I'm sorry for the belated update to this story, but here it is now!!! I have a special treat at the end for you guys for an added apology for the wait, so I hope you enjoy it!!! Anyways, here's the last chapter!!!

Chapter 8

When you hear an accordion being randomly played, it's best to run immediately. Alas…

"It had to be a fabulous palace after all," Milich told a "captivated" audience. "My own Scarleticia in Toran exemplified beauty but it needed to be grander than that!!!!"

"Indeed, it must be!!!" gushed Vincent.

"The thirty-two chandeliers hanging throughout each corridor help so that it's always ablaze with light!!! Although, eighteen bedrooms with rosy silken sheets might've been overdoing it—"

"Never!!!" said Augustine.

"There's no such thing overdoing good taste!!!!" reminded Simone.

"Ah, I guess you're right!!!! And the sheets DO compliment the velvet curtains hanging in each room!!! I'm quite pleased with the Persian rugs lining each wall, as the stone floors tend to be merciless on bare feet—not that I would dare to walk around in bare feet!!!!"

"Of course not!!!!"

"But the white rugs are a perfect contrast to the magnificent porcelain vases and the bright tropical flowers within each one!!! Exquisite flowers from all the reaches of the world!! Surely, they are a much needed treat in such an undeserving home like mine!!!"

"Nothing is so undeserving to be in YOUR home if YOU choose it, Sir Milich!!!"

"Why, thank you!!! Indeed, with age comes wisdom and experience!!! And in my experience I have found that no castle should be without a bathhouse!! And MY bathhouse is grandest with the mood music and the fleet of trained massage therapists!! And, oh, the magnificent golden figurines that are nestled into each corner!!!"

"It's truly magnificent!!!!"

"I want to see it sooooooo badly!!!"

A/N: I think I tortured you all enough, lol. On with the story!!!!

---

Hugo collapsed into his seat, feeling very exhausted. He'd thought nonstop fighting was a workout, but nonstop dancing with multiple women? THAT was a challenge!!!!

Sgt. Joe fell into the seat next to him, fanning himself. "Whew, what a day!!! Don't be looking so tired now, Hugo!!! You have quite a reputation on your shoulders!!!"

"Speak for yourself," said Hugo, drinking a whole glass of water. "I'm just glad that's over with…"

"Don't you have a speech to give as the best man?"

"Really, that's not necessary," said Thomas, smiling shyly. "So much has already been done today."

Lucia took the opportunity to walk over and slap Hugo on the shoulder. "Oh, don't worry about Hugo Master Thomas!!! As both the Flame Champion and leader of Karaya, a simple best man's speech shouldn't be difficult!! Right, Hugo?"

Hugo groaned, but somehow found the strength to get back to his feet. He let out a loud whistle that ripped through the air. Music and conversations ceased and everyone turned to look at the main table.

Just like a battle speech, just like a battle speech…Hugo tried to envision the wedding party as a battalion prepping for battle. Still, he was winging it the moment he opened his mouth.

"Well…we've all been through a lot together. We're all different but we united under the same front during the Second Fire Bringer War. We owe a lot of that to Thomas and Budehuc Castle. Without them, we all would've ended up a lot worse off during the war and I might not have been able to coexist with those I considered to be my enemies." He looked for Chris through the crowd of guests, but he didn't see her. Did she leave already?

He continued as best as he could. "So we all owe you, Thomas. I know I sure do. I hope you and Cecile are happy and I hope this keeps bringing in money."

That was it. He raised his glass in a toast, feeling incredibly embarrassed by the silence sweeping the area. Should he have said more?

Then a 'whoop' came from the back of the crowd and suddenly everyone was cheering and clapping enthusiastically for both the wedding couple and Hugo. Hugo couldn't hide his sigh of relief as he dropped back into his chair.

Sgt. Joe was wiping tears from his eyes. "Nicely done, Hugo."

"Thanks, Sarge," drawled Hugo, taking another sip of water. "I'll make sure to make YOU my best man at MY wedding!!!"

"Quack."

