back"

Dark stopped crying for a moment and wiped some tears away, looking up, " . . . . are . . .. are you sure about that?" he didn't want to be disappointed again. Heartbroken.

They all looked to Sean and he felt a wave of peer pressure hit him, "Uh . . . now hold on a second! I still have no idea how to- . .  I mean I don't know . . . how the fuck am I supposed to do anything if I have no idea HOW to do it?"

"Well you've already done it" Evan pointed out, "The comics, the videos you made, the merchandise and everything else. You KNOW the egos. You brought them to life already in your head, not realizing it wasn't a dream.  . . . You could finish the job"

"But HOW?" He was still lost on that.

Mark groaned, "I MIGHT have a way to show you . . ..  now that I have my powers back, I can try and bring the Iplier egos back, myself"

Dark stood up, "Wait, what?! You can DO that?!"

"With my powers back, yes" Mark nodded, ". . .. maybe. . .. I mean, I created them . . .. why can't I bring them back to life?"

Everyone was still, wondering the same thing.

If Mark could bring back the Ipliers.  ..  then there should be a little more hope that Sean could bring back the Septics, right?

Mark breathed in and took his cane in hand for support.

"Whoa, wait! Can we do this outside or something??" Sean asked, interrupting.

They all stared at him.

Evelien shrugged, "Well . . . it's kinda cluttered in here. . . right? Maybe outside would be better?"

They didn't want anything else in their house ruined if shit hit the fan.

Mark rolled his eyes, "Oh fine. Fucking assholes taking away my fucking thunder" he muttered the last sentence to himself.

A few moments later, the small group were outside in Sean's backyard. It was fenced in so no one else could see what was happening.

Mark hit his cane on the tile of the patio. He took in a deep breath, thinking.

He remembered how he created them all. It shouldn't be so hard to will them all back, right?

His face cringed, eyes closed. He gripped hold of the cane tight and looked strained.

Anthony couldn't help himself.

"Does it look like to anyone else that he's literally BIRTHING them or something?"

Gab gently smacked his shoulder.

Dark held onto Wil's shoulder. Of course he wanted his friends and family back but he was also worried for Mark now. Could he really do it? Was he really helping them?

Mark let out a gasp and was panting, "DAMMIT!"

"What's wrong?"

Mark shrugged, "I don't . . .I don't know . . . I did it just fine before. . . creating them was easy"

Anthony hummed, thinking, "Maybe you need some help? Someone . . . adverse to death?"

They all looked at Wilford.

"What?"

Evan nodded, thinking on it, "Maybe . . .. Wilford DOES have quite an aversion to death. Maybe he COULD help Mark"

Mark rolled his eyes but it made sense to him, too . . sort of.

He waved him over, "Get over here, William"

Wilford clapped his hands, "Oh boy! What we doing?"

Mark growled and yanked him in front of him, "Focus, William. The Iplier egos. I need your. . .assistance in bringing them back to life. Understand?"

Wilford blinked but nodded, "Oh  . . . bully then! Let's do it!"

Wilford grabbed Mark's hands. Mark still didn't like it but he was getting used to touch. He could quander about it later, though. Right now, they had a job to do and Mark had to redeem himself.

He could do this.

William grinned but closed his eyes. Mark closed his eyes, too but tried desperately to focus, ". . . . . All of them . . . together. . . . . . Remember their souls . . .. their auras."

Wilford's brow furrowed and he was thinking, nodding.

Suddenly a red and pink aura emitted from them, their powers joining together for this moment.

Something in them both built up. They could feel all the emotions. Remember all their friends and family. The Ipliers.

Google, Bing . . .. Yandere and Eric. .  . Yancy, Illinois and Magnum and even Stan the water man.  Host, Silver, Bim, the Jims, Dr. Iplier . . . .

All of them.

And just like that, the auras were sucked back into each other.

Mark and Wilford opened their eyes.

Both were unsure if it worked or not. Did it? Something happened but they weren't sure of what.

Anthony stiffened and looked around. He could feel something in the air.

A popping noise sounded and they looked over to see Host had appeared.

"Uh . . ..  The Host was confused but sensed he wasn't . . .alone?"

Dark teleported over to him and barraged him with a hug, "HOST!"

"The . . the Host hugged Darkiplier back" he sounded happy, "The Host remembered dying. He remembered losing his friends and regretting not being able to help and-"

"Host" Dark hugged him tighter, "It's okay, old friend. . . . you're alive  . you're back"

"The host was . . . . happy to see his good friend again"

Suddenly there was another popping noise and they looked over to see Dr. Iplier, Google and Bing.

Google immediately saw Anthony and thought the worst, "TARGET ACQUIRED!"

Dark teleported in front of him, "Google, no! It's okay! We're okay now! Sam is gone! That's Anthony!"

