Ralph and 58 collapsed on to soft grass.

They looked up.

"Oh. It's the best one, Ralph." 58 fluttered around. "It's the Night World."

Ralph would be impressed if he wasn't in such a bad mood.

But it was spectacular.

They were on a small mountain, overlooking a whole valley or world at night time. But it seemed to always stay that way.

Villages and cities were mixed together in peace, as their lights slowly flickered.

The moon and clouds had a purplish like glow over everything, but the stars still were out, and galaxy after galaxy seemed to be on display.

On top of that, there was a sunset mixed over all of it. Past magic hour, and right before the sun loses all of its power to the night, sharing the same sky as the rest of the beauties.

It was like a live action anime or Pixar movie all in one.

"We're lucky to be here," 58 said. "Even if just for a moment. This is one of the best in all of After."

Ralph smiled briefly, then thought of Ruth, and how he wished he could bring her here.

"Where's Lenny and Glow?"

"Oh, they are on their way. They got stuck in a portal. It happens sometimes. It is kind of fun."

58 looked at Deerborne.

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

"Do you have to reload?"

"No," Ralph said, staring at it. "They automatically come back. The bullets, that is. It does have a cool off period though. And I only have so many shots. So it's not unlimited per say."

58 looked back over the paradise.

"See Ralph? Warriors like you have to protect places like here."

"Are there anomalies here?" Ralph asked, watching the never ending sunset.

"They are everywhere. But most try not to leave here," 58 said proudly.

Ralph shook his head.

58 looked back.

"I'm sorry about Ruth."

"I don't get any of it," Ralph said angrily.

"It isn't that hard to explain, Ralph. Think of it. Wolfram is no different than you."

"How can you say that? He's evil and kills and destroys in the After, and is trying to get back to my universe."

"That's all true. But he started off just like you," 58 warned.

"What do you mean?" Ralph didn't like where this was going.

"Ralph, anomalies? Like the ones you are hunting? They were hunters like you. And they turned."

Ralph went silent and cold.

Wolfram had also been sent to destroy anomalies. And maybe he did. But he eventually wanted out.

The thought terrified Ralph himself. That could be me.

"Has it always been that way?" Ralph asked like a child.

58 tilted it's bird head, confused. "All you ever needed was one. It's been a hybrid war ever since."

58 landed on Ralph's shoulder and they stared out.

They both tried to enjoy the view and masterpiece, knowing it would leave soon.

Suddenly, portals opened above them as the screams and laughter of Glow and Lenny filled the air.

The ground collapsed underneath Ralph and 58, and Lenny and Glow followed after.

After the ground sealed, Night World went back to normal. It felt like peace before sleep, in a forever world.