"HUGO!!!!!!!" Hugo stiffened at that shout. He slowly turned his head to see Hallec running at him at top speeds, tears streaming from his eyes. "That was BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!"

"Save me," whimpered Hugo, but he couldn't stop Hallec from picking him up straight out of his seat and crushing him in another hug.

---

Geddoe calmly sipped his wine from his seat, looking all around him. There was…something about seeing the young Flame Champion getting the life squeezed out of him by an oversized warrior of the Nameless Lands.

I wonder what YOU think of this, he thought to his old friend. No doubt HE found all of this amusing. Not too far away Sana was dancing with Juan, who seemed to be falling asleep on his feet. Emily gave him a good whack over the head and he snapped awake abruptly, much to Sana's amusement.

"I think the party's coming to an end," said Queen. "Although, I don't think anyone's ready to leave yet." Ace was still hanging out with Meg and Joker was past out across the table. Over near the Training Center, Aila and Jacques were sitting and talking. Well, Aila was talking and laughing. Jacques was merely nodding his head and smiling ever so slightly.

"We'll leave once the bride and groom depart for their honeymoon," said Geddoe.

"That sounds reasonable," said Queen. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. "Did you enjoy this, Geddoe? The wedding?"

"It's not the first wedding I've ever gone to. It doesn't feel very different from the others I've seen."

"Well, you've lived a long time so you've seen your fair share of most everything. But it must feel pretty good to see our former comrades-in-arms, huh? Even if it includes the Fourteenth Unit," she added bitterly.

Geddoe shrugged neutrally. "Many of our allies are…stupid. And this wedding has only shown that."

Queen threw back her head and laughed. "I can't believe you said that, Geddoe!!! Well, some of these people are sort of out there!!!" she patted him on the shoulder and smiled. "I swear it's never a dull moment with you!!"

"…" said Geddoe.

---

Thomas leaned back in his chair and sighed. It was certainly an interesting day. "I'm feeling a little tired. Should we stop the party soon?"

Cecile shrugged. "I'm still feeling fine. But I'd like to talk about where we'll go for our honeymoon."

"Hmm, good point. But let's not overdue it, okay? Especially with the castle's finances."

"Of course!! It'd still be nice to go to Harmonia, wouldn't it? It's not too far away and it's someplace new from what we're use to!!"

"Well—"

"Here." A bundle dropped on the table in front of them. Thomas quickly sat up and saw Martha. "Stop planning your honeymoon. You're both going here."

"Where?" asked Thomas, but Cecile didn't bother asking. Giggling excitedly, she tore through the wrapping paper and opened the box. Thomas peeked over her shoulder to see a few tickets and passes, but the words almost didn't register with him. Absently, he plucked one out and read it closely.

He was beyond speechless; he couldn't even make a noise. But Cecile could.

"FALENA?!?!?!?!?!" she screamed on the top of the lungs. Once again silence swept the area and everyone turned to them. But Cecile ignored all them and jumped to her feet. "You're sending us to FALENA for our honeymoon!!!!!!!!!"

Martha shrugged. "Seems like a decent enough place."

"Oh, MARTHA!!!!!!!!" Cecile dove across the table and tackle-glomped Martha to the ground. "Thank you sooooooooooooooooooooooo much!!!!!!!!!!"

Thomas shifted through the passes and tickets, disbelieving what he was seeing. "You…you put us on a guided tour of Sol-Falena, Doraat, Estrise, Rainwall, Haud, Yashuna…" he leaned over the table to look at Martha. "How did you guys manage to afford this?"

Martha shoved Cecile off her and climbed back to her feet. "Everyone here paid for it. We figured it would be a good time to get you knuckleheads out of here so we can get some actual work done—"

"Thank you, Martha. Really," said Thomas, smiling broadly. A trip to Falena with his new wife. And going to all these cities would take a long time. It would certainly be nice to get away from his work at Budehuc, even for a short while.

A shaking hand reached out and picked up one of the passes. "Haud?! M-M-Martha, WHY are we s-s-sending Master Thomas to Falena?! I specifically commissioned you to select a t-trip that was financially r-r-realistic!!!!!"