Google was unsure but listened to Dark. He didn't understand how he was alive or why. He was confused and his systems were overheating.

But finally, he hugged Dark and let Bing hug them, too.

Google mumbled against Dark, "I was scared"

Dark hugged him back, "I know. . .I know. It's okay now. It's gonna be okay"

Dr. Iplier nodded to the others and spotted Mark. He realized that it must have been him that brought him back. It was the only option there COULD be.

But more and more Iplier egos started to appear until finally the back yard was FULL of happy, confused and sad Iplier egos. Eric was still crying over Anti.

Many of them were crying over their lost Septic friends.

Sean couldn't believe his eyes.

Just an hour ago, they were all dead and now . .. they're back?

It gave him hope.

Could HE really . . . bring the Septics back?

Evan looked just as hopeful.

Maybe he still had the chance to see his beloved again after all.

Anthony shook, still holding onto Gab. He held out hope. He wouldn't cry yet. He couldn't.

Not until he saw them with his own eyes.

All of them. Even Anti.

Sean looked to Evan and back at Mark, "So how do I . . . .. how?"

Mark came over to him, "Memories. . . . but I think you might need some help like I did. Wilford and I were the key for the Ipliers. But perhaps I can still help with the demon's power still in me. . . and Evan's magic?"

Evan nodded, "Let's try it." he glanced to Sean, "Are you ready to give it a shot?"

"I mean . ..  why not?" Sean bit his lip. He was nervous. He didn't want to let anyone down.

Evan took one of his hands and Mark took the other.

Anti didn't want to let go of Marvin but the kids shoved the magician out of the way to hug their uncle.

Olivia, Iris, Jack and Benny all hugged Anti. He didn't understand why they still loved him. He KILLED them all.

Olivia seemed to understand his hesitance the most, "We know it wasn't really you, uncle Anti . . . I'm glad you feel better now"

"Me too!" Iris hugged him around his middle.

Jack hugged his side and Benny sniffled, hugging him on the other side.

Anti didn't know what to say. He looked over at his sisters.

Stacey was holding little Bella in her arms.

His heart was still splitting apart, "Stacey. . . .. I'm so sorry"

Stacey shook her head and walked up to him. The kids moved away a little and Stacey lightly smacked his face affectionately, "Don't you ever for a moment even think of it. Get it in your fucking skull right now, Anti. It wasn't you. You tried your hardest to fight and we KNOW that."

Anti couldn't resist hugging her. Chase hugged Anti from behind, joining in, "It's okay. . .it's okay now, brother"

They noticed the other Septics coming over to them.

It was very weird for them to see and meet each other but they seemed to have gotten the awkwardness out of the way.

The first Jackie grabbed Anti, picking him up in a strong hug and a laugh, "You've grown so much. . I'm so proud of you. You fought so hard. .  ."

Anti shook his head as he put him down, "I failed, though"

"It doesn't matter anymore" The first Marvin smiled, "It's over and done."

"Where are the others?" Anti wondered out loud, "The Iplier? Anthony and Gab and Evan? .  . I mean . . . the first Evan."

Yes, the second set's families were there, too. It was one large awkward hodge podge.

But no one seemed upset by it.

They were all together and that was all that mattered.

Anti's first Marvin smiled, "Well there's a reason they're not here. Why do you think that is?"

"They . ..  they lived? They beat him?" Vaguely, he remembered dying but that didn't necessarily mean they had killed SAM.

But he was happy to know they had.

Anti breathed a sigh of relief until he blinked, realizing, "But the Ipliers. . . they died?"

His second Henrik shrugged, "Eh, vhat is death but a social construct?"

The first Henrik rolled his eyes, "You've spent too much time around zhat Wilford Warfstache."

Anti was still confused.

His second Marvin . .the one he was forced to behead, took pity on him, "Mark and Wilford were able to bring them all back to life. And right now  . . . . Mark and Evan are doing the same, trying to help Sean bring US back to life"

Anti looked over to the first set of Septics, "But what about YOU guys?"

His first Chase shrugged, "We've been here for a while as it is. We're pretty happy here, wouldn't you say?"

Just as the second set of Septics merged together with the first set's family, it seemed that the dead first set of Septics had moved on with the deceased second set's.

They were all happy there. Together. Anti couldn't help but feel sort of jealous.

No worries or cares. . . .

No more death or sickness to worry about.

Everyone happy all together. . . .

He was sure Sean and the others wouldn't bring HIM back to life, anyway. How could they ever trust him again?

Sean focused hard. He could feel Evan's memories. He decided he'd try one at a time and focus on Marvin through Evan's strong feelings and memories of him.

And with Mark's help . . .

Anti's second Marvin blinked and looked at his hand.

It was fading.

He smiled, "Well look at that. . .. . it's working."

