Bastian returns

Bastian didn't realize where he was or what had happened at first. He was distracted when he spotted his reflection a window. It was him, but…younger, like he had been when he last visited Fantasia.

He looked around quickly, could he be?

He spotted the Empress on her throne crying, and approached her slowly. For the first time in a very long time Bastian smiled. "Why is someone so beautiful crying?"

The Empress opened her eyes and gasped. Could it really be him? "Bastian?"

Bastian nodded and he stepped forward and wiped away her tears.

The Empress threw her arms around him, taking a moment to make sure he was really there. "Yo-you came back!"

"I'm just sorry for taking this long." Bastian whispered to her.

"B-but I saw you, you forgot, no Keeper has ever regained their memory after forgetting!"

Bastian returned the hug and looked her in the eyes. "I heard you Moon Child, I heard you pleading for me to remember. You helped me find my way back. Thank you."

The Empress finally allowed herself to believe that he wasn't an illusion. "I believed you be back Bastian, I did. But when I saw you…I thought I'd lost you forever."

Bastian nodded. "My father died a few years ago Empress, I guess when something like that happens you stop believe in fairy tales and dreams. I was miserable, I-I don't think I could ever go back."

The Empress brought her hand to Bastian's cheek. "I am sorry Bastian, the pain of your loss must have been terrible. But I wouldn't allow you to return to your world anyway, your home is here now with me."

Bastian had to let out a bit of a laugh. "You 'wouldn't allow me to' Empress?"

She gave a mock serious expression. "I am the ruler of all Fantasia, and I hereby decree you shall stay in Fantasia at my side for all time, peasant." They both laughed at this