“Are you sure you can’t stay?” Sven asked as Adam handed First River to him. “We could really use your help around here.” “I’ve got a family waiting for me back home, Sven. And even with time passing differently here, they’ll start to worry if I stay for much longer. Honestly, I’m kind of surprised you’re all staying.” “This is my home.” Amber replied. “I’m never leaving it again.” “And I promised Amber I’d never leave her alone again. Not that I’d ever want to.” Lily took Amber’s hand in hers with a smile. “Besides, I’m happy here. Much happier than I ever was on Earth.” “What about you, Sven?” “This is where I can do the most good. Creating a republic is no easy task. Especially with no real rebellion to kick-start it. A lot of people still look to the traditional power-structures for guidance. You got us started on this path, but I intend to stay here and see it through. Besides…” Sven blushed a little. “I’ve made some arrangements with Lily and Amber that I really can’t abandon.” “Well, if you’re sure. I suppose this is goodbye, then.” Adam was almost knocked off his feet as amber leapt up at him and grabbed him in a tight hug. “I’ll miss you.” She mumbled into his shoulder, her voice nearly breaking. “I’ll miss you too. Take care of Lily and Sven for me, OK? Keep them safe.” “I will!” Adam disentangled himself from the teary-eyed Amber and stood back a little. “So, do you have anything you want me to bring back to Earth?” “I do, actually.” Sven dug around in his satchel and pulled out a bundle of letters. “They’ve all got the addresses on them. Just put stamps on them and mail them. Not sure anyone will believe any of this, but the least I can do is tell people where I’ve gone.” “I’ve got some letters too.” Lily said, handing Adam a much smaller stack of envelopes. “I haven’t really gone into any detail, but I’m hoping they’ll give my family some closure. If they actually decide to care for once.” Adam stowed the letters away in his bag and looked to Amber, but the girl just shook her head. “There’s no-one there for me.” “All right. I’ll make sure these get to their destinations. Is there anything else you need?” “There is.” Lily said. “I need you to remember us.” “Don’t worry, I will.” The group exchanged one last round of hugs and goodbyes, but soon enough, Adam decided it was time to go. With one last smile and a wave, he turned towards the glowing blue portal in the middle of the scorched chamber and started walking. The moment he stepped into the field of glowing energy, he felt as though he was falling through space while somehow remaining perfectly stationary. His friends seemed to vanish into the distance, then the castle, the entire kingdom, the whole world dwindled away and faded from sight. Adam popped into existence in the air over the hill in the old park. With reflexes honed by his months of adventure, he rolled with the impact and sprung back on his feet, scuffed but unshaken. The overgrown park before him seemed to glow in the light of the setting sun. With a smile almost as brilliant as the sun itself, Adam set off for home.