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Chapter Text

“Holy shit…! You're alive! You're alive!”
Ballister had never felt such great relief. Standing in front of him was his friend. She was there. It really was Nimona.
For a moment, neither of them moved. Then, Ballister quickly crossed the short distance to her. He had to confirm she was real and not some dream conjured from his wishful thinking. Before she could react, he threw his arms around her and hugged her tightly to him. To his relief, she did not hesitate to embrace him back.
“I thought you were gone,” he whispered.
She snorted into his shoulder, “What, that explosion? That was nothin’, I was just… chillin' out a bit.”
Ballister smiled and gently shook his head. He released her from the hug but continued to hold her by the shoulders. Tears were threatening to fall from his eyes.
He questioned, “Why-why didn't you show yourself before now?”
She looked away before saying, “I knew I'd be safe here… and, like I said, I was chillin’.”
A thought suddenly occurred to him.
“Do you know anything about what's happened in the kingdom since that night?”
Nimona shrugged, “I've been here. Only here.”
He nodded, “Nimona… we're heroes! You're a hero!”
“Me, a hero? Ha! That's a lousy joke, Boss.”
Ballister shook his head, “No. It's true… Look!”
He quickly guided her to the picture he had hung on the wall earlier before pointing to the drawing. Nimona sighed before actually looking at it. The picture was a child's marker drawing of Nimona with hearts surrounding her. At the top were the words, “We Love Nimona.”
Ballister quietly added, “There’s a lot more where that came from.”
Her voice shook as she asked, “A kid drew this?”
Ballister saw a tear fall from Nimona's eye. He immediately embraced her again and held her as she wept into him. They stood there for a short while.
After about ten minutes, she pulled away and wiped her eyes. He didn't let her go far, though. He watched her carefully until he was sure she could talk again.
Ballister asked, “Does this mean… are you done, uh, chilling?”
She looked up at him, “I mean, I could be. Why?”
“Well, we did have a deal.”
She raised an eyebrow.
He reminded her, “You help me clear my name, and I take you on as my sidekick forever and ever. No take backs...! Unless, of course, you're no longer-”
“Hey, hey, hey! First of all, it's ‘no take backsies.’ Secondly, I'm not backing out on our deal! I'm your official sidekick forever and ever. You're cursed with me!”
He chuckled, “I don't consider you a curse, but… good.”
Nimona seemed to soften at his words. She smiled at him as she had when they had played World Domination. He smiled back.
He asked, “Do you have a place to stay, other than here?”
“Uh, not really. Why?”
“I was… hoping to convince you to come back with me.”
She scoffed, “To the barracks?”
He shook his head, “I'm not a soldier anymore, Nimona.”
“Wait, what?!”
“After… everything, Ambrosius and I decided to leave the guard. We both received generous pensions and were allowed to retain our titles, but we're private citizens now.”
“Woah.”
“Yeah, we have a rather nice penthouse apartment now. It overlooks the city.”
Her eyes narrowed, “‘We?’”
Ballister smiled warmly, “Yes, Ambrosius and I are living together.”
Nimona was quiet for a moment before questioning, “You do remember that arm chopping isn't a love language, right?”
He sighed, “Ambrosius feels horrible about what happened-”
“As he should!”
“-and he loves me! He shows me that every day. He was there for me when I thought you were gone.”
She looked up at him, “What do you mean?”
“After that night, I broke down. My heart was broken because I thought my friend was gone… Ambrosius held me and listened to me. He cared for me…. Please, give him a chance to be your friend, too.”
“I… don't know.”
“You deserve more than just me.”
“This really means a lot to you, huh?”
He nodded.
She sighed heavily, “Fine, I'll come back with you… but I don't want anyone else to know I'm back yet. I don't… I just don't want to.”
“That's fine. We can sneak you in. You can turn into something small, like a mouse, and I can either hold you in my hand or put you in my pocket.”
She smiled, “I'd prefer the pocket. Less chance of being dropped.”
He laughed, “Fair enough.”

