Later that day, the festival has ended and the royal family were hanging out and catching up with each other.

"So, how are things back in New York?" Nora asked the red and orange haired girl.

"You know, same as always." Mars said honestly. "Training with the guys, Raph and I getting into arguments, and lots of patrol."

"Well at least you're not cooped up in a castle." Nora said with a chuckle. "Not that it's that bad, I'm just tired of the pressure of being royalty."

"No, I get it." Mars said. "It's probably not too great with your demon half either, huh?"

"Oh, yeah. . .that." Nora said with a sigh. "Well if I'm being completely honest, I've gotten over that who thing."

"Really? How?" Mars asked, surprised. "I still have regrets about my past."

"Everyone does, even people who don't have literal demons to deal with." Nora said. "They just have those metaphorical demons, which sound a lot better than real ones."

"Hell yeah they do." Mars said with a chuckle before getting serious again. "But aren't you ever worried about Kuryami's return?"

"All the time." Nora admitted. "But I learn to block her out."

"How?"

"I just think of those I love most." Nora smiled. "Like you, Jake, the twins, Krel, Megamind, etc."

"And she stops just like that?" Mars asked in amazement.

"Pretty much, but I don't think you have to worry about it." Nora said with a nod. "You're a strong young woman. If Mara ever tries to take control, you kick her butt!"

"You got it!" Mars said confidently. "Thanks, cuz."

"Anytime." Nora smiled as the two embraced. "Man, I don't know about you, but I'm exhausted."

"Me too." Mars yawned. "Which guest room is mine again?"

"It's okay, you can just sleep in my room tonight." Nora offered. "The bed is big enough for the both of us."

"Nice, thanks." Mars said.

"Of course." Nora smiled. " Now let's get going to bed."

With that said, the girls wandered off into the castle to get some sleep. Meanwhile, the twins were finishing up the clean up from the festival.

"You know, performing on stage with you was really fun, bro." Lily said with a smile. "We should do it more often."

"Really? You'd perform with me?" Douxie asked, a little surprised.

"Of course." Lily said honestly. "Why is that surprising?"

"I don't know, I just didn't think music was your thing." Douxie explained. "Plus, you're always so busy now with being the queen and all."

"Well, you're right about music not really being my thing." Lily admitted. "But I enjoy spending quality time with you. That we don't get to do much."

"Well to be fair, you were trapped in the moon for 1000 years." Douxie said as a matter of factly. "Even after your banishment, you were still hellbent on getting your revenge."

"Oh and you weren't, Mr. Master of Despair!" Lily snapped, before quickly covering her mouth as she realized what she said. while Douxie just stood there in shock as he didn't know how to respond. "Fuzzbuckets, I'm so sorry, Doux. I didn't mean to. . ."

"No, you're right. I shouldn't have brought up the past." Douxie sighed. "I'm sorry, it's just since casting the dark curse, I haven't felt the same."

"What do you mean?" Lily asked in concern. "Come on, you started the conversation. Don't shut me out now."

Douxie was silent for a moment before taking a deep breath. "It's just. . .I feel like Master Despair is still a part of me, I can feel it." He explained. "Don't you ever feel that way with Shadow?"

"Well, yeah of course. But the difference between you and me is that I've already accepted that she'll always be a part of me." Lily explained honestly. "But I don't let that get the best of me."

"I don't see how I can do that." Douxie sighed. "I've never dealt with that level of evil in my life. It makes me feel. . ."

"Horrible, like a monster, giving thoughts of offing yourself? Yeah, I know." Lily said. "But you just have to learn to accept Master Despair as a part of you."

Douxie thought for a moment before giving a small smile and nod. "You're right, thanks Lil."

"Of course, little bro." Lily said with a playful wink and Douxie just rolled his eyes and laughed.

"Wow, talking about my problems really does help." Douxie said, sounding impressed. "I guess I do need to do that more often."

"I'll say." Lily chuckled before realizing something. "Wait, where are the girls?"

Douxie looked around for moment as he noticed what Lily was talking about. Nora and Mars were nowhere to be seen. "They probably went to bed." He shrugged. "It is getting pretty late."

"Oh, I guess it is." Lily said as she looked at her watch. "So, we should be off to bed as well."

"Yeah, now that you mention it I am a little tired." Douxie yawned. "Goodnight, sis."

"Night, bro." Lily smiled as they each went there separate ways.

"But little did they know was that this perfect little night was going to be ruined by a certain group of dark sides." A Dracana alien named Mara suddenly said as she looked at the readers. "Oh, I'm sorry we're you expecting to see us in this chapter? Sorry to disappoint, but you'll meet us next time. I promise."

To be continued. . .

Hevanora Kuryami and Hopelily Casperan belong to me

Mars and Mara Fright belongs to princessofmagdomar

Tales Of Arcadia belongs to DreamWorks

All rights reserved