Final

Tyler got to talking with Mia a bit and learned of her part in everything.

Tyler: I see. The two of you have been through a lot. I'm sorry to say that I'm the only exception here. I can't bring your loved ones back.

Mia shook her head: That's fine. I figured as much. You being alive is a miracle enough. Now I understand why you were able to complete Taylors plan for him. That earring of yours you were wearing it when you found the phone right? A signal gadget of sorts?

Tyler nodded: That's right. I couldn't explain how it works but I used it to power the phone on and gave it a signal.

Mia sighed: I suppose the world is bigger than I thought.

Tyler: That's exactly right so don't ever go thinking you've seen it all. If you're curious then live well and explore whatever you want. Don't ever let yourself regret anything ever again.

Mia smiled: You really are similar to Taylor. We've only known each other for an hour and you've read me like a book.

Joseph filled the last bit of the hole and the three chatted all the way back to town. Mia said that she would be heading back to her family house and leaving back home after a day or two. The three made plans to see eachother off when the time came. They said their goodbyes and parted ways.

They all decided it was better if no one knew about Tyler so Joseph snuck him into the dorm though the usual route.

Tyler: This feels familiar.

Joseph had carried him the whole way on his back.

Tyler: I think you're better at this now. You haven't tripped up once.

Joseph heard a hint of a smile in his voice as he said this. This made him feel like things really were back to how they were before. Less how they were and more how they should have been.

Joseph: Don't tease me, I was doing my best. It was your fault for being too heavy. You've been out for so long that you've lost all your meat so it's obviously easier now.

Having the blame pushed back on him Tyler frowned. But that frown quickly faded back to a smile. He said nothing in response and only held Joseph's neck tighter.

Joseph: You're mad so you've decided to suffocate me is that it?

Tyler only squeezed tighter.

Joseph laughed and relented: Alright alright you win. You've never been too heavy, I've just gotten a little stronger. Please have mercy. I'm going to need airflow if I want to keep breathing.

As they reached the room Tyler finally released his arms. He was placed in the same chair as before and Joseph left to start the bath. Tyler looked around the room while he waited. All his things were still in the corner. Joseph returned and grabbed two sets of pajamas, placing them on the short table.

Tyler watched Joseph as he did task after task. It was like the first time they met. But this was different. Back then Joseph was clouded with thoughts and questions about Taylor. He was upset and angry. He didn't know how to comprehend Tyler's appearance. It only fueled his confusion. But now it was like he had finally found at least some peace.

Tyler made a point to say that he wasn't just a replacement for Taylor. But right now he wondered if Joseph still saw him as such. Given the situation, asking such a thing would be far too cruel. Obviously he'll think of Taylor when looking at him; they looked too similar. Tyler knew that his appearance wasn't the only reason Joseph helped him that night so he didn't mind. But he couldn't stop the small bit of curiosity roaming his heart.

In truth it really was just plain curiosity. Tyler really didn't care how he was seen. He only wanted Joseph's company. The only reason he made the clarification was to contain any future conflicts about the topic.

Tyler had already accepted his connection with Taylor. Both Joseph and Taylor deserved the chance to see the world and Tyler could show them. At the very least Tyler owed the both of them the option. If Joseph hadn't been out looking for Taylor that night he might have really died in that lake.

Tyler couldn't tell if the universe was kind or cruel. Whatever the case Tyler was still here and Joseph agreed to stay with him. This was already a good outcome. Thinking this Tyler locked up his curiosity and stayed silent as Joseph helped him. After cleaning up and soaking in the hot water Tyler's limbs felt a lot better.

Just like before Joseph left for food only he didn't get caught this time. The two ate as they chatted.

Joseph finished first and after thinking for a long time he spoke: You were dead before and that item brought you back.

Tyler was still eating and hummed in response.

Joseph: In your letter you said that if I didn't want to leave with you I should tuck that thing away.

Tyler hummed again.

Joseph: Which means that if I didn't agree you would have stayed dead.

