Debating posting the last chapter later today...that is if I get five more subscribers to my email list. So you all can know how it ends

Phoenix watched it all in a daze, part of her heart somewhere else. Together, they all limped and shuffled out onto the balcony, Eric and Trey the only two who came out unscathed. The crowd below had undoubtedly seen the blast of light, and when Maverick, Bainon, and Gwen--held upright by Eric and Roman--appeared, there was a thunderous roar of victory.

No one felt much like making a speech, so Eric stepped in, offering a few words of comfort and gratitude.

"We've all lost something today," he said, his hand still icing the back of Gwen's head. "But what we've gained will make it all worthwhile. I stand by my king and his advisors, and I know they will usher in a new age of peace and safety for their people. This was a peaceful rebellion in many ways, and it couldn't have been done without you. Thank you."

The crowd cheered again, and Eric made a motion to leave but stopped. "Oh, and, if any of you happens to be gifted with healing--we could definitely use you. Your royals have been a bit abused this afternoon."

A laugh rippled through the crowd as Bainon showed off his shoulder, Maverick his bruised face and cuts on his arms, and Gwen a few of her own injuries. There was another round of shouting triumph and they waved farewell. Roman, Maverick, Gwen, and Bainon went inside with Quilla.

"A celebration will be held," Phoenix called, an idea coming to her. "As soon as we can--the entire country is invited. We won't stop until we have to. If you have a gift that you think could be useful for something like that, stop by and speak to one of the Army soldiers. Also, if we could see any governors or officials that are currently in Osha, please come by at your earliest convenience."

"What are you up to?" Eric asked, grinning at her.

"Well, I think they've earned a party," Phoenix said as the two of them turned to follow the others. "But Mav and the Royals will need to meet with the governors to discuss how their new rule will work. After all, the cities are way too isolated."

"You make a good point."

"Plus, I need to speak with Abigail's father about something." Phoenix's heart hammered in her chest. "And there's also something I need to tell you."

#

Eric handled the news well, Phoenix thought, only slightly going into shock before breaking down in tears. When Abigail's father arrived, Phoenix left them together. She had other things to handle.

Quilla had taken the others to the infirmary where a few with healing gifts had been brought up to tend to them. Phoenix arrived, offering her tears to any of the cuts, knowing it wouldn't work on the broken bones or bruises.

Maverick had fared best out of the three, more banged up from being punched by Eric than by anything Helena did to him.  A healer tended to Gwen's head but feared the blurry vision Gwen complained of might become permanent. Bainon's left arm healed well under the use of Phoenix's tears. His broken ankle, however, would be a different story.

Noelle had separated herself, choosing a bed away from the others. Phoenix went to her, but Noelle wouldn't meet her gaze. The burns on her wrist caught Phoenix's attention, and she lifted her hand.

"Isolation won't make you feel better. You were trying to help." Phoenix allowed a tear to slip down her cheek. She captured it and brought it down to soothe Noelle's skin. The burn healed to appear several weeks old.

"It's my fault Finny's dead. Aundreya, too."

"You didn't kill either of them," Phoenix said, clasping Noelle's hand. "You tried to save Finny."

"I forced Aundreya's gift against her, and I know I did the right thing, but--Helena killed her without even thinking about it."

"And Aundreya would have killed you with about as much consideration."

"I thought I could control Helena's gift the same way. Use it against her."

"You had no reason to think you couldn't."

Noelle's focus slid to Phoenix, her expression one of disbelief. "She's an Ancient. I'm nothing. I should have realized that."

"You aren't nothing. You're the reason we were able to defeat her. If you hadn't been there to amplify Trey and Eric, she'd still be alive." Phoenix reached up and brushed Noelle's cheek with her hand. "I'm sorry for what they did to you. I'm sorry I wasn't here."

"It's not your fault--not any of you. I thought it was, for a long time. But if Maverick or you had tried to save me, I think I would have gotten you caught the same way I did Roman."

"Hatred twists us all," Phoenix said. "If I'd learned to use my powers the same way you did, I'd be just as scary as Helena. You didn't know what you were doing. Besides, it's over now. You're back."

"Maybe, but I'm broken."

"Aren't we all?" Phoenix asked. "Isn't that the point? All of us are broken. Humanity is broken. We're doing the best with what we have, but we can't do it alone. We need each other, and we need the spirit of joy Adonai gives each of us. Do you remember our first day of training at the Militia? Pollemius brought up the grass to capture us all and you had the funniest response."

A flicker of a grin passed over Noelle's face. "Hello! Small girl, tall grass."

Phoenix laughed, and Noelle chuckled. "You were always the light and the joy of the group. You kept us all going. Even after we were reunited, our first thought was to come for you--it's practically all Maverick talked about. Saving Noelle."

Tears filled Noelle's eyes and she turned away again. Phoenix felt the tug of sorrow, shame, and embarrassment. She gave Noelle's hand a squeeze.

"He doesn't blame you any more than you blame him now."

"It's not that," Noelle said, sniffing. "It's stupid. It's just--"

"Noelle?"

Phoenix looked around and saw Maverick on his feet behind her. He placed a hand on Phoenix's shoulder, and she nodded. "I'll let you two talk."

She rejoined the others. Roman sat on the edge of Gwen's bed, her hand in his as they all talked about their experiences the last several months. Quilla and Roman gave the inside scoop on being in the castle while Bainon and Gwen discussed being on the run.

Phoenix, nodding and smiling along, was focused on the conversation happening behind her.

The first few awkward moments were Noelle and Maverick continuously apologizing for things they had no control over, and Phoenix thought they might never get past it.

"How are you doing, with all of it?" Maverick finally asked. "With Aundreya being gone?"

"It's strange," Noelle said. "She's my sister--was my sister. But she was also my enemy. She didn't love me the way Phoenix loves you and Eric. She convinced everyone I was dead and tortured me over and over. Part of me feels like I need to be sad that she's dead, but I'm not. I'm sad that she chose to live her life that way, and that I'll have more peace with her gone than I would with her here."

Out of the corner of her eye, Phoenix saw Maverick place his hand against Noelle's cheek. She pulled away.

"Don't. You don't have to--"

"To what?" Maverick asked.

"To pretend. I know what I look like."

"Oh beloved," Maverick whispered, cupping her face with both of his hands. "You have no idea what you look like to me."

Phoenix turned away as their conversation took an intimate turn, not wanting to intrude. Roman had no such qualms.

"All right! It's about time. Oowooooo!" He released Gwen's hand to applaud. "Kiss her good, Mav!" Gwen smacked him on the arm, admonishing him for his teasing, which only made Roman laugh harder.

"Let him have a little fun," Bainon said with a wink. "It's been a long time since we've seen some true love or joy in this place."

"You know," Phoenix said, smiling at the former king. "I think this is only the beginning."

Come now, you don't think this is the end, do you? Without a Castor/Phoenix Eric/Reed scene? Silly readers.

ONE MORE CHAPTER!