Chapter Text

Ballister was vibrating with excitement as he walked down the streets of the kingdom. He felt Nimona, as a mouse, moving around his shirt pocket. The former soldier was just so happy to have his friend back.
His pleasant mood was shattered by an annoying voice speaking quite loudly. Ballister turned his head and saw the older woman on the street corner. She was trying to hand out pamphlets to an uninterested public.
“Listen to me,” the woman implored. “The Director of the Institute was right to distrust Ballister and that creature! And, now the wall is open to let anything in. We are all in danger!”
He rolled his eyes and moved a bit quicker so she wouldn't see or harass him. Fortunately, people like her were a minority amongst the kingdom's population. Still, it was irritating.
When his apartment building finally came into view, he saw reporters outside. Ballister sighed. He wasn't in the mood to speak with them again. Plus, he had Nimona in his pocket. She didn't want to be seen yet, and he wasn't going to expose her to the press before she was ready.
Ballister ducked down a different path that led to his apartment building's back door. He moved quickly to avoid being spotted by any reporters. Luckily, no one saw him.
Once he reached the door, he unlocked it and stepped inside. He knew he needed to avoid the lobby of the building just in case there were any reporters there, too. So, Ballister ducked into a service elevator and quietly rode up to the top floor. Once the doors opened, he hurried out and rushed to the side door. Once unlocked, he breathed a sigh of relief and stepped inside his relatively new apartment.
After closing the door, he told Nimona, “We're home.”
She poked her little mouse head out of his pocket before jumping to the ground. She looked human again by the time her feet hit the floor. She gave the expensive place a once over and seemed to tense.
“Are you sure you want me here, Boss?”
“What do you mean?”
Nimona sighed, “Nothing, I guess.”
He put his hand on her shoulder, “Hey… you're my friend, and I want to take care of you. Is that so terrible?”
She genuinely smiled at him, “No, it's not.”
He smiled back, “Come on, I'll show you your new room.”
Surprise covered her features, “I have a room? My own room?”
His heart broke that much more for her as he replied, “Of course! Come on, follow me.”
She eagerly followed him across the living room and down a hallway. He gestured to the first door on the right. Then, he opened it.
Nimona took in the barren but rather large space. There was a huge bed and dresser. Other than that, the room was empty.
Ballister explained, “This is the largest room after the Master's Suite. I know it looks a bit plain right now, but it's yours to decorate and do with what you want. I hope that- oof!”
Nimona hugged him tightly around the middle before whispering, “It’s perfect.”
He smiled, “Only the best for my sidekick.”
In the near distance, they heard the apartment front door open and close. Nimona tensed again. Ballister put a calming hand on her shoulder.
Ambrosius’ voice called out, “Bal, I'm home.”
“It’s alright,” Ballister reassured her. “Come on, we'll go greet him together.”

Chapter Text

From Nimona's new room, Ballister answered Ambrosius, “Give me a moment.”
Then, he looked back to Nimona. She was still tense. He knew he had to reassure her.
Before he could, she asked, “Are you sure about him?”
Ballister knew he needed to tell her the truth, “It might take Ambrosius a bit to get acclimated, but his heart is in the right place. And, he knows what you did for me. He's a good man.”
She sighed, “Okay… but if he hurts you -us- I'm breaking stuff!”
He gently shook his head but responded, “Deal.”
Ballister then turned and guided her back down the hallway. Ambrosius came into view, but he had his back to them as he was setting down some shopping bags. Nimona took a deep breath before stepping back into the living room with Ballister at her side.
The dark haired man spoke first, “I'm here, Ambrosius.”
The blonde was still fiddling with the shopping bags as he said, “I'll give you your hello kiss in a moment. I just need to organize these. How was your visit to your old, um, place of residence? Did you find any peace?”
Ballister smiled warmly, “It was remarkable.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. I found Nimona. She's alive!”
“What?!”
Ambrosius spun around and took everything in. The blonde was clearly in shock. Nimona was still stiff as she offered a smile. Ballister's happiness was obvious, but he was not oblivious to the tension in the room.
Ambrosius recovered quickly enough and stated, “I am relieved to see you are alive and well, Nimona. Bal-Ballister was… very distraught when we believed you to be dead.”
She replied, “Uh, thanks.”
Ballister added, “I was hoping she could stay with us awhile. She doesn't wish to be in the public eye yet.”
Ambrosius slowly nodded, “That's understandable. And we have a lot of extra space, so sure.”
“Thank you,” she replied.
Ballister smiled, “Now, then! How about some dinner? Nimona, you can relax on the sofa and watch TV if you'd like. I'll make us some pizza.”
Nimona also smiled, “Cool!”
“Bal, I'll help you in the kitchen,” offered Ambrosius.

