[Laughs.] No. Anything but. The universe is so vast, Ace. I was given chances I never thought I'd have. That I could never have imagined.

I met another phoenix. I got to be married by Pops. I got to go to a school, and adopt a brother who is about justice and have him help temper me when I needed it most.

And I don't go back to a time where I don't have you. I don't know if it's a phoenix thing, but it seems like every second out here is an extra one. And more importantly, extra for everyone else.

I can do whatever I want here and not fear anything. Because whatever happens, I just have to protect you and the others, and it's a lot easier out here. So I can just enjoy it.

Do you know how many books I've read now?

And I got to fly places I could never have seen otherwise.

I saw the in-between world beyond the gate of death. I saw monsters fall from the moon and fought them.

I got to adopt a son. I wish I could have had Pops meet him, but even so.

I've met countries personified. Stardust princesses, a demon whose only passion was cooking spicy, and a flying blue pegasus pony. Every time I'm surprised it stops being boring. It's only boring when it lives up expectations.