Essence Of Evil

Not Your Fault (Finale)

Inside

Derek and Odette come out of the bedroom after unsuccessfully trying to cheer Amanda up, then the Russos approach them.

"Still unable to tell Amanda she's not the one at fault?" Asked Justin. "Pretty much. She seems sure that she really hurt Paul." Said Odette. "That figures. But we have an idea that should help." Said Alex. "What are you planning?" Asked Derek. "We'll explain more when you come with us." Said Max.

The Russos take the king and queen outside as they talk about their plan.

Five Minutes Later

Amanda finally emerges from her room after running out of tears to shed, then Alex approaches her. "Hey, Amanda, we have a surprise for you." She said with a smile. "I sure could use a mood lifter." Said Amanda sadly.

Alex takes the swan princess by the hand as the girls step outside. "Wait right here." Alex said. She goes to catch up with the others, much to Amanda's confusion, but she doesn't get suspicious. "Look to your right!" Justin's voice called out.

When Amanda did what she was told, she sees her group holding up signs that make the sentence, "To our favorite swan princess". After getting a reaction out of Amanda, they all step aside and reveal a fully recovered Paul.

"Paulie?" Amanda said with a smile. "Hello, my love." Said Paul. Despite all the tears she shed, there were still a few left over as the swan princess cries again to embrace her husband. "Oh, sweetheart, I'm so sorry I did all those awful things to you! Can you ever forgive me?" Asked Amanda. "There's nothing to forgive. I realize now it was Athalia's fault, not yours." Paul said. "But..." Amanda began.

Paul makes his wife face him. "The Russos told me everything. How you drank a potion Csintalan was responsible for leaving and it made you sick, the way you bravely fought Athalia to regain control of yourself, and when you battled Csintalan while confronting him for what he did. A real hero has to make very hard choices sometimes, and throughout a lot of those thrilling adventures we've gone on in the past, you made quite a lot... all for love." He said.

Amanda wipes her eyes then Paul caresses her face. "Paul's right, Amanda. Every difficult choice you made during our adventures, you did it for love." Derek said. "The love of your family and friends." Max said. "Even those you rarely know are grateful to you and your heroics, like that family you and Belle said you saved while we were in the future." Odette said.

"No matter how hard things get, always remember that we'll always support the decisions you make." Said Justin. "And as our anchor, don't ever stop brightening us up when we need it most." Said Alex. "We've been friends for two years, and we don't know what we'd be doing today if we never met you." Said Max.

Touched by all those words, Amanda gives each of the Russos a hug. "How did I ever get so lucky to have such awesome friends?" She asked. "We said it before, and we'll say it again. You just are." Alex said. "And you should be lucky to have such a loving family as well." Max said. "A loving and supportive family." Justin said.

Amanda brings everyone into a massive group hug. Despite everything that happened with Csintalan and Athalia, all ended well for these brave heroes.

The End