"We have the money now, Sebastian," said Martha matter-of-factly.

"P-P-Perhaps. B-B-B-But—"

"I think we should leave rather quickly," Thomas told Cecile when she returned to her seat.

"Of course!!" said Cecile brightly. "The sooner the better. I wanna go NOW!!!!"

"Well, not so soon—"

"THINK OF OUR FINANCES!!!!" Sebastian wailed to Martha.

"Tomorrow," said Thomas. "Let's leave tomorrow."

---

It was a beautiful dress with good material. The rocky sand was no doubt tearing and ruining it. But Chris didn't care.

She sat on the rocky, dirty beach as the tide rolled in. The sun had already set, but the sky was still pink from lingering rays.

She was an idiot; that was too obvious. What the hell had she been doing the past few days? Looking completely unprofessional, for one thing. Why was it so important to her that she have a date or act so out of character? She was twenty-five and unwed, but was that really such a problem? She saw many other women there at the wedding who were older and also unattached.

Maybe it's not the principle of the thing, she thought to herself. Maybe I really am lonely.

She sighed heavily. When her mother died, it broke her heart. When she heard her father died, she thought she couldn't go on. But she got past those tragedies and grew up. And when she found out her father lived, only to be killed later, she felt sad but her world didn't fall around her. Because she wasn't alone; she was surrounded by people loyal to her—many more so than the Council—and they would die for her if need be.

But they weren't family. They were only friends to her.

"You're a bit too beyond my reach, after all."

What was her reach? Did she even want a relationship with someone, or was that just so she didn't feel like an old maid? Why was this so complicated for her?

She drew circles in the stiff sand, wishing she felt better. What should she have said to Borus? He was one of her comrades-in-arms, one of the bravest people she knew. Should she have said yes? Would it have done any good?

Chris had examined her own feelings. She didn't know if rejecting him without thinking about it was the best idea, but she knew she didn't feel more for him. And getting into a relationship with him wouldn't have done either of them good in the end.

Perhaps this was the drawback to being a knight, more so a leader. The lack of a social life. It didn't seem very fair for her, considering Roland had gotten married and was expecting a child, and many of the other knights were married or had girlfriends. What could she do about this?

"Lady Chris?"

Chris's head shot up; she hadn't heard anyone approach her and she wasn't exactly in the mood to talk to anyone. Still, she turned around to see the person behind her. "What is it, Percival?"

Percival managed a small smile as he walked over and knelt on the ground next to her. "You sure you want to sit here? Your dress is getting ruined."

Chris shrugged. "I wasn't one for such clothing or such occasions."

Percival laughed heartily. "Yeah, you're more of the type that belongs on a battlefield!!"

Chris felt a headache forming. "Percival, I don't really appreciate that."

"I'm not saying it to insult you, Lady Chris. I know a lot of us knights hardly belong in such a social environment." He fiddled with a few rocks on the sand. "I know I'd rather be tending to my fields at the moment."

"You seemed to be having a good time earlier," said Chris, not bothering to hide the surprise from her voice. Percival had always been the more social of the Six Knights.

"I'm not saying I don't like parties," said Percival. "But there are times when things get too…much."

"I understand. You're right, though; I don't like these formal occasions. I'm more than happy for Thomas and Cecile, but there's only so much of this sort that I can take."

"Yeah." Percival started tossing a few rocks into the air. "Everyone knows their own limits. It's only when you need to call it quits before it gets too much for you."

"Are you…do you mean…your retirement from the knights?" Chris knew she was prying, but she felt curious.

"I'm proud of my knighthood," Percival said defensively. "And I'm more than willing to aide Zexan in any conflict. But being a knight is not who I feel I am. I get more joy out in the fields than I did in my service."

"Maybe that's my problem more than anything," Chris mumbled to herself. "I don't know what I am…"

"I think your problem is you think too much," said Percival. "Everyone has a set standard for how you should act and what you should do and you try to meet up to those expectations. Let's be honest; who the hell cares what ANYONE thinks? You don't have anything to prove to anyone, Lady Chris, and you can do with your life what you want to do with it!! Nobody has the right to criticize you for what you want to do!!!"

