Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/5118296.

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Dungeons and Dragons (Cartoon)
Hank "the Ranger"/Sheila "the Thief", Bobby "the Barbarian"/Terri
"The Girl Who Dreamed Tomorrow"
Hank "the Ranger", Sheila "the Thief", Bobby "the Barbarian", Presto
"the Magician", Eric "the Cavalier", Dungeon Master (Dungeons and
Dragons Cartoon), Venger "the Force of Evil", Diana "the Acrobat",
Terri "The Girl Who Dreamed Tomorrow", Uni the Unicorn
Alternate Ending, Requiem, Angst, Redemption, Series Finale
Part 1 of Dungeons and Dragons: Return to the Realm
Published: 2015-10-31 Words: 2981

Epilogue: Requiem and Choice

by Ingonyama
Summary

After the end of "Requiem", the students of Dungeon Master have a choice to make. And
not everyone is as eager to go back to a normal life as they thought...

Notes

Happy Halloween!
I've been working on this for a couple of years, and the first chapters are finally ready to be
released! Hooray!
Before reading this, it's important to familiarize yourself with "Requiem", the end of the
series as planned by Michael Reaves. You can find a synopsis and a link to the script here:
http://www.dungeonsdragonscartoon.com/2009/08/requiem.html
With that said, enjoy!

Did you see that?!

Eric climbed shakily to his feet, trembling. Before him, the vault lay dark and empty, the last wisps
of magic still escaping, but most of it loose and running rampant through the Realm around him.
After what hed just witnessed, the normally-brash and outspoken Cavalier found it an effort to
speak in anything above a whisper.
You kidding? We were all ringside! Dianas voice came from behind him, even her usuallycheerful tone muted by awe.
From the tower they stood upon, the pupils of Dungeon Master could see a rainstorm of magic
emanate from the citadel they stood in, the bolts of energy opening portals on the ground where
they struck. Too far away to make out, Eric saw hordes of races race for the portalsthe lizard
men to a jungle-like world that looked like it had three suns, the Orcs to a place with a midnightblack sky, even whole flocks of humans within the Realm dashing to a place that looked like a
quaint old-world hamlet.
Looks like Hank was right after all Presto breathed out behind them. We were all prisoners
hereVenger included!
HANK! Eric didnt realize how he could be so stupid. Not two minutes ago, their friend and
leader had gone over the edge of the abyss they were even now looking overdue to one of
Vengers monsters and a shock wave from Bobbys club.
Between the guilt-ridden Barbarian and the concerned Cavalier, it was hard to decide who got to
the edge faster. But their worry turned to relief when they saw a green-and-brown-clad figure
about ten feet down, positioned precariously on a tiny shelf of rock that protruded from the cliff
wall. He looked up at them with a glare that was only partly serious.
Well, dont just stand therepull me up!
Diana wasted no time extending her staff. With Eric and Bobby holding on to her for support, she
pulled him to safetyjust in time for him to be almost sent over the edge again as Sheila caught
him in a tight, fierce hug.
Dont you ever scare us like that again! We thought youdI thought youd
Tears streamed down her face as Hank returned her embrace, tightly, gently. He knew what she
wanted to sayshe hadnt exactly been subtle about her feelings the whole time theyd been in
the Realm. But now wasnt the time for it
Heywhats happening to Venger? Presto asked, pointing.
Something horrible, I hope, Eric deadpanned. As usual, it had been the warlock whod tricked
them into coming here and fought them to a standstill. When Eric had opened the cenotaph, the
villain had been struck by the brunt of its magic, and was completely enveloped by its glow.
Finally, the sound of his voice came to themhe was screaming. But not in pain
As the six children watched, Venger changedso much so that when the light faded from him,
the being who fell to his hands and knees was barely recognizable as their longtime, inveterate
foe.
His red-and-black robes had shifted to blue and white, a deep blue like the clearest sky, and a
white so brilliant it almost hurt to look at. His face had turned from its demonic visage to a truly
handsome face, losing its deathly pallor in exchange for a healthier, more human tone. His winged

