After Leo (15) met Nolan, Nayra, and Ethen, Eva suggested something simple—something warm. A picnic.
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(The Picnic)
By the side of a quiet lake, under the shade of a wide, old tree, a soft carpet had been spread across the grass. The wind moved gently, brushing past them like a comforting hand. Food was laid out, laughter echoed, and for a moment… everything felt whole.
Eyan and Eva sat together, with both Leos beside them. Aranel and Luca sat nearby with Nolan and Nayra. Little Aira and Ethen rested peacefully in their cradles, their soft breaths blending into the calm rhythm of nature.
Luca leaned back slightly, looking around at everyone with a soft smile.
"It feels good… being here like this. With the whole family."
Aranel nodded, her expression warm.
"It really does."
Eva's smile faded just a little as she looked around.
"Our family is still missing someone… Father isn't here."
Luca let out a small sigh, shaking his head.
"Well, that's his own fault. He cried too much after seeing Leo and got tired… fell asleep like a child."
Leo (15) lowered his gaze, guilt flickering across his face.
"I… didn't know grandfather would cry that much after seeing me…"
Eyan turned toward him, his voice calm but firm.
"It's because he missed you."
Leo (15) looked at Leo (6), confusion in his eyes.
"But… Leo is already here. Why would he miss me?"
Eyan gently placed his hand on Leo (15)'s head.
"For us… you two are not the same. Leo (6) and Leo (15)… you are different people. Different lives."
Eva smiled softly, her voice filled with quiet certainty.
"That's right. To us… you will always be our first child. No matter what… we have three children, not two."
Leo (15)'s lips trembled slightly before he smiled.
"I'm… happy to be part of this family."
Eyan exhaled slowly, rubbing the back of his neck. His tone turned more serious, quieter.
"If it wasn't for your mother in your timeline… I would never let you go. I'd keep you here forever."
He paused briefly.
"But… she needs you more. So it can't be helped."
The air shifted.
Eva, Aranel, Luca… even Leo—everyone's expressions stilled.
Eyan blinked, looking around in confusion.
"What? Did I say something wrong?"
Leo (15) quickly forced a smile, though his throat felt tight.
"No, father… you didn't say anything wrong. You're right… my mother needs me there. Aunty Aranel too… so I can't stay here."
Eyan nodded, then looked at him more carefully.
"I always wanted to ask… your mother, in your world… how is she? Is she living well?"
Eva's breath caught.
Her eyes filled instantly, but she turned her face away before anyone could notice.
Leo (15)'s throat went dry, but he smiled anyway.
"Mother is good… she's living well… father."
Eyan's expression softened with relief.
"I'm glad to hear that."
He gently patted Leo (15)'s head.
"Even if I'm not there… at least you have her. She can take care of you."
Leo (15) nodded. "Yes."
Luca leaned forward slightly, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, even if you can't stay, you can always visit whenever you want."
Leo (15)'s smile faded.
"Uncle… I can't."
Silence followed.
Eyan and Luca exchanged a glance before looking back at him.
"What do you mean, you can't?" Eyan asked, his voice more serious now.
Leo (15) lowered his gaze. "For the past five years… every time I crossed timelines, the goddess punished me by taking away my powers."
Luca frowned. "Your powers?"
"Yes." Leo swallowed. "And she warned me… if I do it again, the punishment will be worse."
The wind seemed to stop.
"I won't be able to come again."
Eva turned to him slowly. "You… won't come?"
Leo (15) looked at her, his expression soft but firm. "Yes, mother. This is the last time you'll see me."
The words shattered something.
Eva's eyes filled instantly, tears spilling before she could stop them.
"Mother… why are you crying?"
She didn't answer.
Instead, she pulled him into a tight embrace, holding him as if letting go would erase him entirely.
"My baby…" her voice broke between sobs. "I won't be able to see you again…"
Leo (15)'s composure crumbled. His arms wrapped around her just as tightly, his own tears falling silently.
"I'm sorry… I shouldn't have told you…"
Aranel covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face as she turned slightly away.
The peaceful afternoon dissolved into quiet heartbreak.
Eyan moved closer, wrapping his arms around both of them, pulling them into his embrace. His hand gently patted their backs, trying to steady them.
"Eva… Leo… that's enough," he said softly. "Don't cry too much…"
But Eva couldn't stop.
She held her son tighter, her shoulders shaking as her tears soaked into him—trying, in that fragile moment, to hold on to something she knew she was about to lose.
_________________________________
For a long while, no one spoke.
