After all that, after the eighth stage overlords confirmed the end of the war, no one there knew what to do next. There was no reason to fight, no reason to kill. Sure there was lingering resentment, but everyone who was there had walked the path to arrive at that moment, and after the decision was confirmed, the direction forward had been pointed out to them. To go backwards and continue to kill would be going against the people around them and it would be going against themselves.

So, with nothing left to do, people could only go home. But it would be a shame to leave without commemorating the event.

“Hey! I still have a shit ton of booze back at the camp. Who wants to get drunk?” One of the naturalists calls out into the crowd.

“Hell yeah man! I also brought a shit ton of booze to wait out the next few months! Let’s get hammered boys!” Another naturalist calls out.

“Hey! There’s girls here too!” A cultivator calls out.

“And some of us identify outside gender norms.” An effeminate looking male says with a smirk.

“Alright! Who gives a fuck? Let’s party!” A dude calls out before leading the way back to camp.

Some of the people in the surrounding area let out a chuckle and begin to follow. Through the corpses of lost friends they walk back to the camp. It was a bitter experience for many of them, but they could only go ahead. Life would continue on, and, while they could still experience it, they wanted to enjoy it…

…

…

Many people went home and many people stayed in the camp for a while longer, while some continued to stay for several days until they enjoyed themselves to the fullest and all the booze was drunk.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

There were also many who continued to work. The bodies had to be processed; they had to be identified and their families had to be informed. It wasn’t something anyone wanted to do but work was work, and all work had to be done.

As for Taylor, he stayed a while, to enjoy the scenery and breathe in the air. He was surprised he was alive. He didn’t think he would make it through that war, but what could he do but continue on? But Taylor knew that this wasn’t entirely a cause for great celebration… He could feel the world still pressing on his back… Taylor just knew… That this bastard still had plans for him… And he wasn’t entirely sure how to feel about that… Because Taylor knew… Plans that are much bigger than yourself have a certain way of breaking you… If you wanted to move forward… You had to break… Every single time… Taylor rubs his head. He wasn’t sure if he was just hungover or whether this headache was caused by something he should be worried about. But he didn’t think there was anything he could do about it. Fuck, something smells… And I have no idea where its coming from… He thinks before letting out a sigh. Fuck it. I’ll figure it out later. He thinks before taking another chug of beer.

…

…

A year had passed and all was well. The blood moon faded and the world entered a temporary peace. The people were slowly getting used to the idea of supernatural creatures running around the place doing god knows what. As much as they didn’t like it, that was the reality they had to live with, and when the truth stares you right in the face, there was really no way of ignoring it.

Taylor’s life continued in a weird way. The cultivation association seemed to be shunning him and Hanz didn’t seem like he had work for him. So Taylor did what he did best; he relaxed. In a way, this was the ending he was hoping for.

Johnny went back to school, and Taylor would occasionally muster up the courage to be in Jesse’s presence to see Lily. Those moments were always awkward for him, and Taylor assumed it would be awkward for Johan, but when Taylor looked at his face every time he was there, he couldn’t help but get pissed off. That bastard always had a smile on his face and Taylor knew exactly what that asshole thought every time he came around. It was probably something along the lines of, “Yeah, I’m the winner. I know it. No need to be so bitter about it.” After seeing that smile, Taylor always seemed to have the urge to drink after leaving.

Eventually… The two lovebirds decided to tie the knot.

“Why not? Why don’t you want to be the best man? You’re the perfect person for the job! Since you know both of us so intimately.” Johan says with just a hint of teasing in his voice.

A vein begins to bulge on Taylor’s head and his face turns red. “Johan, you big fucking asshole. You know I love you, but if you make the best man, you better be prepared for the bullshit I’ll cause at your wedding. Can’t you just take your prize and go? Why do you have to fucking throw it in my face?” Taylor says with exasperation.

“All right. I’m just bustin’ your balls. Relax. Anyways, just making sure you’re coming. I know it will be bitter, but I need you there. If you ever want a chance at marrying me in the next life you better show up.” Johan continues to say, amused.

“Who the fuck wants to marry you in the next life!? If anything you’re going to be my son in the next life; that way I can properly beat your ass without consequences.” Taylor exclaims.

Johan lets out a laugh. “All right. I’ll see you there.” Johan says with a smile before ending the call.

Taylor lets out a breath. Fuck, it better be an open bar. He thinks to himself.