Tyler was silent.

Joseph: You could have kept the item on you and saved yourself. Instead you put your life in my hands. Not only that but you didn't leave anything telling me to save you, just a vague choice.

Tyler continued poking at his food and didn't look at Joseph.

Joseph: Now I've got to ask, was it because you trusted me and thought that I would agree or was it that you weren't planning on continuing without me?

Joseph's tone was serious. He had been wondering about this for a while. If he didn't feel the same, if he didn't try what seemed impossible to continue being with Tyler. Wouldn't he have just died? Tyler could have left himself a way out. Then he could have asked him face to face so why didn't he?

Joseph: Look at me and answer me. Otherwise we can't continue forward.

Tyler froze slightly. He didn't expect Joseph to bring it up so soon.

Tyler looked up and said calmly: I would have been fine. I was just giving you the opportunity to choose on your own.

Joseph watched his reaction as he answered.

Joseph: I see. So if I hadn't agreed you still could have left on your own right?

Tyler: That's correct.

Joseph sighed: I see. It's my own fault for thinking too much. I was worried is all. I still don't know anything about you so I worried that you might have suffered a lot before coming here.

Tyler looked down at his food.

Joseph watched him carefully: I assumed that traveling alone even if the sights were wonderful might have made anyone lonely after a while. Not having anyone to talk to or share your experiences with. No one to ask for help.

Tyler's hand under the table tightened into a fist.

Joseph continued to press: I was worried that you had finally had enough and figured death was better than continuing. That maybe the pain had finally out scored the rewards. If that were the case..

Tyler stopped him: I get it you can stop now.

Tyler could no longer hide the pain in his eyes.

He smiled self-mockingly: I wanted to see everything. But the world isn't always kind. My luck's no good and I tend to get into trouble whenever I'm alone. My last trip was as bad as many before it. But I would have continued for the small chance of seeing something incredible. That's all I can do.

While recuperating here you protected me. I couldn't remember the last time I felt this safe. It made me think of the many times where I wouldn't have suffered so much had someone been there with me. The idea of continuing on alone after this makes me feel so exhausted I can't think straight. But when I thought about being with you it made me want to go on one more trip. Then maybe more after that. It wasn't some difficult decision. I wasn't just trusting you and I didn't have another way out. I just wanted to sleep and if I was woken up by you I'd continue on.

Tyler looked up at Joseph: I'm a coward. If you had declined me in person I might have brushed it off and continued on as usual. Just thinking about continuing like that makes me so sick to my stomach it's painful. I didn't want to chance it.

For the first time Tyler wasn't hiding his emotions. His expression clearly showed his distaste for his life as it is. Joseph expected that it was something like this. But hearing it straight from Tyler's mouth pained him a bit more than he expected.

Tyler spoke: Are you worried that you'll hate traveling like I do? It really isn't that bad. It's my own fault I've gotten this bad.

Joseph shook his head: That isn't it. There's clearly something worth it otherwise you wouldn't have held on for so long. I just don't want you to ever fake your emotions anymore. We can't keep lying to each other. If that doesn't change then we probably won't make it very far. So if you hate being alone you should say so. If you're tired you should say so. You should be honest about whatever you feel. Then when we finally find something worth it I'll know just by looking at you.

Tyler didn't expect such a straightforward response; he didn't know what to say.

Joseph saw he was speechless and smiled: I'm being serious. Like you said before I've already chosen to live with you so I'd prefer if we could continue for as long as we can.

Tyler couldn't take Joseph's determined gaze and looked away. Joseph continued to look at him.

He wanted to learn more about this person. For him to have a good life and make up for whatever suffering drove him to this point. This boy might have looked similar to Taylor but he was different in so many ways. Joseph wanted to know what makes Tyler Tyler.

Under the boy's gaze Tylers ears were turning red. He was flustered and in a daze. Seeing him in a daze Joseph couldn't help but tease.

Joseph put on a concerned look: Oh my you're turning red. Are you sick? You were dead not long ago. Should I be checking for a fever?