A few minutes later, Nimona was seated on the couch. The TV was on but she wasn't really watching. Ballister and Ambrosius were in the kitchen, and there was no mystery in what they had to be talking about.
Her curiosity was burning. Finally, she gave into it and quietly stood up before tip-toeing to the kitchen door. She reasoned that she wasn't spying on Ballister, who was her friend, but on Ambrosius, who was more of a question mark.
As she got to the kitchen door, she had no trouble overhearing their hushed conversation. They weren't arguing, per se. However, it was still an intense discussion.
“Why did you bring her back with you, Bal?”
“Ambrosius, she had nowhere else to go, and I wasn't going to leave her alone.”
She heard the blonde sigh and say, “Alright, I get that, but-”
“Hey, she's my friend. And I want you two to be friends, too.”
“I don't know, Bal. How do you make friends with something that isn't even human?”
“Just treat her with respect, like you would anyone else. Talk to her. Get to know her. I guarantee she's one of the best friends you'll ever have.”
Nimona smiled warmly.
Ambrosius replied, “I'm just not sure.”
Ballister's voice was strong as he declared, “But, I'm sure! She's remarkable, Ambrosius. And, she needs and deserves more friends than me. I want you to love her as I do.”
Nimona suppressed a surprised gasp, but tears fell from her eyes.
Ambrosius sounded just as shocked as her, “This really means that much to you?”
“Yes.”
The blonde sighed, “Alright, I'll try. For you.”
“Thank you.”
That's when Nimona heard footsteps coming in her direction. She quickly and quietly made her way back to the sofa. She wiped her eyes and sat down in a relaxed position.
Ambrosius followed Ballister out of the kitchen. The dark haired man was carrying a large pizza. The blonde was carrying the cups and soda.
Ballister announced, “Dinner's ready!”

