The Destruction

Epilogue

Zarina looked around at the large island. Over the years they learned how to make homes that could survive the hurricanes easily. Once word got out that The Order had been taken out, many had come to the island, seeking refuge. They were welcomed with open arms and instantly started to help rebuild the island. One thing they learned, that thanks to the mutations, once they reached the age of twenty one, the aging process slowed to the point it was almost nonexistent, allowing for long lives. Unfortunately, it did become harder for women to have kids. Zarina didn't mind, she had her long life to have more kids. The two little bunnies she had found long ago are now adults with mates of their own. No matter how old they get, they'll always be their kids.

Zarina woke from her sleep, the sun spilling in from the crack in the curtain. She groaned softly and rolled over to tuck her face into her mate's chest. Yes mate. The titles of husband and wife were long gone. With the animal mutations, the title of mate seemed much more fitting. Adrian's arms wrapped tighter around her, his face tucking into the crook of her neck. "Good morning my Demon." Adrian's husky morning voice whispered. "Good morning my Reaper."

Stories of the Demon and Reaper had spread quickly all over the world. Over the years many had come to challenge them, prove themselves, but they had all been sent home with their tails between their legs. After a while, even Wendy and William had become known as The Twin  Terrors. They had been given their name when out on a scouting mission to retrieve supplies. The team had been surrounded by mutated beasts, but the twins handled them with ease. It filled Zarina and Adrian with pride, knowing they taught them well.

"Mom! Dad!" Wendy called out as she came into the house, "We're home!" Zarina and Adrian threw off the covers and dressed before stepping out of the room. Wendy stood in the kitchen with a man with white bunny years, hair, tail, and red eyes. Just like with animals, some people also became albino. Adrian threw the man a glare. "Dad, please leave Jasper alone." Wendy sighed. Adrian hadn't been too happy when their little girl had mated the man, not trusting him. Adrian kept his claws and fangs at bay because Zarina did trust him. Jasper had been a slave in The Order. He would be forever reminded of the horrors of the camp he had been found in. He didn't speak much, but he never disrespected anyone and was always quick to help. Some call him the Phantom because of how well he can sneak around.

Zarina found it funny how many come up with these nicknames for them. It was as if they were a tribe of some sort and the nicknames were their tribal names.

"Come on Will, stop being so slow!" A woman said from outside. "Not my fault you dragged my ass out of bed so early." William grumbled. A woman with dark chocolate skin, bunny ears and tail, with brown eyes came in. "Good morning Sarah." Zarina said and the woman smiled. They called her Trickster. She looked sweet and innocent but she will easily take what she wants with your back turned. When her and William met, it was on a supply run. She had stolen some of what he gathered. It was a fight that lead to them nearly killing each other before he convinced her to come home with him.

William came in, his hair messy from not bothering to brush it. "So what brings you rowdy lot in this morning?" Adrian asked them. "It's the island's anniversary, duh." Wendy said as if it wasn't obvious. "We came to spend it as a family." Adrian grumbled, "And here I was hoping I'd get to spend it in bed all day." William sighed, "So did I."

Zarina shook her head, "You can have me all to yourself tonight." That made Adrian perk up and his tail wag. Zarina couldn't believe at how their lives had changed so much. She did dip back into old habits by caring how she looked to others and her mate encouraged it. Gone were the days she would kill for the latest handbag or phone but here were the days she didn't mind getting a cute dress every now and then.

Walking hand in hand Adrian and Zarina went down the coast, leaving the crowd of celebrators behind to be alone. "It's been forty years." Adrian said and Zarina nodded. "It doesn't seem like it," She whispered. "It feels as if it only happened yesterday." He nodded in agreement, "It does." She looked out at the water, seeing the serpent's body peeking through the waters.

"I have trouble remembering how things once were," she admitted to him. The only reminder she had was the photograph that has never left her nightstand. "Maybe it's for the best," Adrian said after a moment. "It's not good to dwell on the once was when we need to focus on the tomorrow." She sighed, "Yeah I know."

He wrapped his arms around her from behind, his chin resting on her head, "Your parents and Tammy would be so proud of you if they were here." She nodded as her eyes began to burn. She always cried when she thought of them. She would forever miss them, the place in her heart for them always hollow. "I know." She whispered.

"I'm proud of you too, you know." He told her. She smiled, "And I'm proud of you." "Why is that? I didn't do anything back then." He told her with a scoff. "Yes you did. You kept me grounded. I don't know how many times I was on the brink of going insane. Our kids gave me reason to wake up every day, but you gave me reason to not just survive, but to live and enjoy everyday."

"Glad I haven't bored you yet." He said softly. She turned in his arms,"It's never a boring day when I'm with you." He chuckled,"Good."

Life was full of surprises. There was no way to tell the future, you could only hope for the best and wait for the impact.