Guerra de Amor

A Not So Happy Reunion (Finale)

Metropolis

"Do you guys think it's safe to return home?" Asked Max. "I'll see if I can picture the scenery from our apartment." Said Amanda. She closes her eyes and puts her hands on her temples. After two minutes, she opens her eyes. "What did you see?" Asked Alex. "The background looked a lot clearer than when we left." Amanda said. "Then it must be okay to go back." Said Odette. "Don't most wars last a few months?" Asked Justin. Alex nods. "On average, yeah. But sometimes it varies." She said.

The three superheroes approach Amanda and her group. "Everything okay?" Asked Wonder Women. "According to Amanda's vision, it looked like the war has ended." Alex said. "You're sure?" Asked Batman. "My visions were never known to lie." Said Amanda. "Alright then. We hope Derek and Paul make it back alive." Said Superman. "We hope so too. Thanks again for letting us stay here." Justin said. "And we know who to call if any more bad people give us trouble." Max said.

"How will we get back in time?" Odette asked. "Same way we got here, my magic paintbrush." Amanda said. She and the others run to an open space on one of the walls. The young swan princess makes the entire apartment in just one stroke. "Fingers crossed, y'all." Said Justin. He and the others step through the painting, arriving home within seconds.

Outside, a bunch of men are reuniting with their families. "Any sign of Paul or Derek?" Asked Max. "Not yet." Said Alex. The five waited five minutes, ten minutes, twenty. "I guess they didn't make it." Said Odette. "I'm not jumping to conclusions, there's still hope." Said Amanda.

Odette sadly shakes her head. "I don't think there is, Amanda." She said. The swan queen sadly sings to herself, reprising what she sang earlier.

Odette: Derek, oh Derek,
You've left me all alone
Since your life is over
I've none of my own. 

Though you're gone forever
I do not love you less
Do you know this, my Derek? 

Derek: Yes, my love, yes

The sound of Derek's voice occurs from behind Odette, causing her to jump. She turns around and smiles at the sight of her husband alive and well. Derek holds out his arms, then Odette runs over to him. But as soon as she went in for a hug, Derek disappears into thin air.

"A mirage? That can't be." Said Justin. "But... I was certain Derek really came home." Odette said. "Wait, there's someone else coming in our direction!" Alex said. "Not another mirage, I hope." Max said. "All I know is this person's arm is bandaged." Justin said. "That's Paul!" Amanda said excitedly. Odette still manages to crack a smile at the sight of her brother in-law.

Once Paul was close enough to the five, he looks at them sadly. "Paul, what happened to your arm?" Asked Odette. "A bullet flew by and grazed me." Said Paul. "Geez, that's worse than actually being shot!" Said Max. "But what we really wanna know... where's Derek?" Asked Amanda. "I'm sorry... he's dead." Paul said sadly. "What?!" Cried Justin. "After he closed his eyes, and while I wasn't looking, he just disappeared without a trace." Said Paul. "Oh no, not Derek! He's too young too die!" Sobbed Alex.

"At least he died doing what's right." Odette said sadly. "Wait, Paul, you said Derek just straight up vanished after he closed his eyes?" Justin asked. "I'm afraid so." Paul said. "Something doesn't make sense about all this." Amanda said. "What are you saying, Amanda?" Alex asked. "How does someone suddenly disappear out of the blue after they die?" Asked Amanda. "I know where you're going with this." Max said.

"We'll talk more about this tomorrow. Right now, I need to take it easy." Said Paul. "Odette, you're more than welcome to stay with us for a little while longer." Said Alex. "No, that's okay. I need to break the news to everyone in Chamberg." Said Odette. "Want me to come with you?" Asked Amanda. "I can handle it. Thanks anyway, sis." Odette said. "Well, our door is always open if you need anything." Said Justin. "Our condolences to you and everyone in Chamberg. Even you, Amanda." Said Max.

Amanda gives her sister a quick hug before she leaves. The Russos retreat to their rooms, then Amanda turns towards Paul. "Here, let me fix that for you." Amanda said. She puts her hand on Paul's arm and heals it with her powers. He moves it before taking the bandage off. "It no longer hurts, thanks to you." Paul said. "You're welcome. But what are we gonna do with Derek gone?" Asked Amanda. "I really don't know. Maybe Odette will tell us, but we'll see." Said Paul.

As her husband walks back inside, Amanda looks off into the distance. After being told of the strange disappearance of her brother in-law, the young swan princess starts to think Derek isn't really dead.

To Be Continued...