Chapter Text

For a few moments, there was an awkward silence at the dinner table. Nimona and Ambrosius were clearly unsure about how to begin a friendly conversation. Ballister, however, did not let them suffer for very long.
“If you'd like, Nimona, Ambrosius and I would be happy to take you shopping tomorrow.”
She asked around a bite of pizza, “Uh, what do I need?”
Ballister chuckled, “I was thinking about getting items for your room and food you might like.”
“Oh… thanks. I'd like that.”
Ambrosius coughed nervously, “What do you think you'll put in your room?”
She shrugged, “I don't know… maybe some punk music posters. I gotta think about it.”
Ballister smiled, “We could always get some games, too. Perhaps, I'll get World Domination again. We had a great time playing that.”
She agreed, “Yeah, it could be fun.”
Ambrosius confessed, “I haven't played that game in years.”
“Oh, Nimona's quite the competitor,” winked Ballister before he took a sip of soda.
Nimona could not help but smile at the memory of playing the game with him. Meanwhile, Ambrosius seemed to be searching for something to contribute to the conversation. Finally, he seemed to find it.
The blonde added, “When I was a kid in knight training, all I wanted was a lava lamp. But, the Institute ruled them a fire hazard, so… I couldn't get one.”
Nimona snorted, “The Institute being the fun police to their own peeps doesn't surprise me in the least.”
Ballister nodded, “Yes. Looking back, a lot of their rules were quite silly.”
Ambrosius actually cracked a grin, “Yeah, like ‘no magazines allowed in the barracks.’ All because Todd snuck in some pornography one time. As I recall, it wasn't even particularly hardcore.”
Ballister agreed, “It wasn't. Then again, it was of no interest to either of us.”
Ambrosius blushed but nodded, “True. Very true.”
Nimona watched them carefully. She could feel the warmth in the way they looked at each other. Still, she was suspicious of Ambrosius.
She asked, “I can guess how you guys met, but how did you end up together?”
Ambrosius blushed again. Ballister smiled before reaching over and taking the blonde's hand. Then, the dark haired man's eyes looked back to Nimona.
He explained, “When the Queen selected me to become a Knight, no other kid wanted to be my roommate. Ambrosius volunteered.”
Ambrosius gritted his teeth, “Everyone kept saying what a bold sacrifice it was. I just couldn't understand what everyone's problem was.”
Ballister continued, “As it turned out, we had a lot in common. We were fast friends. Inseparable.
“Then, when we were both about twelve, maybe thirteen, Ambrosius shared with me that he believed he was gay. I already knew I was gay, too, so I confided in him. Our relationship kind of… grew out of that moment, I suppose.”
Nimona lowered her head to stare at her pizza. Ambrosius looked concerned for her. So did Ballister.
He asked, “What's wrong, Nimona?”
She sighed, “Nothing… It’s just… I guess I wish I had a friend for as long as you two have been friends.”
“You will,” Ballister reassured her. “You have us. You're not going to lose us. You're not alone.”
She looked unsure as she looked at Ambrosius. The blonde also looked a bit hesitant. Ballister saw both of their expressions.
He explained, “Not all friendships are easy at first. Sometimes, you have to work at them. But, it'll be worth it in the end. I promise.”
Both Nimona and Ambrosius stared at Ballister. They recognized how much this meant to him. Especially Ambrosius.
The blonde slowly nodded. He gave Ballister's hand a gentle squeeze. Then, he stood up and walked over to Nimona.
She tensed as he came closer. He stopped about a foot away from her. Next, he extended his hand to her.
“Bal says you're his friend. That makes you my friend, too. I'm willing to work at this, if you are.”
Nimona quickly looked at Ballister. He smiled and nodded. Then, she looked back at Ambrosius.
She slowly but strongly shook his hand as she replied, “Deal.”