"I already know this," said Chris. "And I'm happy being a Zexan Knight. But…" she threw her hands up in the air. "I'm no good at anything else. Maybe I DO belong on a battlefield, but I can hope to expect something else from life, right?"

Percival was silent for several moments. Then an evil grin spread across his face. "I think I'm starting to get it."

"Get what?" asked Chris warily.

"Why you came to the wedding. You wanted to find this "something else" in life."

Chris jumped to her feet, feeling very embarrassed. "I'm going—"

"Wait a second!!" Percival grabbed hold of her hand. "I'm not making fun of you, Lady Chris!! But now I'm starting to understand some of your motives."

Chris didn't like having her motives read so clearly, especially by one of her former subordinates. "Let me go, Percival."

"I didn't say they were bad." Percival slowly rose to his feet. "But, you tend to be…confusing. Then again, it works to your advantage if you don't want anyone to find out."

"Let me go." She made her tone firmer and more authoritative. She wasn't in any mood to dissect her crippled feelings, especially after such a rocky day.

Percival's grin slipped into a more genuine smile. "I'm not one of your officers, Lady Chris. You can't give me orders anymore. I just want you to hear me out"

"Fine then. I'll ask you to let me go or I'll use force against you."

Percival sighed heavily, but let her go. Chris grabbed hold of her skirts and started walking off.

But Percival wouldn't leave her alone. "You said earlier you would've said yes to anyone who asked you for a date here, right? And I was the only one who really asked you at all, right?"

"Yes, what about it?" Chris cursed her dress once again. Why couldn't she move around properly in it?

"Well, I asked you because I wanted to take you. I asked you because I like you, Lady Chris."

Chris stopped in her tracks. Truthfully, she didn't feel as shocked as she did when Borus confessed, but she didn't feel any better.

Percival took the opportunity to walk around in front of her, blocking her path. "I'm not gonna pretend to know what your standards are, but I'm a hard worker with good income and I'm pretty handsome. And we fought together through a lot of difficult and dangerous battles. Hell, Chris—we've known each other since we were squires!!! I'm not some stranger or some idiot that would take advantage of you!! If…" Percival took a deep breath before continuing. "If…If I were to ask you, would you want to be my girlfriend?"

He dropped the 'Lady' when speaking to her, even if briefly. But Chris was still trying to get everything in order in her head. So much had changed in a matter of hours that she was still trying to come to terms with.

But she knew Percival, just like she knew Borus. Her feelings for both were very different, as they were with everyone else. She had already rejected Borus, because she honestly didn't feel more for him.

But Percival? What did she feel for him? She didn't know.

"It would help if you looked at me," he offered, though his tone was still serious.

But she did look up at him. He'd given her some distance, but by his body language she knew he wasn't about to let her leave. And his expression was set as though he was prepared for a rejection.

She started talking before she realized it. "Would you return to the knights?"

"No," he said. "Not unless I'm absolutely needed. But I'm willing to have a long-distance relationship. I'm…" he sighed heavily. "I'm not exactly a youth anymore. And neither Salome nor Leo is married and they're already way older than me. I'm not asking you to marry me, but…a relationship would be nice."

Chris felt a sense of clarity from his words. Being a knight had sucked the life out of most her friends, not just herself. They'd all sacrificed so much for their service with so little in return from the Council. Was it any wonder at all that Percival retired? How could be so oblivious to these sort of things?

But knowing it now made her feel better; she could even smile a little bit.

"If I say yes," she said finally. "Then we need some ground rules."

"What kind?" asked Percival, his face lightening up.

"I like living in Vinay del Zexay just about as much as you like living in Iksay. I don't plan on moving anytime soon, if at all, so don't ask me."

"All right."

"I won't forbid you from coming to Brass Castle—everyone would certainly welcome your visits. But I don't wanna hear you tell any "stories" to our fellow knights. Got it?"

