This story takes place in the epilogue section of Ember's End, so there will be spoilers. So now I need to add the fluff. Fluff, fluff, fluffernutter, go home Sam, you don't mean that Mr. Frodo, a day may come when the courage of men fails, but it is not this day! One does not simply walk into Mordor. What is happening out there? Shall I describe it to you? Or would you like me to find you a box? Okay, enough LOTR fluff, time to get started.

"So now all rabbits live forever?" Helmer asked, skeptical.

"True Blue makes it possible, yes," Airen replied. They were stepping inside the castle where Emma was staying at the moment. They walked past a giant mural and Picket, Wilfred, and Airen tried to not draw attention to it.

"Why do I have a picture of me in the castle?" Helmer asked. "I mean I am amazing, but this seems a bit unnecessary."

"It's a memorial, from when everyone thought you were…" Wilfred said, stopping short.

"I get it!" Helmer said. "I should have been dead, but since I survived, can we take this down and put a mural of a rabbit who deserves it more than me?"

"I don't think we'll be able to take it down," Picket said.

"Why not?" Helmer asked.

"It's kind of important to everyone," Picket answered. "Besides, it shows a scene that will long be remembered by everyone, like in Lighthall with the picture of King Jupiter killing Garlacks."

"Fine," Helmer replied, obviously not satisfied, "it can stay for now, but I may take it down later."

Wilfred chuckled. "Five years away from rabbits hasn't changed you at all."

Helmer frowned. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?"

This caused Picket and Airen to join in the laughing. Soon they were laying on the ground because they were laughing so hard.

Helmer arched an eyebrow. "That wasn't even funny."

"I think they're just glad you're back," a new voice said. Helmer looked up and saw a red doe.

"Emma," Helmer said, a smile crossing his face, "Can you talk some sense into them? We need to get going." Helmer lightly kicked Picket, which just made him laugh harder.

"Ugh!" He turned to walk away, but Wilfred grabbed his arm, finally controlling his laughter, mostly.

"We still need to get you checked out," Wilfred said after catching his breath. He turned to Emma. “Helmer hurt his side, possibly broke ribs. Could you check it out?”

“Sure,” Emma replied, walking towards Helmer.

“It’s probably nothing,” Helmer said, stepping back.

“He’s acting like Shuffler,” Emma said as she checked Helmer’s side.

Picket, who had just started to control his laughter, lost control again. Helmer rolled his eyes. “I guess Ladybugs can’t control themselves.”

“It looks like you broke several ribs, though they have mostly healed,” Emma said, completing her check and wrapping his side. “You’ll need to avoid any strenuous activities. And make sure to have some True Blue during every meal.”

“I think I’ll be fine without it,” Helmer said, disliking the idea of medicine.

“Doctor’s orders,” Emma replied. Helmer sighed.

After Airen, Wilfred, and Picket were finally able to stop laughing, they headed further into the castle. Picket went ahead to let Heather know so he didn’t accidentally freak her out, and so she wouldn’t hug Helmer.

A minute passed and then Picket waved them inside. Heather and Smalls were standing inside, and it looked like they had just been playing a game.

“It’s good to see you again, old friend,” Smalls said, gently patting Helmer’s back.

“Same here,” Helmer replied.

“Where have you been all these years?” Smalls asked, curiosity crossing his face.

“On the other side of the High Bleaks,” Helmer said. Smalls cocked an eyebrow.

“There are a bunch of animals there,” Helmer continued. “For being right next to the High Bleaks, they didn’t really seem to be affected much, if at all.”

“Maybe we should send some rabbits to meet them,” Smalls said. “It would be good to get to know our neighbors, even if they are on the other side of the High Bleaks.”

“That sounds like an excellent idea, dear,” Heather replied.

“Dear?” Helmer said, perplexed. “Did I miss something?”

“Oh yeah,” Picket said, sheepishly rubbing the back of his head. “They got married shortly after the war.”

“I leave and everyone gets married,” Helmer said. “Does everyone think I’m a bad influence around children?”

Smalls chuckled, remembering Helmer under the maple back at Cloud Mountain. “You aren’t going to build another death trap, are you?”

“Depends,” Helmer replied, “Still need to stay sharp, even if there is supposedly no more war.”

Smalls shook his head. “Just make sure to keep it away from children.”

“I’ll try,” Helmer replied noncommittally. “As long as no more Ladybugs with visions of grandeur come asking me to train them.”

“Hey!” Picket exclaimed, frowning slightly. Everyone else laughed.

“You are my favorite misanthrope,” Smalls said.

“I’m not sure if that’s supposed to be a compliment or not,” Helmer replied, frowning.

“A misanthrope is simply a person who avoids other people,” Smalls told him.

“So not a compliment.” Helmer said. Smalls shrugged.

“While I hate to break up this reunion, we need to get back for dinner,” Airen said. “We’ll have to come back to talk tomorrow.”

“See you then,” Smalls said, waving.

Hope you liked it!