Chapter Text

Nimona tossed and turned in her new bed. She wasn't used to such comforts as a fluffy pillow and warm sheets. Or the peace and quiet. It actually made it harder to sleep!
She groaned and sat up. Then, she got out of bed. Maybe walking around the apartment would tire her out.
She exited her room. Next, she walked down the hallway. Then, she stopped short.
Ambrosius was on the couch. He was in his white pajamas. The blonde held a steaming cup of tea in his hands. There was also a tea pot set up on the table.
When Ambrosius looked up, they locked eyes. For a moment, neither moved or said anything. Then, he smiled stiffly.
“Are you, uh, having trouble sleeping, too?”
“No…! I'm just… restless.”
He nodded, “Well, you're welcome to have a cup of tea with me.”
Nimona considered it. Then, she shrugged as though it didn't really matter. She walked to the chair across from the sofa and plopped down. He poured her a cup of tea and handed it to her. For a moment neither one said anything.
Finally she stated, “You're afraid of me.”
He jumped slightly before hesitating, then he answered, “Not in the way you mean.”
“Oh?”
He sighed, “My mind is complicated. It's not your problem.”
She snorted, “Boss wants us to be friends, so you are my problem. Spill.”
He cracked a small smile before losing it again. Ambrosius seemed to consider things. Then, he finally spoke up.
“How do you deal with bad memories?”
She blinked in surprise, “What?”
He looked away, “I have bad memories and… and they sometimes haunt my dreams.”
“You have nightmares.”
“Yeah.”
“And that's why you're up.”
“Among other reasons.”
She sighed, “Having a friend nearby helps my bad dreams. I slept the best when Boss was nearby.”
“Then, why can't you sleep tonight?”
She crossed her arms, “New surroundings take a bit to get used to. It's very quiet here.”
He nodded in understanding, “When we got this place, I couldn't get over how quiet it was either. I was used to the sounds of the barracks, even at night.”
“Now, you're used to it?”
“Actually… I listen for Bal's breathing to lull me to sleep.”
His eyes became sad and hurt. Nimona felt awkward. She didn't like it.
“Why drink tea then, if his breathing is calming to you?”
“Because… sometimes, I can't look at him after I dream. Sometimes, I just feel worse.”
“Because you chopped off his arm?”
He flinched but replied, “And… and I didn't believe in him when I should have.”
“No, you didn't.”
“You don't pull any punches, huh?”
“I tell it how it is. You hurt my friend. I don't like that.”
“Hey, I don't like it either…! There are days I can't even look in the mirror because I can't stand what I see.”
“You're a direct descendant of Gloreth. When it comes to your bloodline, your actions really aren't that surprising.”
“Now, wait a minute! You don't know anything about me.”
“Enlighten me, then.”
“I never asked to be her direct descendant! I never asked for all the responsibility and expectations that came with that. People just… assumed I would be happy and fulfill my destiny, whatever that even means!”
Nimona was quiet as she watched him. As much as she hated to admit it, she sympathized with being forced into a role she did not want. Ambrosius paused before he continued.
“And then, there was Bal. He saw me as more than just my lineage. He saw me… for me. He loved me, not my image. I love him more than anything.”
Nimona's sharp ears picked up on something, “You said you ‘love’ him, but that he ‘loved’ you. Past tense. Do you think he doesn't love you anymore?”
“Could you love the person that cut off your arm?”
“Well, that's kind of a tall order-”
“Arm chopping is not a love language!”
She narrowed her eyes, “Did Boss tell you that?”
“No. Why?”
“No reason.”
“Now I have a headache.”
She sighed, “Look, I don't like you-yet! I don't like you yet, but I'll be honest with you… Boss loves you. I saw it in his eyes and in how he talked about you. You've got nothing to worry about there.”
“Neither do you.”
“What?”
Ambrosius smiled kindly, “Bal loves you, too. Very much. To be honest… I was jealous of your closeness with him.”
She swallowed hard, “He gets me. I get him.”
He nodded, “Understood.”
Nimona took a sip of her tea. It was still warm and quite good. Ambrosius also drank his tea. They sat in a more comfortable silence than they had before.

Chapter Text

Ballister awoke early in the morning. Old habits die hard. He'd probably never be able to sleep too late.
Ambrosius was next to him. His breathing was calm and even. He was still asleep.
The dark haired man smiled warmly and gently kissed the cheek of the man he loved. The blonde shifted somewhat and seemed to smile a little. However, he didn't stir.
Ballister got up slowly so he wouldn't wake Ambrosius. Then, he went to the kitchen to get a drink of water. As he was filling his glass, he noticed something peculiar.
The tea set was in the sink… with two used cups. Ballister smiled at the obvious implication. Ambrosius hadn't been left alone with his dark thoughts last night. That was very good.
His thoughts were interrupted by Nimona's voice saying, “Good morning, Boss.”
He turned around to properly face her as he replied, “Good morning, Nimona. How'd you sleep?”
She shrugged, “Not bad. I just need to get used to everything.”
He nodded, “That’s understandable.”
“So… what's for breakfast?”
He chuckled, “We have a selection: pancakes, waffles, eggs, toast, oatmeal, and cereal.”
“Hmm… I haven't had pancakes in forever.”
“Pancakes it is, then.”
“Can I help make them?”
“Sure.”
Ballister reached into the cupboard and took out the pancake box. Then, he handed it to her. As she read the cooking instructions on the side, he explained the plan.
“We usually just follow the directions on the box. Ambrosius loves bacon. What side would you like?”
“I like bacon too, extra crispy!”
“We can do that.”
As he began getting the baking supplies from the cupboards, she replied, “Thanks…. Is he up yet?”
“Not yet. He won't be long, though. Especially once he smells the bacon.”
Nimona smiled as she went about mixing the batter, “You were right. He's not a bad guy, but… I don't think we're friends yet. Not like how you want us to be, anyway.”
He took out the frozen bacon, put it on a plate, and turned on the microwave before saying, “Hey, it's okay. I didn't expect you two to become that close overnight. Sorry, if I made you think that.”
“You didn't, and I think we're getting there. I just wanted to let you know.”
He turned the stove on and put on a frying pan, “I'm so happy to hear that. You deserve the world, Nimona. I want to see you get everything you want.”
The scent of bacon filled the air.
“What about you?”
“I've got the man I love and my best friend back in my life. I'm over the moon. Is the pancake mix ready?”
“Yeah.”
He took the mix and poured a little into the frying pan. At that moment, Ambrosius came into the kitchen, still in his pajamas. Before either Ballister or Nimona could say anything, the blonde yawned.
Then, he asked, “Bacon?”
The two friends couldn't help but laugh.