The sound of the wind returned slowly, as if the world itself had been waiting for Eva to calm down.
Eventually… her sobs weakened.
Her grip on Leo (15) loosened just slightly, though she still held onto him like he might disappear at any second.
Eyan gently pulled away and handed her a cup of water, his other hand softly wiping the tears from her cheeks.
"Look at your face…" he said quietly. "Your eyes are swollen."
Eva didn't argue. She took the water and drank, her hands still trembling.
Eyan then turned to Leo (15). His eyes were red, his face still wet with tears.
Without a word, Eyan wiped his tears too, his touch gentle but firm.
He let out a small sigh. "You both made a mess of yourselves."
Leo (15) gave a weak smile. "I apologise, father… but it hurts… knowing I won't be able to see everyone again."
A small, hesitant voice broke through the heaviness.
"I— I can help."
Everyone turned.
Leo (6) stood there, fidgeting, his small hands clenching and unclenching as he tried to find the right words.
"You no… me no… Leo… no no…"
He looked up at Eyan, confused. "Father… how should I call him? He is me but…"
Eyan smiled softly. "Call him 'brother.' He's your older brother."
Leo (6)'s face lit up a little. He turned back quickly. "Okay… brother…"
He stepped closer, his voice becoming more certain. "You said… we are one. We can share memories… right?"
Leo (15) blinked. "Yes…"
"Then I will do it," Leo (6) said firmly. "If you can't come here… you can see everyone through my memories."
Silence.
Leo (15)'s lips parted slightly. "You… will do that?"
Leo (6) nodded. "Yes. So don't cry."
Then he turned to Eva, his little face serious.
"Mother… you too. Please don't cry."
That was it.
Eva broke again.
Tears spilled down her face as she pulled Leo (15) back into her arms—and this time, Leo (15) couldn't hold back either.
Both of them started crying again.
Eyan rubbed his forehead, exhaling sharply. "Eva, stop… it's Leo's last day with us, and you're making him cry again."
Eva tried wiping her tears, shaking her head helplessly. "I know… but I can't help it… they just won't stop…"
Eyan stared at her for a moment.
Then—suddenly—
"Then let me help you."
Before she could react, he stood up and scooped her into his arms.
Eva gasped in surprise. "Eyan—what are you doing?!"
"I'm helping you stop crying."
"But how—"
He didn't answer.
Instead, he walked straight toward the lake.
Everyone froze.
"Eyan…?" Luca called cautiously.
But Eyan didn't stop.
He reached the edge—
—and then—
YANK! SPLASH!!
He threw Eva straight into the water.
Eyan dusted his hands lightly. "That should do it."
For a second, the lake was still.
Then—
Splash!
Eva's head shot out of the water. Her hair clung to her face, her dress soaked, water dripping from every inch of her.
Her body trembled. Not from the cold. From rage.
"Eyan… Lucian… Therald…" her voice was low, dangerous. "How dare you…"
Eyan smiled, completely unfazed. "See? It worked. You're not crying anymore."
Big mistake.
Eva stormed out of the lake, water trailing behind her. In seconds, she grabbed Eyan by the collar.
"Princess, wait—listen—I was just trying to—"
Too late.
With one sharp pull—
SPLASH!!
Eyan was dragged straight into the lake with her.
Water erupted everywhere.
After a moment they reappear on the surface.
The water hadn't even settled from the first splash when chaos began.
Eva, still burning with anger, grabbed Eyan again and dragged him deeper into the lake.
"Eva—wait—!"
Too late.
SPLASH!
Eyan disappeared under the water again, only to reappear seconds later—this time with a grin.
"Oh, so that's how it is?"
Before Eva could react, he grabbed her waist and pulled her down with him.
"EYAN—!"
SPLASH!!
Both of them disappeared beneath the surface.
For a moment, only ripples remained.
Under the water—
Everything went quiet.
Eva tried to pull away, still furious—but Eyan caught her wrist and pulled her closer. Her eyes widened in shock, bubbles escaping her lips as she struggled.
And then—
He leaned in and kissed her.
The anger in her movements faltered… her grip loosening just slightly as the moment stretched in the stillness beneath the lake.
Above the surface—
"Why are they not coming up?" Luca frowned.
Aranel tilted her head. "That's… a bit too long…"
Then suddenly—
SPLASH!
They emerged.
Eva gasped for air, her face flushed, hair clinging to her cheeks. She stared at Eyan in disbelief.
For half a second—
Silence.
Then—
THUD!
She punched him straight in the chest.
"EYAN!"
Eyan coughed, holding his chest. "Worth it."
