Chapter Text
The party continued to be a whirlwind of laughter, hugs and shared memories. The garden of Shiki and Rebecca's house seemed to have become a microcosm where time had stopped. There were no longer any separations between past and present, between old friends and new bonds: everything was mixed together in one big family, which despite the difficulties of the past years, had never lost its affection.
In the heart of all this, Maya and Vik had become the symbols of that bond that never breaks. Happy to see their parents surrounded by old friends, they had learned, since they were little, what it meant to be part of something bigger. Their laughter joined that of the adults, creating a harmony that could be felt in every corner.
The games of the two children, which continued without stopping, were accompanied by the conversations of the adults, who exchanged stories, projects, and updates on their life path. Laguna had just told one of his most hilarious misadventures on the set, while Kleene was laughing out loud, appreciating his sharp irony. Weisz and Hermit, sitting a little further away but still close, were looking at each other affectionately, their relationship solid as a rock, while the talk of new projects and a few flirtatious words mixed with the carefree nature of the evening. They had been talking to Ziggy until that moment, who, seeing them a little too tipsy and flirtatious, preferred to leave them alone.
Pino and Happy, finally free from the burden of the work they had done previously, joined the rest of the group, ready to enjoy the party too. Pino, who was usually inclined to great displays of emotion, was smiling slightly even at that moment, watching Rebecca and Shiki talking to Valkyrie and Homura. He wasn't the type to say sappy words, but he knew that that reunion had meant a lot to them. And for her, seeing everyone gathered like that was a sign that, despite time and hardship, their family of friends remained intact.
Couchpo and Labilia, who had taken a seat next to Valkyrie, were discussing how social media was changing the way people communicate. "We can't stop anymore," Couchpo said with a smile, "cooking is our new secret weapon! Every dish we make is a little work of art, and people love it!"
Homura, always austere and calm, was conversing with Shiki and Rebecca about how the world of martial arts had changed, with new styles and philosophies continuing to emerge. "After all," she said as she sipped her tea, "it's nice to see that even though we've changed, our family spirit remains the same. We've all gone our separate ways, but we're here, together, in this moment."
Rebecca's eyes filled with affection as she looked at the group gathered in her house. "It's amazing how much time has passed, but it feels like only a moment," he mused. "Every time we get together, it's as if nothing has changed. Every smile, every laugh, every memory we share, it keeps us connected like when we were younger."
Ziggy, sitting in the corner and watching the scene, smiled placidly. He didn't say much, but he knew how special this moment was. He had never had a family, but he had seen in these friends and allies the kind of bonds that can't be easily broken. For him, seeing everyone together in this moment of joy was a silent gratification, but immensely profound. As if sending a signal with the power of thought to those around him, Witch approached him and immediately struck up a conversation with him about this very thing.
When the silence fell for a moment, Shiki turned from his seat, smiling at everyone. "I can't believe it's been 16 years," he said, his voice full of affection. "We've been through so much together, and although times have changed, Rebecca and I couldn't be happier to have all of you here with us."
Rebecca stood up, taking Shiki's hand. "We've watched Maya and Vik grow up in a world that's constantly changing, and to think that we've managed to stay so close... It's something that makes us really proud." She turned to the children, who were snuggling up with Maya, laughing and playing. "And seeing how you've become, how much fun you have, is the most beautiful thing there is."
Shiki and Rebecca's words weren't just a simple speech of circumstance. They were the synthesis of years of struggle, of changes and, above all, of affection that had endured countless trials. Every person in that place had done their part to get there, and every little step, every little choice, had contributed to creating that perfect moment.
Maya and Vik, now tired but happy, approached their parents. "Mom, Dad," Maya said, "this is the best party ever.
i always always. I'm happy to have all these friends come!"
Vik, with an even bigger smile, added: "Yes! And can we have a new party when everyone comes again?"
Laughter rose from the room, and everyone, without exception, joined in a collective ovation. It was a sign that, despite life's challenges, friendship and love had prevailed. Every smile was a memory that came back to the surface, every hug a promise that, no matter what happened, family was always the one that could be counted on.
Rebecca looked at her world, her beloved Shiki, her children, her friends, and felt a peace she had never felt before. "This is what matters," she thought. "Family is what keeps us together, and even if time passes, we will always remain united."
With twilight now coloring the sky outside, music filled the air and Maya and Vik's laughter mingled with that of the adults. The horizon seemed infinite, but inside that house, where love and friendship were always at the center of everything, the future never seemed so bright.
The reunion was more than just a party. It was a promise, a revelation of what really mattered: that family, the one you build with your heart, is meant to last forever.
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Author's Notes: This fanfic, as well as After Story, were made for the pure desire of a decent ending for EZ. I will admit that I was inspired by the extra chapter of MHA where they all reunite years later, honestly with EZ something like that would have been needed. So keep this, I hope you liked it and that it didn't bore you 🙏💗 See you soon‼️