"Yeah."

"And NO flirting with other girls!!"

"Sure, definitely." His grin spread wider.

"And…" Chris hesitantly reached out to touch him on the arm. "I don't plan on being a Zexan Knight forever; I do plan on retiring soon. I feel more than confident I will leaven Zexan in capable hands. But…I wanna be happy. If you can make me happy, then perhaps I can work to make you happy too."

"Absolutely!!!" Chris wasn't sure she'd ever seen Percival this excited before. He grabbed both of her hands in his. "I swear by out Goddess you'll never be sorry!!!"

"Then i-it's a deal, then," she said lamely.

Percival laughed loudly and pumped his fists in the air. "I KNEW going to this wedding was a good idea!!!!"

"Um—" said Chris.

"Well, then!!!" Percival threw an arm around her shoulders. "Let's go back and join the party!!!!"

"A-A-All right. But maybe you should let me go—"

"Nonsense!!! We're a couple now!!!"

"B-But—"

"All right, all right." Percival let her go. "How about we just hold hands, then?"

"Um…well, that shouldn't hurt—"

"Good!!!" He grabbed hold of her hand. "Let's go then!!!"

"W-Wait!!!" but she couldn't help but laugh as he dragged her away from the beach and to the party. She probably didn't know what she was getting herself into, and everyone was going to be beyond shocked.

But did it matter? Life was life. And she didn't have to always be serious. Percival would make sure of that.

---

"Well I'll be damned," said Nash, whistling softly as Percival and Chris headed back to the party. "That bastard went ahead and did it."

"Oh come now darling, you sound jealous," said Sierra coldly. "You're not jealous, are you?"

"O-Of course not, Sierra!! Why would I be jealous when I have a beautiful wife like you?"

"Very true." Sierra laughed a little sinisterly and started walking across the beach.

Nash sighed in relief as he felt someone approach him from behind. "Did it really happen?"

"Sure did, Salome," he drawled humorously. "Your Lady Chris has been taken with one of her knights and now the two are an item."

"I never would've imagined it," said Salome wearily. "Especially not with Percival, of all people. Well, there will be a lot of broken hearts to mend at Brass Castle." Salome winced at the thought.

"Especially yours?" asked Nash playfully.

"You're delusional," said Salome harshly. He took off across the beach before Nash could reply.

Nash laughed to himself, shaking his head. "Man, what I wouldn't give to see both cities when the shit hits the fan…"

"What cities?" asked Sierra suddenly, glaring up at him. "You're not on a job again, are you? And without telling me?"

Nash swallowed thickly and raised his hands feebly. "Um, don't be mad honey…"

The next morning…

And now for a visit to the comment box.

Castle

My castle in the northern Grasslands is MUCH more refined than this. Don't you want to see it?

-Milich Oppenheimer

How nice

Well now, this is a lot like the comment box in Orange Castle during the Dunan War. I had a lot of fun with that one, too. This wedding was fun. I look forward to more of them.

P.S.—I will gladly rid the world of Lilly Pendragon if she doesn't leave me alone.

-Rina

Love

MARRY ME, HUGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-Secret Admirer

Warning

Please excuse Belle's behavior. Meg says she's young and is quick to emotions.

-Gadget Z

Re: Warning

Don't pay ANY attention to Gadget Z's note. I haven't the faintest idea what he's talking about, Hugo!!! Not that I WOULDN'T consider the prospect of marriage to you, but to make such an accusation without grounds is extremely rude!!!!

-Belle

With love

To the fairest Yuiri, you are the sunshine on the coldest winter day. With the bows you use to pierce your enemies, you have such pierced my heart. I love you with every fiber of my being and I hope dearly that you feel the same.

-Signed so undeservingly so, H

Huh?

I can tell by the handwriting that some guy wrote me a love letter. Let me be frank; don't send me anymore because I have no use or care for them.

-Yuiri

Opportunity

Bazba!!!!! I'll pay you 100 million for your naked pictures!!!! Please let me do them!!!

