Years of war had taken their toll on Billy, but years of therapy and love had countered the worst of its effects. Physically, his appearance was largely the same---save for a few more scars and a more toned build. His face bore wrinkles too: some from stress, some from laughter. Somehow, he'd built up the strength to move on and experience his greatest joy in the present.

About six years ago, Billy and Ronnae had repeated their marriage vows to 'really' make them count. Boundless joy followed, but within he still carried the traumatic memories and lost friends he'd never forget. His goal now had taken on a new shade: fight hard, end this, and give a safer world to the future.

He worked as he always did, inventing and fighting, but he was now better about taking his time off than he ever was. Anyone who listened closely as he started to walk home would know why.

"I hope this surprise does it for them. The last one...well, it ended up all over the carpet."