cloak had gone from black and batlike to white and featheredthough the feathers looked made
of steeland there were now two white horns on his cowl, though even they no longer looked
evil. And when he opened his eyes, they were the same color as Dungeon Mastersa striking,
pale turquoise that unnerved, but didnt terrify as his crimson eyes had just a moment ago.
What had happened was apparent to all, though no one was quite willing to trust it yet. No one,
that is, except Hank.
I was right! Our mission in the Realms wasnt to defeat Vengerit was to redeem him!
The man-who-had-been-Vengers face was a myriad of different emotions as he took a step
toward the childrenGratitude? Regret? Contrition? However, before he could speak, a prismatic
diamond of light materialized between him and them, and Dungeon Master stepped out, his face
calm and composed except for the shining joy in his eyes.
Now it was the kids turn to have too many emotions for their faces to expressnone of them
good. The last time theyd seen Dungeon Master, hed rejected their pleas for help and left them to
the mercy of a Hydrawhile theyd survived, that desertion had rendered them vulnerable to
Vengers manipulation in the first place. But now when he looked at them, joy on his face and
apology in his eyes, they knew that just like everything else he had done over the years, both to
them and for them, it had been a test.
Thank you, my students. You have done the one thing it was never in my power to doyou
have returned my son to me.
The response to this was as immediate as it was cacophonic.
Youre Vengers father?! Eric burst out in frank astonishment.
Theres not a big family resemblance Presto mused pensively.
We could have been killed! AGAIN! Sheila burst out furiously.
You knew what he was trying to make us do all along?! Diana asked in surprise.
Why I oughta Bobby gritted his teeth and brandished his club.
A hand rested itself gently on Bobbys club. He looked up, expecting to see Hank exercising his
usual restraintbut his blood went cold when he saw the new Venger looking at him, and all of
them, with those same unfathomably emotional eyes.
Perhaps I had better explain, he said, and when he spoke his voice no longer reverberated with
evil and dark powerit was deep, soft, and gentle, a voice that might have belonged to a singer
once, or spoken words of reassurance and caring to the needy or sick. In any case, it affected the
Dungeon Masters students enough to quiet them down.
Venger continued, in that voice that could never have belonged to him. Dungeon Master is my
fatherhe taught me all he knew of magic, and tried to instruct me in the ways of wisdom and
compassion. But I was never interested in such lessons, and I made the mistake of following
another masterone of evil.
The Nameless One, Hank said simply, and a shudder rippled through everyone, even Dungeon
Master. It had been a primal force of evil, an enemy that could not be fought, could not be
reasoned with, only fled from. At least Venger had been beatable, in one way or another.
Venger nodded, biting his lip. It surprised the students, though they supposed it shouldnt have, to

see even, human teeth in place of the fangs he had always possessed. He gave me secrets
Dungeon Master never wouldpower beyond imagining. But he also twisted me, and my views,
to their darkest possible slant. For a thousand years I was his creatureVenger the archdemon,
scourge of the Realm. This cenotaph was where I locked away all that Dungeon Master had given
me, and where I tried to destroy the key that would unlock it. When that failed, I sought instead to
seal it away at the edge of the Realm, so that none could find the secret to returning me to who
and what I was.
He bowed his head and knelt before Dungeon Master, looking the diminutive being in the eye.
Can you ever forgive me, Father?
Dungeon Master caught his son up in a hug, tears streaming down his cheeks. Oh, Vengermy
Venger, you neednt worry. You have been freed from the evil that has imprisoned you for all
these long centuriesyour own prison is unlocked, and you are free to be yourself again
forevermore.
He broke the embrace and turned to his students. My childrenall of youhave done
something more wonderful this day than any feat you have ever performed. Everyone who has
been trapped in the Realm has been freed, sent to their home worlds across space and time, mere
hours after they left. You have saved all those trapped within the Realmincluding that which is
most precious to me. I can do no less for you.
As he spoke, he raised his hands, and one final bolt burst forth from the vault, striking the ground
before the children. As they jumped back, the gate opened
To reveal the amusement park theyd been trying to get back to for the last three years. And
behind it, their hometown, sprawling and modern. The childrens faces lit up with delight, and
cheers went up from everyoneeven Uni danced and bleated in childlike glee.
You are free to return to your own world now, if you wish. Dungeon Master said, his eyes
going from one student to the next. Or you may remain here, in the Realm. There is still much
evil to be dealt with, and many adventures yet to be had. The choice, my children, is yours.
The choice wasnt much of a choice at all for most of them. Eric, to no ones surprise, led the
charge into the gate. He turned back to give Dungeon Master a thumbs-up, even as he stuck his
tongue out at the old archmage. Dont think its been fun, because it hasnt! he shouted, tossing
his enchanted shield to the ground as he leapt through the gate with a joyous whoop.
Farewell, Cavalier. Dungeon Master said, a sad smile on his wizened face as he picked up the
shield. You questioned me every step of the way, and for that, I findI shall miss you.
Presto followed suit, throwing Dungeon Master his hat as he walked toward the gate. From now
on, Im sticking with card tricks. Theyre less likely to blow up in my face!
Greater risks lead to greater rewards, Magician, Dungeon Master answered with an enigmatic
quirk of his brow. But I understand. Farewell. Presto gave him a wave and walked through the
portal after Eric.
Diana was next, handing her staff to Dungeon Master with a smile. Listenweve been through
a lot, and you know Id help out morebut Ive got a home to get back to. Im just starting out as
a professional gymnastIve got my whole life ahead of me.
You need not explain yourself to me, Acrobat, Dungeon Master said with a warm, caring smile.
I gave you this choice because you have earned it. I think no less of you for following your heart
back homeinstead, I will cherish your memory, as I do all my students, and remember you with
gladness and gratitude for all the help you have given my Realm. Go, Diana, and be happy in

