Alternate Epic Ending

Chapter One

The golden sparkles emerging from the blooming pod swirl around the room before pausing in front of…M.K.? They form into the glowing, translucent figure of Queen Tara. She whispers,

"M.K., you are the one the people need. Take care of them for me." M.K. just nods and stands, speechless, as Tara's …spirit…turns to Ronin, who is smiling at the dead queen, looking heartbroken.

"There's that smile." she murmurs. Then she dissolves into a swirl of sparkling golden light that wraps around M.K. When it disappears M.K. is dressed in white, ruffled azalea petals and dark green leaves. Her hair is longer, down her back, with little white flowers in random braids. M.K. looks shocked.

Everyone kneels before their new queen….except for Nod, who also looks shocked. Finally, Ronin pulls him down, making M.K. giggle a little.

Then they all rise and a cry of "Long lives the Queen!" goes up. M.K. flushes.

Nim Galuu starts a celebration. There is dancing and laughter for hours. Eventually it dies down and fireworks are set off. M.K. has slipped off to the side under a fragrant rose to watch.

"What's the new queen doing out here all alone?" an amused voice asks. M.K. jumps.

"Nod! You scared me!" she exclaims. He chuckles.

"Well, we couldn't leave the Queen unattended, could we?" he jokes. They sit side by side for a while and watch the explosions of colorful light in the sky. Eventually M.K.'s head drops onto Nod's shoulder. She is asleep. Nod chuckles and carries her into Tara's old boulder palace. A soft blue flower lowers down to make a bed for the queen. Nod sets her down and kisses her forehead.

"Night, M.K." he whispers. Then he turns to go.

"Aww, how sweet." A new voice says. Nod spins, drawing his sword. A chuckle makes him pause.

"Ronin?" The general appears from under a rose.

"Sorry, Nod. I just couldn't resist." They look down at the slumbering queen.

"You really love her, don't you?" Ronin asks.

"Yeah..." sighs Nod.

"Take good care of her, she cares about you too you know."

"Really?" Nod asks, perking up a little.

"Really." Ronin smiles.

(A.N.—So, probably not my best work, I just thought the ending of Epic was off. Review please!)