Chapter Text

Ballister, Ambrosius, and Nimona were at the table. There was a pile of pancakes in the center. There was also bacon and maple syrup. Everyone was busy eating.
The dark haired man eventually asked, “Would you still like to go shopping later, Nimona?”
She considered it, then replied, “Sure, but… I still don't want anybody else to know I'm back yet. Is it okay if I disguise myself?”
Ballister nodded, “Of course.”
Ambrosius looked worried, “We'll have to be careful which streets we take. Yesterday, I heard there were going to be more protests.”
Ballister sighed, “Yeah, we'll take caution then.”
Nimona questioned, “What's this now?”
Ambrosius explained, “There’s a new group in the kingdom. The media has dubbed them the Old Timers. They think the Director was right, and that you and Bal are still villains that have fooled everyone. They've harassed us a few times. They're a minority, thank goodness, but they've been causing some trouble recently.”
Nimona looked down before saying, “I guess there will always be people like that.”
Ballister declared, “Don't let them dampen your day! We'll go shopping and get you some cool stuff for your room. Then, we can go for some lunch.”
She smiled up at them, “That sounds great.”

Nimona disguised herself as a little girl before they all went out. Ambrosius and Ballister guided her down a few side streets, avoiding the protests. Since the two men were wearing their hoodies, no one paid them any mind.
Once they reached their intended destination, Ballister and Ambrosius lowered their hoods. Nimona's eyes were huge at the large selection of furniture and other household items. She was so stunned that she didn't react when Ballister kneeled beside her and put his hand on her shoulder.
He spoke kindly, “Whatever you want, it's yours. From us, to you.”
Nimona quickly turned and hugged him around the neck. Ballister gently embraced her back. It was sweet.
Then, she looked up at Ambrosius. His smile was a bit awkward, but he was here. He was trying.
She slowly let go of Ballister and went over to the blonde man. Nimona gave him a small smile. Then, she raised her closed hand up to him.
“Fist bump?”
Ambrosius smiled more genuinely before he made a fist too. He didn't leave her hanging. The blonde lightly tapped her fist with his.
After this, Nimona turned her attention back to her surroundings. She started trying out all the chairs and commenting on the comfortableness of each one. It was hilarious yet adorable.
Meanwhile, Ballister put his arm around the man he loved. Ambrosius melted into the embrace. The dark haired man's voice was soft.
“Thank you for trying with her.”
“You were right. There's something special about her… I just hope I can earn her trust.”
“You're well on your way.”
“You think?”
“Mmhmm. Come on, let's not lose her in this place.”