Anti felt a pain in his heart, "But . . .but I won't see YOU again . . . ."

Marvin just looked at him curiously, "And why do you think that? They'll bring you back, too, Anti. I'll see you there"

"What if . . . what if I don't want to go back?"

Marvin's whole body was fading. He hated that Anti felt so lost like this. So undeserving.

But he just smiled, "Then I guess I'll see you again eventually. All things die. I'll see ya when I see ya, brother."

In a blink of an eye, Marvin was gone and so was a piece of Anti's heart again.

Evan felt it immediately. He turned around and SAW him.

Before Marvin could even get his bearings or say anything, Evan let go of Sean and darted straight for Marvin. He took him in his arms and kissed him.

Marvin gasped but knew what just happened. He smiled against Evan's lips and kissed him back.

When Evan finally pulled back, he cried, "Marv. . . . I missed you so fucking much . . ...I knew I'd get to you again"

Marvin pressed his forehead against his, "I missed you too. . . . now then.  . . . let's bring the others back, too, shall we?"

Evan agreed and locked hands with Marvin. Together, they walked back over to Sean and Marvin joined in this time, "You're gonna need help bringing back the others, especially the spouses and kids. I'll be your anchor."

Marvin took Sean's hand who was just as happy to see him again. He couldn't believe he actually helped in bringing him back to life!

He really COULD do this. .

Meanwhile, Anti could only just watch as the others started to fade. They hugged and waved him good-bye just in case they didn't see him again for a while. Although Chase was very adamant about telling him he'd BETTER see him back on the other side again.

Anti was unsure. He was positive he shouldn't go back. What if Sam came back WITH him?

Finally, all the Septics were fading away and Stacey and the others, were starting too, as well with Marvin's help on the other side.

Finally, it was just Jack left and he waved him good-bye as he faded back into the living world.

How fitting.

For the first person to change him to be the last person to leave him again.

Anti looked over to his first set of Septics and walked up to them.

"So where do we go now?"

Chase snorted, "Anti . .. you're so certain they won't bring you back?"

Anti shrugged, "What if I don't WANT to go back?"

Jackie chuckled, "Oh, I think you do"

"Dark and Anti sitting in a tree~" Marvin teased him, "We saw, Anti . ..  we know you really DO want to go back"

"And we all know the other Septics will fight to get you back" Jameson smiled, "You still have time, Anti. We'll see each other again, just not yet"

"Too soon" Henrik agreed.

Anti sighed, "What if Sam returns with me?"

"Then I'm pretty sure the others can take care of it this time" Jackie brought up, "Sam is gone, Anti. Relax. Breathe."

Chase smiled, "And just be happy"

Anti wasn't so sure. He wasn't back YET. . . . so maybe he was right.

On the other side, Evan, Anthony and Gab were hugging the Septics that had returned.

Anthony had a hold of Chase and Jameson while Evan wasn't letting go of Marvin for ANYTHING.

But their fear was returning when they couldn't see Anti anywhere.

Marvin looked to Sean, "Sean . .. Bring Anti back now."

But Sean looked hesitant, "Are you sure?"

Chase tensed, "What do you mean by that?"

"I mean . . ." Sean stiffened, "What if the demon comes back WITH him?"

Anthony growled, "Then I'll kill it immediately before it can strike hold back on Anti again. Just FUCKING DO IT!"

Jackie crackled his knuckles, "I WILL beat you if you don't bring him back right fucking now"

"Just hear me out" Sean licked his lips. He knew this would be an unpopular opinion, "He's back together with his ORIGINAL septics. . .. isn't he? Was he not happy with them? He missed them so much last I saw him before all of this. . . ."

"But he has US now" Henrik didn't like where Sean was going with this, "He belongs vith US"

Marvin shrugged his shoulders, "I'll make you have diarrhea for the rest of your life if you don't bring him back"

Jameson looked appalled by everyone's threats but he couldn't argue with them so he didn't.

Dark's nose wrinkled and he stomped forward, "And what about ME?! What, did you SEE Anti!? Was he happy!? You don't get to just ASSUME that! It's not time for him to die! It's not! BRING HIM BACK!"

Sean blinked. He didn't realize they all would feel so strongly about this. . .

What about Anti? What was HIS choice? Sean hoped they were making the right decision. For HIS sake.

The kids were crying and even the Ipliers looked ready to threaten Sean.

Sean looked over to Mark who looked just as furious, "You better do it. . . . or else. They're a lot stronger than you know. Especially when it comes to family"

"Okay.  . . . ." Sean nodded, finally agreeing, "Okay . . ."

Anti looked around him and then at his first Septics, "Are you guys really happy here?"

The family was waiting for them a ways away. They didn't want to get in the way of this moment.

Chase smiled, "Yeah, man . . .we're happy."

