Soon they were landing at a house in a quiet area. Minx smiled and could see this as the perfect place for Quinn to live. He never got to enjoy a quiet life. She was happy he was enjoying it now.
Holding hands, shocked Sil was letting her walk on her own two feet, they approached the front door with Owen and Olivia behind them. Shalt was at Minx's other side.
Just as Sil was preparing to knock, the door opened, "hey, Si… MINX!!!"
Before Minx had a chance to respond, she was pulled into a hug. She knew it was Layla and returned the hug with a chuckle.
"I missed you too, Layla."
Layla practically pulled her into the house but couldn't fully because Sil had a firm grip on Minx's hand.
"Everyone's out back." Layla looked at who was there. "Owen and Olivia?" She looked at the twins with surprise.
Olivia nodded. They had no memory of her. She was still missing when they left. Minx didn't talk about her past much because it invoked such sadness for her. They were hoping now that they were back, they could hear some stories.
"Do you remember Shalt?" Minx asked gesturing his direction, "as well as Caser. You wouldn't know Adam and AMinx," she said as she gestured to the other maccavties. They are his and Griddlebone's children but they didn't get out much."
"I don't think I knew Griddlebone, either. Where is she?"
"She passed in a hero's death," Minx said sadly.
"I'm sorry to hear that," Layla said. "It's nice to see you again, Shalt," she looked at him with some sadness in her eyes, "and it's nice to meet you Adam and AMinx, Caser, can I get a hug?" Layla smiled at Minx's furry friend.
Caser smiled as much as a beast could, put his paws on her shoulder and leaned in for a hug. Layla then led them through the house toward the back.
"I'm preparing a meal right now but if you …"
Sil chuckled, "I have it from here."
"Wait Sil," Minx turned toward Layla, "I have some things for Minny from her parents. Is it okay if I give them to her?"
Layla smiled a soft smile, "of course."
Minx returned the smile then nodded to Sil.
Clutching her hand close to him as if he was afraid she would vanish from his sight, he led her out the back door. Soon they could hear sounds of laughter and children playing.
Minx smiled as the butterflies in her stomach became more active. She wasn't sure she would ever have to do this task due to the time passing. Now she was afraid of making a little girl cry.
As they approached, the laughing stopped and heads turned their direction. Quinn saw them and stood.
Shalt hit the ground, on his knees, "Your Majesty!"
Quinn quickly came to him and lifted him gently. Shalt became a frail old man when he lost his vampire self. It was why Minx felt the need to return now, to get answers. "I'm no longer King. I'm just Quinn. You served me with Great honor. You've returned my god-children to me as well, I see."
Quinn smiled looking at Olivia and Owen.
Minx looked around at who else was there. She saw Peter sitting next to a very pretty girl in Greylash robes. There was a little boy playing with the shadow ability which made Minx smile. There was Minny who was playing with him. There was also a middle-aged dark-haired male there that she didn't know. However, on closer inspection, she could see this body contained Shiro, Vorden and Raten.
Minx didn't even realize she had tears running down her face at the sight of Quinn, Peter and Minny. She gave them each a hug and shed more tears. She wasn't even that close to them but they all played a role in her life and contributed in ways she would always be grateful for.
She chuckled, "well, three of their godfathers are alive. Is Owen?"
Quinn instantly frowned, "do we need to go straight to the heavy stuff?"
Minx chuckled sadly, "well, I have a gift for Minny that might be considered heavy. It's something I have been holding on to ever since she was taken by that monster Graham. Is it okay if I give it to her?"
Quinn nodded.
Her questions temporarily sated, she turned her eyes to "Shiro!"
She gave him a big hug then Vorden switched, "hey Minx. It's so good to know you're safe!"
Minx chuckled, "yeah… Am I'm going to get put back into lockdown for my safety?"
Raten switched out, "you will if you don't kiss my damned cheek!"
She hugged him and kissed his cheek.
Vorden switched back, taking over the body, "do you have any plans now that you're back?"
Minx nodded, "I do. I want to reseed the planet with the plants that went extinct because of the dalki attacks. I wanted to do that before but I never got the chance. My husband kept reinforcing how dangerous it was out there."
"I'll let Logan know and you can work with him. I bet he'd be interested in your weapons as well. Maybe he and Vincent can see them together? You did just melt one of Logan's chairs with one of them…"
Minx chuckled and nodded.
Minx turned to Minny, "do you remember me?"
Minny smiled sadly and nodded.
"Do you remember what I promised you?"
"You…" Minny gulped, "did you find something?"
Minx nodded and pulled a velvet box from her bracelet. She handed it over to Minny with both hands. The little girl sat down and opened it. Inside was a locket with the chain placed in a circle. Inside the circle was a journal with a piece of paper sticking out the top. With shaking hands, she picked up the locket. Inside was a picture of her mother on one side and a baby on the other. Her eyes welled up with tears. She set it back into the box and took a deep breath.
Next, she picked up the book and opened the front cover. On the left side was a picture of a man and a woman smiling, holding an infant together. On the right side was a lose piece of paper. A letter. Stained with a small bit of blood.
Minny gulped again and picked up the letter, her hands trembling even more. She unfolded it with visible fear as to what she was getting ready to read.
My dearest daughter Minny, These past few years without you have been torture to me. I feel I didn't do enough to protect you and that you may be lost forever. I joined the war forces just so I could get you back. I was grateful when the Great Hero Quinn used his powers to save you from the monster. I watched him with my own eyes slay the monster who wanted to harm you. I was devastated when he collapsed and was put into slumber, taking my precious daughter with him. Minx took me into her shelter to ensure I was cared for and I'm thankful she did. She has kept me going all this time. Counting down the days until Quinn wakes up. The problem is, that time has passed. I feel my body failing me, breaking down. I need you to know that I have always loved you and never wanted any of this to happen to you. Your father and I have always loved you and I pray that if, no, when, you are able to return to this world, you pursue happiness and are able to live without the struggles that exist today. I love you Minny.
Mom
"Minny, I suggest you read the journal when you have time to be alone," Minx suggested.
She wiped her tears and nodded. Then she smiled. "It looks like I'm living her final wish thanks to dad and Mom!"