He reached his hand out to touch the other's forehead. Hearing that he was red only made Tyler even more embarrassed.

Having his forehead touched he started to stammer: I'm not sick. I'm just.. just sort of..

Joseph pressed on: Just what? Why would you be this warm unless you were sick? Is there another reason?

Tyler realized the two options were sick or embarrassed and closed his mouth. Joseph saw his realization and couldn't help but smile. With this grin Tyler finally understood that he was being messed with. He smacked the hand away from his face and refused to talk anymore.

Joseph laughed at the scene: Why are you pouting? I was just wondering if you were okay. Alright we won't talk anymore it's late. You've just gotten better so you should rest well.

As he said this Joseph got up and picked up the pouting Tyler. Before he could react he was already carried to the bed and being tucked in. Tyler refused to look at him but Joseph didn't mind. His attitude only made him smile.

Joseph patted Tylers arm and spoke softly: I'm really glad that you're back. I truly would have been at a loss without you. Sleep well and be here when I wake up okay?

He didn't give Tyler the chance to respond and layed down on the other bed. Tyler rolled over and looked at the person on the other bed. Joseph followed suit. After a few moments Tyler's eyes began to close and he fell asleep. Joseph kept looking over as if he was worried that Tyler wouldn't wake up this time. Continuously checking that the other was still breathing Joseph eventually fell asleep.

Second day of June.

After another two days of rest and recuperation Tyler Joseph and Mia made plans to set off. The three met at Taylor's grave for a final goodbye.

Tyler spoke: Will you be heading off today as well?

Mia responded: That's right. I still have a life back home to get back to. After finishing up a few personal responsibilities I've got the rest of my life to figure things out.

Tyler: That's good. I wish you luck. It was nice talking with you.

Mia: I feel the same. It's been a roller coaster but I'll get through it. How about you two? I assume that you'll both be leaving together.

Joseph nodded: That's absolutely correct. I'm finally leaving this place. That is if Tyler decides to show me how isn't that right?

Mia was confused: Well you have your things packed. There's plenty of means of transportation. Is there something I don't know yet?

Joseph smiled: Well apparently the great Tyler here has a unique way of transportation. He has yet to explain what it is though.

Mia laughed: Wow really? A mystical way perhaps?

Tyler: You'll see. I was just keeping it a surprise until we said goodbye to Mia. It's sort of a one and done deal. No take backs.

Now Joseph and Mia really were curious. They looked at each other both trying to imagine what Tyler had planned.

Mia gestured to continue: Well now's as good of a time as any. Come on magic boy do your thing.

Joseph agreed: Yeah let's do this.

Tyler found their excitement and enthusiasm amusing. He felt he was able to explain with his heart at ease.

Tyler: Alright then listen closely. This device of mine works solely for me. It has two main uses, one of which you've both seen.

Both Joseph and Mia nodded in understanding.

Mia: One click revive.

Joseph: Healing spell.

Their unique outlooks left Tyler momentarily stunned.

Tyler: Well. Sure. It fixed me up but does not work on others so keep that in mind.

Joseph nodded.

Tyler: Its second main use is to open portals. It's essentially able to open a door that can take you anywhere. And I mean anywhere which is why it can be occasionally dangerous.

Mia and Joseph were expecting something unnatural and that's exactly what they got. Joseph suddenly remembered the lake.

Joseph gasped: Oh! When you first arrived you were in the lake. Did you..

Tyler nodded: That's right. At the time I was quick to portal and was left with an even bigger problem on the other side.

Mia spoke up: Wait. But if you end up in that situation, like with that lake, could you not have opened another portal? Could there be a time limit or something?

Tyler shook his head: No there's no real limit besides having to fully be through before opening another one. That time was actually my fault.

Joseph: How do you mean?

Tyler sighed: It requires a certain amount of concentration which I'm normally capable of. But I was already in the water and holding my breath when I opened the portal. So going through I was already at my limit without oxygen. The double drowning caused a break in my concentration.