"Thank you for setting the last pieces of our souls free" Marvin thanked him, "I know it was hard for you but you did the right thing"

"I miss the necklace" Anti admitted, "I miss you guys every day. I try to move on but. . . . it's hard. Every time I see the others, they remind me of you guys. I know I should have visited them more often and I wanted to but I they were living THEIR lives and . . . ." he stopped.

"You didn't feel welcome" Jameson finished for him, "You know you WERE"

"I know . . . I know. . ."

Jackie hugged him, "So paranoid. . . . we talked about that with the other Septics. We had a LOT to talk about, funnily enough."

Jackie pulled back and pat Anti's head, "But one thing you need to know . . . . . we ALL. . . LOVE you, Anti. You're so special to all of us. PLEASE. . . Please remember that"

Marvin nodded, "You are" the magician smiled, "Look for yourself" he pointed at him.

Anti looked down on his hands.

They were fading.

Anti looked back up at them, surprised, "They're . . . they're bringing me back?"

"Why so surprised?" Henrik asked him, "They love you"

"I killed them"

"Anti-"

"Sorry" Anti stopped, "HE  . . . . killed them. . .. with my body.  .  . ." he looked back up at them, "Do you really think I'll see you all again?"

They all gave him a group hug and Chase snickered, "When you die, bro. We'll see ya again."

"Just make sure to have a nice long life" Jackie commented.

"Don't be hurting yourself" Henrik warned him.

Jameson sighed, "Be sure to show them all how much you love them."

Marvin chuckled, "And tell my other self that he needs to take a step back for a while . . .  remember what life is like WITHOUT magic. And the beauty in what's in front of him again"

Anti nodded.

He felt their warmth. Their hug stuck with him.

Even as he faded off completely.

Sean let go of Marvin and Mark's hands, "There"

Marvin looked around, " . . .. where is he, then?"

Jackie subconsciously put a hand over his heart and looked around for him, too.

The Ipliers searched as well.

"Anti?!" Chase shouted for him.

"UNCLE ANTI!" Young Iris yelled.

"He's. . . .." Henrik glared over at Sean, "He's not here!"

Anthony grabbed Sean by the front of his shirt, "WHERE THE FUCK IS HE!?"

"I DON'T KNOW!" Sean was freaking out, yelling back, "I really did it just like the others! I swear!"

Dark was hyperventilating, looking around.

Until just a ways away, he could see him.

He faded into view.

Dark felt his heart burst, "Anti"

The others followed his line of sight and Dark was already running to him.

Anti looked down at his hands and looked in front of him.

He squinted, "Where the fuck am I?"

Suddenly he was whipped around and he saw Dark.

"D-dark!? I-"

Dark grabbed his face and kissed him, holding him close.

Anti was VERY unused to this amount of sudden passion from him but he it wasn't unwelcomed. He sank into Dark's hold.

Dark finally stopped kissing him and hugged him tight, "I'm sorry . . . I'm so fucking sorry. . . I KNOW you wanted me to  . .. BUT I couldn't! I'm so sorry and I know-"

"Dark" Anti held his face to shut him up, ". .  . It's okay. . . I forgive you"

Dark felt himself relax finally.

But their moment was ruined when the Septic egos slammed into them.

Anthony was the first, holding onto him like a lifeline, "I'M SORRY! I'M SO SORRY! I DIDN'T WANT TO, I DIDN'T BUT I KNEW YOU WANTED ME TO AND I COULDN'T LET YOU DOWN AGAIN AND  -"

Anti just hugged him back just as fierce. They were both glitching and snapping with small sparks, their emotions high. The others didn't mind it, though, not willing to let go. They were all crying and holding onto each other.

Anthony shuddered, gripping him before leaning back and holding his face, staring into his eyes, "Do you feel okay? Any voices? Is he gone? Any goop? I don't see anything green"

Anti shook his head, "I'm fine. . ..  he's gone, Anthony. For good"

Gab kissed Anti's cheek and hugged him, "I'm sorry I stabbed you!"

Marvin, Jackie, Henrik, Jameson, Chase and Anthony all held onto him for a good while, making SURE he remembered and knew that they didn't blame him. That they still loved him.

Dark was forced into the hug, too, but he managed to squeeze himself out, allowing them their own time together.

Meanwhile, Sean was watching the scene with wide eyes, "Wait. . . . Danti's a thing?"

Everything was calm and a bit better. The Iplier let the Septics hog all of Anti's attention because why wouldn't they? They were just happy everyone was back together again and happy.

Mark sighed, a small smile on his face.

'I . . . I helped with that. . . ' he couldn't deny it felt nice. He hadn't done something for others in a very long time.

He forgot what that felt like.

Suddenly everyone's happiness was interrupted.

There was a loud popping noise and Marvin and the others snapped around to face whoever was coming.

Who the hell could it be if everyone they knew was already with them?