Eva pushed her wet hair back, glaring at him—but before she could say a word, Eyan leaned in and kissed her again.
Deeper this time.
Eva froze in shock.
On the shore—
Luca's jaw dropped. "HEY! What the hell are you two doing in front of kids?!"
That was it.
Eva shoved Eyan back and punched him straight in the gut.
"Eyan! Stop embarrassing me! Everyone is watching!"
Eyan groaned slightly, holding his stomach, then slowly looked toward the others.
Silence.
No one was looking.
Luca and Aranel were busy arguing, Nolan and Nayra were laughing about something else, and Leo (6) was distracted by the water itself.
Eyan raised an eyebrow. "Really? Because I don't see anyone watching."
Eva blinked.
Then narrowed her eyes.
"…You're right."
Before he could even smile—
She shoved him underwater again and held his head down.
"EVA—?!!"
Bubbles rose to the surface as he struggled.
A few seconds later, she let go.
Eyan shot up, coughing. "Eva! Are you trying to kill me?!"
Eva crossed her arms, completely unapologetic. "No. I'm punishing you."
On the shore, Luca burst out laughing, Aranel leaning against him, unable to stop giggling.
Big mistake.
Eyan slowly turned toward them.
"…You two look like you're enjoying this a bit too much."
Luca immediately stepped back. "No—no—wait—"
Too late.
Eyan grabbed Eva's hand, and the two of them rushed out of the water like a united force.
"RUN!" Luca shouted.
Didn't work.
Within seconds—
SPLASH!! SPLASH!!
Both Luca and Aranel were thrown straight into the lake.
Aranel shrieked as she surfaced, then immediately started laughing.
"You two are impossible!"
Luca wiped his face. "I'm getting revenge for this!"
But before he could do anything—
A small voice rang out.
"Watch this!"
Leo (6), standing at the edge, raised his tiny hand, concentrating hard.
A swirl of magic formed—
—and suddenly—
Leo (15) was lifted slightly into the air.
"…Wait—what?"
SPLASH!!
He was dropped straight into the lake.
A stunned silence—
Then Leo (15) slowly rose from the water, his hair dripping over his face.
"…You did not just do that."
Leo (6) grinned.
Big mistake.
Leo (15) lifted his hand.
"Oh, I absolutely did."
A stronger wave of magic surged—
"NO—WAIT—!"
SPLASH!!
Little Leo was thrown into the water beside him.
The moment he surfaced, he burst into laughter instead of anger.
And just like that—
Everything broke into chaos.
Nolan and Nayra came running in, laughing, jumping straight into the lake without hesitation.
Water splashed in every direction. Luca tried to splash Eyan. Aranel dragged Eva deeper into the water. Leo (6) and Leo (15) started a full magic water fight. Nayra chased Nolan.
Eyan pulled Eva close again—this time earning another hit, followed by laughter instead of anger.
The sun slowly began to set, painting the sky in warm shades of gold and orange. Their laughter echoed across the lake.
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(Sunset)
The sky had turned a deep gold, the sun slowly sinking behind the hills, casting long shadows across the lake.
The laughter had faded into a peaceful silence.
After playing in the water for what felt like hours, everyone gathered back near the tree. Luca lifted his hand slightly, magic flowing gently as a warm breeze passed over them—drying their clothes in an instant.
Leo (15) stepped closer to Eyan, quietly using his own magic to dry the last drops from his father's clothes.
It was time to say goodbye.
The air felt heavier now.
Leo (15) turned first to Luca and Aranel. He stepped forward and hugged them both.
"Uncle… Aunty… take care of yourselves."
Luca smiled, though his eyes softened. "We will. You take care of yourself too."
Aranel nodded, gently holding his shoulder. "And don't overburden yourself."
Leo (15) gave a small nod before stepping back.
Then he turned to Eyan.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Leo (15) stepped forward and hugged him tightly.
Eyan's hand came up, patting his back slowly, firmly.
"Take care, son…"
Leo (15) closed his eyes briefly. "I will, father."
When they parted, Leo hesitated—
Then turned to Eva.
She was already looking at him.
He stepped into her arms, and she held him tightly, as if memorizing the feeling.
"I will miss you so much, Leo…" she said softly, a faint smile on her lips despite the tears in her eyes. "Take care…"
"I will miss you too, mother…"
They stayed like that for a moment longer before she gently let him go.
Leo (15) took a breath, then crouched down in front of Leo (6), meeting him at eye level.
"Leo… don't forget your promise."
Leo (6) shook his head immediately. "I won't."
