So this is the last of the bonus week, and of course I had to save the best for last, lol! For now, I'm going to continue to publish daily, but if I get too busy, I'll have to eliminate a day ot two. I promise I'll do my best, but I do get busy sometimes. Now, This fanfic takes place in MCD, after Aphmau, Garroth, and Katelyn get back from O'kahsis. And yes, the picture at the top is my own art. Hope you guys like this!

Laurence's P.O.V.

All I can feel, is a pull towards the Nether, back to that place of horror and pain. I try to think of something else, but I can't. That pull is the only thing I can seem to focus on.

I've felt myself transform a few times too. I'm losing my grip on it. I had it under control for so long, but ever since this racket started, I've been slowly losing myself to it. I fight as hard as I can, but I'm still losing. I know if I let go, the first thing I'll do, is either return to the Nether, or to Phoenix Drop.

If I was to go to Pheonix Drop, I'd most likely kill everyone against my will. That's what happens when I transform by force, or out of anger. I have to keep fighting. I have to for Aphmau, Garroth, Dante, Katelyn, Travis, everyone. With Aaron now gone, the last thing Aphmau needs to see is me killing one of her closest friends, her family, or even her...

Aphmau's P.O.V.

"Garroth, can I talk to you about something?" We were siting in my old house playing with Lilith.

"Yeah sure. What's on your mind?" awnsers Garroth. To be honest, a lot was on my mind lately. One thing stood out though.

"It's Laurence. He's been gone since before we left for O'kahsis. I'm worried. I wish we could help him..."

Garroth seems to think about it for a minute, then replies, "Mabey you can. Aphmau think about it. You were what allowed him to keep his sanity in the Nether, mabey you can help him through this as well."

"Heh, mabey. I doubt Vylad will let me anywhere near him though."

"I'll deal with that." Garroth walks out of the house, leaving me and Lilith alone. As confused as I am, I simply continue to play with her. I wonder what Garroth's up to?

Garroth's P.O.V.

I walk down to the gate. Alexis is on guard. I tell her I'm going for a walk, and she opens the gate. I keep going until I see Vylad. He was on his way to give us our daily report. "Hey Vylad. Can I ask a favor?" I ask.

"Depends. What is it?"

"I want you to take Aphmau to see Laurence. Even if she doesn't talk to him, she just needs to know how he's doing. You telling us his progress helps, but after Aaron, she's still a bit shaken."

Vylad considers the offer for a minute before saying, "I'll take her, even though it goes against my better judgement. How do you know this won't make her worse?"

"It's Aphmau, that's why. You should hear some of what she says. All she wants is to see him again, know he still hasn't gone to the Nether for herself. It's not that she doesn't trust you, she just wants to see him." That seemed to have persuaded him. I tell him to wait for Aphmau by the gate, and go to get her.

Aphmau's P.O.V.

Vylad and I are walking in the woods outside Pheonix Drop. We're silent the whole way. It's only just before we reach Laurence that Vylad speaks, "He's just through these trees. I know own you'll  want to go in alone, so I'll just wait here."

"Thank you so much Vylad," I say.

"Just go before I change my mind."

I walk through the trees to see Laurence in his Shadow-Knight form. He's pacing back and fourth, holding his head. Garroth, I hope you were right.

"Laurence?" I whisper.

I guess he heard me. He turned to look at me. He said in a semi-corrupt voice, "Aphmau? Why are you here? Go where it's safe!"

"Laurence, I came to help you."

"How can you help me? Nothing can save me now!"

I hate to see him like this. He looks hurt, sad, and defeated. Irene, please don't tell me he's giving up. "I can help by being here for you,"I reply as I steap closer.

" You really think that will work? Ha! That's ridiculous! How can the presence of someone help me?"

"Because I know you."

" Muahahahaha! Oh wait, you think because I loved you, means you can help! Well let me tell you something. Shadow-Knights, don't have emotions, so they can't love. I. Don't. Love you."

The words hurt like nothing had before. The man I loved, saying he no longer loves me...but I had to stay strong, for him. "Oh yeah? Wanna put that to the test?" I challenge.

"Yes, let's," was all that was said before Laurence lunged at me with his sword. I dodged by about the skin of my teeth, then went into my Irene form. Laurence lunged again, and I blocked it with my sword. I then tried to knock his out of his hand, but failed.

"Puny girl. Do you really think you can win in a fight with me?" taunts Laurence.

"I don't need to," I say as I push his sword down towards the ground, and kiss him in one swift motion. I drop my sword, and hear his clang against it. I feel arms wrap around me, and I put mine around him.

I don't stop until I feel Laurence transform back to normal. That took a while, so it had kinda turned into a full on make out, but if it ment helping him, I was okay with it. Plus, the fact that I love him makes far from a burden. "Aphmau, I'm so sorry! I promise I didn't mean what I said! Please forgive me," says Laurence the minute I pull away.

"It's not your fault, and I hope you know that. I also want you to know that I believe in you, and know you can fight this. Now, I have to go before Vylad gets suspicious."

"Aphmau, before you go, I have something I wanted to give you just after Aaron left. I was hoping it would chear you up, but with the calling... I just never got the chance." He hands me a chain bracelet with a purple heart in the center. "It's beautiful," I gasp. I wrap him in a hug. "Thank you Laurence."

Laurence's P.O.V.

I can tell Aphmau loves the bracelet, but I know not near as much as I loved her kiss. Like last time in the werewolf tribe, it was soft, calming, and just plain magical. Her words have also seemed to have given me new strength. I will fight for you Aphmau, the one who's my light in the darkness one more.

So what did you guys think? Also wanna thanks to everyone who has read this far into the book. I find one shots so much fun to write, and am glad you're all enjoying them up to this point. Feel free to give me suggestions as well. I'm starting to run out of ideas, so some inspiration is really needed 😅! One more thing, who thinks Laurmau is the O.T.P. ship? Until next time, bye guys!