Tyler sighed again just remembering the whole thing. The other two were also shocked. Joseph remembered thinking that Tyler was unlucky to have fallen into the water with his bad leg. But now he realized that he was more than just unlucky.

Mia sighed as well: Wow your luck must be horrendous. You haven't killed anyone have you? Such bad karma is insane.

Joseph was shocked Mia was able to say such a thing straight to his face. He was more amazed that she was able to say exactly what he was thinking. They really were far too similar. Only difference being Mia's unafraid attitude.

Tyler was unaffected: I find myself wondering the same thing. Anyway it's for reasons like this that it would be easier to have a partner. I don't always have the strength to help myself. In those cases having someone to help with I open the portal would definitely help.

Joseph nodded: Agreed. So keep a cool head. Calm and collected. Got it.

It was easy to see how determined Joseph was. Just by looking, anyone could tell that he wouldn't be scared off now. Looking at the two of them made Mia smile. She felt like no matter what these two would be fine.

Mia: Alright then enough hesitation. The two of you are only going to find a proper rhythm through experience. You can teach him the ropes along the way so go on now.

Tyler could see her trying to push them along. She was right, just talking about it wasn't enough. He needed to stop worrying and trust their abilities and judgment. He wouldn't have asked Joseph if he didn't prove his own capabilities.

Tyler smiled: You're right. Don't get too excited.

Tyler turned around. He took a deep breath and took out the device. He held it in his hands and both the device and his earring gave a familiar faint glow. Mia and Joseph watch from behind Tyler. Not a moment later the same patterns on the device seemed to appear out of thin air. The once empty space in front of them seemed to take a physical form, break apart and separate from itself creating an opening.

It really was a mystical sight. Both Mia and Joseph were amazed. There was a door in front of them leading to who knows where. Even so the other side could not be seen.

It seemed to be glowing but not blinding. Instead it took on the color of the surroundings almost unnoticeable from afar.

Tyler looked at the two circling the crack in space. At the very least they were unafraid, that's for sure.

Tyler: Well that's it. Pretty yet scary.

Joseph: It's amazing.

Mia agreed: Truely. I don't even know how to describe it. How long will it stay open? Can anyone come through from the other side?

Tyler shook his head: It's only accessible to what I want to go through. And it's one way so once it's closed it's over. This means we have to always go through together. One at a time can end in disaster very easily. If one of us is through and something throws me off and the portal closes we'll be completely separated. We can't go back to help so either we're both safe or we're both in danger.

Joseph: I see. That's good then. We can't leave each other behind. That's what being travel partners is all about.

Tyler found his outlook extremely reassuring. His words help relax his heart even more.

Joseph smiled: Alright then. I guess it's finally time. Are you ready?

Tyler: I should be asking you that.

Joseph: Is that a yes?

Tyler smiled: Yes it's a yes.

Joseph: Well then let's do this. Mia this is it. It was nice connecting with you genuinely. I hope you can be happy in your future.

Tyler: I hope so as well. This is goodbye.

Mia laughed: Yeah yeah I'll do my best. You two have fun as well alright?

Joseph chuckled: We'll also definitely do our best. And I hope we run into each other again.

Mia: And when we do you both better have lots of good adventures to talk about.

Tyler: And you as well. Your life better be exciting and filled with happiness.

Mia smiled: It's a deal then. Now go.

Tyler and Joseph each hugged Mia goodbye. They stood in front of the portal and looked at eachother. Joseph smiled and linked their arms.

Joseph: Shall we?

Tyler: I guess we shall.

As Mia waved them goodbye the two stepped forward. They disappeared into the portal and the space began to close back to normal. Mia sighed and went on her way back to town. The patterns along the air faded and the sun shone brightly on the flower tree. The light through the coloured petals painted a beautiful and serene picture. This was where Taylors body lay. Where Tyler was brought back. Where Joseph and Mia made their promise. And when all their stories truly started.