Leo (15) smiled and patted his head. "Grow stronger… and take care of mother and father."
Leo (6) puffed his chest slightly. "I will. Don't worry. I'll take care of everyone."
That made Leo (15) smile a little wider.
Slowly, he stood up.
His eyes moved across all of them—one last time.
Then—
"Everyone… I should take my leave now."
A soft glow appeared beneath his feet.
A magic circle formed, intricate and bright against the dimming light of sunset.
The wind picked up slightly.
Leo raised his hand, smiling.
"Goodbye… take care."
Eva and Eyan lifted their hands together.
"Goodbye… son."
The light grew brighter—
And in the next moment—
The circle closed. The glow vanished.
Leo (15) was gone.
Silence followed.Only the sound of the evening breeze remained… as the last light of the sun faded from the sky.
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(Other Timeline)
(Royal Palace Velmoria)
A soft glow tore through the air—
A magic circle opened.
Leo stepped out of it slowly, his boots touching the cold marble floor.
For a brief moment, he stood still… as if adjusting to the weight of this world again.
"…Back home."
A figure was already waiting.
Felix, his assistant, bowed deeply the moment Leo appeared. "Welcome back, Your Majesty."
Leo's expression returned to calm, composed—like nothing had happened.
"Felix… did you prepare everything?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Everything is prepared."
Leo gave a small nod. "Good."
Without another word, he walked forward.
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(Royal Palace Cemetery)
The gates creaked softly as Leo entered.
The air here was quiet… almost sacred. Fresh flowers had already been placed nearby, carefully arranged.
Felix stepped forward slightly, bowing once more. "I will take my leave now, Your Majesty."
Leo didn't look back. "Mm."
Felix left silently, his footsteps fading.
Now—
Leo stood alone. Before him… the gravestones.
One by one, his eyes moved across them.
King Thalor Therald
Luca Veyren
Emperor Eyan Lucian Therald
Empress Eva Therald
Lady Aranel Delyss
The wind passed gently through the cemetery.
Leo's eyes filled with sorrow.
"…I am all alone now."
He stepped forward. Slowly, carefully—he placed the flowers before each gravestone.
One by one. His hands didn't tremble… but his silence said everything.
When he finished—
He moved between two graves.
Eyan.
Eva.
And sat down between them.
The sky above was wide and fading into evening.
"…It's been sixteen years, father… since you died." His voice was quiet. "…And ten years, mother… since you left me too."
His gaze lowered to the gravestones. A faint, bittersweet smile appeared.
"…It must be fate… that you both left on the same day."
"Today… is your death anniversary."
The wind brushed against him again, softer this time.
"I hope… you're both happy together… wherever you are."
Slowly, he reached into his coat and pulled out a worn diary. And a quill.
He opened it carefully—Then he began to write.
"After seven years of our marriage… we had our daughter. We named her Aira. Our family was finally complete."
"After that… Eyan and I lived happily… with our two children…"
The quill stopped. The ink lingered at the edge of the page.
Leo stared at the words for a moment—Then gently closed the diary.
He let out a soft breath and looked at Eva's gravestone.
"…Mother...I finished writing your diary for you."
"I wrote everything… everything you and father went through together."
His smile returned—small, but real.
"And now… it's complete."
He leaned back slightly, looking up at the sky.
"You both got your happy ending."
His voice softened.
"It wasn't easy… making it happen....But in the end… I succeeded."
Leo sat there in silence… the diary resting in his lap.
The last light of the day faded slowly, the sky turning into shades of deep blue and violet.
For a long time, he didn't move.
The wind passed gently through the cemetery, brushing against his hair… soft, almost comforting.
Leo looked up.
"…Mother… Father…"
His voice was barely above a whisper.
"I ended your story the way you deserved."
A small smile formed on his lips—fragile, but real.
"A happy ending."
His fingers tightened slightly around the diary.
"…Even if it wasn't happy for me."
Silence answered him.
But this time—It didn't feel empty.
The wind blew again… warmer than before, wrapping around him like a quiet embrace.
Leo's eyes softened. For a fleeting moment— It felt as if someone was there. Watching. Listening.
He slowly closed his eyes. A tear slipped down his cheek—But he was still smiling.
"…Be happy."
The words faded into the evening air.
After a while, Leo stood up. He placed the diary gently against Eva's gravestone, his hand lingering on it for just a second longer.
Then he turned away. Step by step, he walked out of the cemetery.
The king returned. But the son… Remained behind.
The night settled quietly over the graves— And under the endless sky,
their story came to rest.
.
.
.
--The End--