your life. Diana kissed the old man on the cheek, then ran through the portal with a laugh of
delight.
Dungeon Master turned to his remaining students. Bobby was kneeling beside Uni, catching her
in a tight embrace while tears streamed down his cheeks. Sheila knelt beside him, gently pulling
him to his feet as she doffed her cloak and handed it to Dungeon Master.
Whats gonna happen to Uni? Bobby asked, handing his club over. He wanted to go home as
much as anyonebut he didnt want to leave the creature who had become his best friend over
the course of their time together.
Shes gonna grow up proud and strong, and become the most beautiful unicorn in the world,
came a voice behind him. Ill make sure of it.
Bobby and Sheila turned as one in surprise. Hank? Sheila started in disbelief. The Ranger
stood beside Uni, a hand on her mane. The other clutched his bow as though it were a lifeline. His
face was uncertain, but his stance was determined.
Sheila, you and Bobby have a home to go to, a life to live. Inever really felt like I belonged
over there. Here, I have a chance to keep doing good, to be a hero for an entire world. There? Im
just a run of the mill high school student, a face in the crowd.
Sheila shook her head, almost refusing to believe what she was hearing. Butwere your
friends! Dont you care about meus?
Hank stepped forward and put his hands on her shoulders. You know I do. Thats part of why
Ive gotta stay. Weve been all over the Realm; weve seen portals in other places, leading to our
world. What Dungeon Master said is truetheres still evil to be fought here. If no one stands
against itit could find its way to Earth. Im not gonna make anyone else fight thisyou and
Bobby should go home. But I feel like I belong hereI want to stay. I have to stay.
Bobby tore out of his sisters arms and rushed to Hanks side. Im gonna stay too then! I wanna
help fight!
Hank knelt beside Bobby and gave him a hug. No, Bobby. Like I said, you and Sheila should go
home. You've just barely turned tenno one with any kind of conscience could ask you to fight
any more than you already have. Youve been forced to grow up here, faster than anyone wanted.
But now you have a chance to get your old life back, to go back to school, make friendslive like
a kid should, and grow up normal. What kind of friend would I be if I told you not to do that?
Its not your choice, Hank! Bobby said, biting his lip in fury. Dungeon Master gave the choice
to all of us! An if youre gonna stay and fight, then I will too! I dont wanna leave Uni! I dont
wanna leave you!
Bobby, you get back here this minute! Sheila said, in a harsh, no-nonsense tone she rarely used.
I am not leaving you behind here! What do I tell Mom and Dad when they ask why you didnt
come back? When they ask why Im suddenly an only child?! Hanks already staying, now youre
saying Im going to lose you too? How could you even think of leaving me all alone?
There it was; her deepest, darkest fear. Solitude. Like anyone, Sheila could handle being by
herself as long as she knew she had friends and family out there. But being truly alonelosing the
people she cared aboutit chilled her to the bone.
Venger stepped forward now, and put a hand on Bobbys shoulder. I may not be the most
qualified person to say thisbut I think the Ranger and your sister are right. Trust me when I say,

once you lose your way here, its almost impossible to find it again.
Besides, Hank said, reaching into his satchel. Youve got something else waiting for you back
home. And he pulled out a locket that sparkled in the light reflected from the portal.
Bobbys eyes lit up. TERRI! Dashing away his tears, he snatched the necklace from Hanks
hands. Then he knelt beside Uni and hugged her one last time. Promise me youll take care of
her, Hank.
I promise, he said, as Bobby let go. Uni bleated a tearful farewell to her friend as he walked
towards the portal. At the threshold, he turned back, and saw Sheila standing before Hank, who
looked increasingly uncomfortable.
Sheila, II never said it, but
You dont have to, she said, still trying to stay brave. I know. I just wish it were enough. She
looked back at him with naked worry in her eyes. Take care of yourself too, all right? Be safe
for me. For all of us.
Hank nodded, and caught her up in a tight embrace, running his hands through her fiery red hair.
Ill miss you, he said.
Thank you for talking Bobby into coming home with me, she replied. Then she broke the
embrace, and without a second look, she and Bobby went through the portal. As it closed behind
him, Hank kissed his fingers and held them out, as Sheila waved during the last few seconds of
the portals existence
Then it was gone, and Hank was left alone with Uni, Venger, and Dungeon Master in the
cenotaph.
~The Next Morning~
It had been a horrible night for Terri, plagued by dreams she didnt understand about a place shed
never seen. Thank goodness school was still normal.she could pretend to pay attention, pretend
the insanity hadnt happened, that she hadnt met the bravest young man in the world and had to
say goodbye to him all on the same night.
The lunch bell rang, but she wasnt hungry. He was too fresh in her mind. She trudged out of the
classroom, wondering idly if she could go to the nurses office and get the rest of the day off
HEY TERRI!
That voiceso loud and brash, so earnest and heartbreakingly familiarmade her look up.
Its not him, it cant beI know what I saw, butI never hoped, never dreamed!
But the Girl Who Dreamed Tomorrow had never been wrong, and that last dream had been no
exception. There Bobby stood, in a garish orange shirt and blue jeans, as devil-may-care and real
as could be.
And in his hand
The sparkle of her locket, a bit more battered and bruised from its time apart from her, but still in
one piece. You lose somethin? he asked with a cheeky grin.
Bobby? Bobby, its you! Its really you!

And just like that, they were hugging, two fast friends reunited, and Bobby started to accept the
simple fact:
Were home.

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