Chapter Text

Ballister and Ambrosius kept up with Nimona as she picked out a chair, rug, desk, posters, bedsheets, pillows, two lava lamps (one of which she insisted was for Ambrosius), and a few other small items she liked. She had a very discerning taste, but she wasn't snobby about it. The shape-shifter just knew what she liked and what she didn't. It was an enjoyable way to pass a few hours.
Once she had selected everything she wanted, Ambrosius and Ballister paid for the items and scheduled everything to be delivered later that evening. That way, they weren't lugging everything around all day. It was a lot of stuff!
As the trio exited the store, they were laughing together and having a wonderful time. Ambrosius seemed to be relaxing around Nimona, which Ballister was grateful for. They were jovial as they continued walking.
Unfortunately, none of the heroes immediately noticed the group of five cloaked figures. They were easy to miss, standing in the shadows. Once the five villains noticed Ballister Boldheart, they started following after him.
As Ballister was laughing at something Ambrosius said, Nimona's senses told her something was amiss. She casually looked behind herself and immediately noticed the impending threat. She groaned in annoyance as she turned back around.
Observant when it came to her, Ballister asked, “Nimona, what's wrong?”
She answered, “Don't look now, Boss, but we've got company.”
Both men tensed, but they kept walking. They increased their speed to hopefully put some distance between them and the cloaked figures. Their stalkers just walked faster too.
Ambrosius questioned, “Did you see how many there were?”
She replied, “Five. They all have swords, and they're approaching fast.”
Ballister observed, “If we go down one of these alleys, we'll be at the market. We can find protection there.”
Ambrosius nodded, “Sounds reasonable. Let's go!”
Ballister quickly picked up Nimona in his arms. Then, both he and Ambrosius started rushing for the alleyway. They turned down the dimly lit path and kept running.
However, it seemed the attackers had anticipated their plan. As the trio reached the halfway point of the alley, two of the hooded figures appeared in front of them with their swords raised. When the heroes went to turn around, their other three stalkers were there blocking their path.
Ballister, Ambrosius, and Nimona were trapped.

Chapter Text

“Let me guess,” snapped Ballister as he hugged Nimona, still disguised as a little girl, to him. “Old Timers?”
“That's us,” answered one of the cloaked figures in a gravely male voice.
Ambrosius demanded, “Leave us alone! No one has to get hurt today.”
“Oh, on the contrary, Sir Goldenloin. But we don't want you. Take the kid and get outta here. It's Ballister we're after!”
At that moment, Nimona and Ambrosius locked eyes. Time seemed to stand still for them. Both immediately knew three facts.
The first fact? They weren't running. The second? They were both incensed by these Old Timers. The third? Ambrosius and Nimona finally figured out what they had in common: they both loved Ballister… and they would do anything for him.
She whispered, “Set me down, Boss. I'll take the three to the left. You and blondie take the two on the right.”
He asked, “Are you sure? You don't have to reveal yourself to protect me.”
“I know that. It's okay. I'm ready.”
He sighed, “Alright.”
Ballister gently set her down. She turned to face the three cloaked figures. Then, Nimona cracked her neck.
Ambrosius still tried to warn their opponents, “Walk away now or you'll regret it.”
The cloaked man taunted, “Good luck protecting yourselves and a child.”
Ballister smirked, “Oh, this isn't just any child. She's-”
Nimona finished the sentence for him, “Metal.”
Without warning, she charged her three targets. Only, when she reached them, Nimona wasn't a little girl anymore. She was a rhinoceros.
While she sent her targets flying like bowling pins, Ambrosius and Ballister charged their opponents. The Old Timers had apparently forgotten that despite their civilian status, these two men knew how to fight. Even without weapons.
They disarmed the Old Timers with ease and incapacitated them. When Ballister and Ambrosius stood back up and turned around, Nimona was standing there as her true self. Surrounding her were the unconscious forms of those who had dared threaten her friends. Her new family.

Chapter Text

The news that Nimona was alive spread through the kingdom like wildfire. Ambrosius coordinated some interviews for her and Ballister to do later. The kingdom still saw them as heroes, so everything was already pretty positive.
Still, the happiest time for Nimona was when Ambrosius and Ballister helped her set up her new room. Despite the fact that she had superior strength, the two men insisted on moving her furniture around for her. It was amusing yet touched her deeply.
Once everything was in order, she took a long look at her new room. It was perfect. There was no other word for it.
She turned to her friends and said, “Thank you.”
Ballister smiled, “You're welcome, Nimona. I hope you'll be happy here.”
“I will be.”
She didn't hesitate to hug them each with one arm. Ambrosius and Ballister embraced her back. They were home.