40 Afterward: Kaden's Viewpoint

Brie and Rue's life returned to a semi-normal state. I kept tabs on them, and Brie and I even had regular "date nights" where we would discuss alternate dimensions, Lukoie, dream states, etc. Brie even asked me to come over frequently to help her sleep. Since it was beneficial to both of us, I often obliged. I found the benefits were even better when the host was willing, and after informing Brie of that, we did quite a few minor "experiments" to test the effects on both parties. I in turn took these results back to my kind. I hope they use it to do some good out there.

Rebuilding my world was a little more complicated than I had hoped. I tried to locate as many of my kind as I could first, but there were so many worlds, so many dimensions, that even that task was formidable. One step at a time. It truly is easier to destroy than to build it seems.

I stuck as close to the girls as I could while doing all of that, for several reasons. It was still fascinating to me to see the interesting developments that occurred the longer I was around them. At some point, I realized no matter what world I was in, I could tune into their exact location, and sometimes even hear little snippets of thoughts. I didn't want to pry, but it helped me breathe easier knowing that they were safe. Especially with Rue, and my brother.

Despite my best attempts to separate the two, I worried that I had not completely severed the connection. Rue continued to have nightmares, and sometimes my brother made an appearance in those dreams. Although Rue had sent him back to the Banishment in literal pieces, he had escaped from there before using her, and I was worried he might try again. I knew Rue didn't like me to meddle, but since she had once expressed that she didn't mind we stopped her nightmares, I sort of used that as permission to help her out. Whenever I felt her distress in her dreams or sensed it was my brother in her dreams, I tried to show up as quickly as possible and change her dream to something better. I really didn't think she would mind too much. Ok, she'd probably mind my meddling, but I hope she would appreciate the effort to keep her safe anyway.

As for me personally, the power Rue passed to me, along with my constant contact with the two girls, basically solidified my standing as one of our people's most powerful Lukoie. This came with a bunch of added privileges, but also a bunch of added stress. Luckily, because of my past actions, most of my responsibilities were waived and I was placed as one of the guardians amongst the human realm, meant to be on guard for any dangers that might threaten humanity in their future.

Fine with me, it gave me more time with my favorite creatures.

Now, if only I could figure out how to close that damn portal in the cave...