-Editor-in-Chief, LizardGirl Magazine

Kids

Luce, all the orphans of the Safir clan somehow migrated to Karaya after living in the wild for three years. Want anymore kids?

-Beechum

Heh

I'm gonna cut everyone's hearts out.

-Yuber

Lazlo was here.

-Lazlo

It's official

So Chris is really going out with Sir Percival now. Who'd thought it?

-Lilly

Re: It's official

Do we know for a fact they're dating? Has anyone asked them?

-Anonymous

Re: Re: It's official

Borus, I asked Chris myself. She said yes.

-Lilly

I wish I killed Snowe.

-Lazlo

The Budehuc property was still a mess in the aftermath of the party. It would surely take a while for the castle staff to clean everything up. But nobody seemed to mind. Even the busiest wedding patron turned out to see Thomas and Cecile off for their honeymoon.

"So you'll be taking off from Vinay del Zexay's harbor?" asked Yumi cheerfully.

"Yes," said Thomas. "Even our boat fair is covered. We're gonna have a wonderful time!!"

"We sure are!!!" laughed Cecile, throwing her arms around Thomas.

"Well, I hope you guys have a nice time," said Hugo. "I don't know where Falena is, but have fun there."

"We will," said Thomas. He shook Hugo's hand. "Thank you for coming to the wedding and being my best man. I appreciate it."

"Yeah, sure."

"We should leave now," said Geddoe.

"Falena, huh?" asked Ace in disbelief, tucking a piece of paper into his pocket. "How the hell can they afford THAT?!"

"We all paid for it," said Queen, rubbing her forehead with the back of her hand. "So I hope they have a good time."

"Let's go back to Caleria and get some booze!!!" announced Joker.

"C'mon, we were just there!!!" said Aila. "Why don't we go on a mission, or something?"

"Well—" said Queen.

"I like…adventure," said Jacques.

"We do have another mission coming up fast," said Geddoe. "So it's best we get going. Make sure to say your goodbyes."

"And so it begins," drawled Caesar, watching the commotion. He glanced at Apple. "Where to now? Back to Toran to the school? Or should we keep traveling."

Apple was solemnly silent for a long moment before she answered. "We'll go to Gregminster."

Caesar couldn't help but laugh. "Ah, so we WILL go and see him!!!! This should be interesting!!!!"

"Excuse me, sir," said one of the castle staff. "But a letter for you just came today."

Caesar took the envelope without thinking. But when he saw the familiar seal he balked and tore it to shreds. "Fucking Albert!!!!! I'll show him!!!! Someday I will!!!!!"

Apple laughed quietly, managing a smile. "I'm sure you will…"

Chris climbed on top of her horse, watching Thomas and Cecile say their goodbyes to everyone. She felt much better being out of her dress and in looser clothing, but she also felt a lot better about herself. She was only dimly aware that various Zexan knights were staring at her and whispering amongst themselves, but it wasn't anything she wasn't use to.

"Lady Chris."

The whispering abruptly shushed as Percival rode over to her. He too was in more casual clothing. "I'm leaving now for Iksay. But I'll come and see you at Brass or Vinay del Zexay sometime."

"…All right," she said after a long pause. She was still new to the idea of relationship and didn't really know how to react. Was she supposed to treat Percival any different?

Percival didn't seem to mind, though. "Well. Until we meet again…" He reached over and took one of her hands. Before Chris could react he leaned down and pressed a kiss over her knuckles. "I'll keep you in my thoughts as I hope I'll be kept in yours." He smiled at her again before turning his horse around and taking off.

Chris stared down at her hand blankly. Indignant curses and hisses resonated throughout the ranks at what they saw. Many snatched at fruit from Barts's garden and chucked it after Percival.

Then Chris laughed. It wasn't a rambunctious laughter, but it was laughter nevertheless. Many of the knights turned to look at her in shock, as though they'd never seen her before.

It was only a kiss, she thought to herself, shaking her head with a smile. And we are a couple now. Maybe this won't be too bad…

Salome rode over to her. "I've secured Hortez VII and his family to come with us so they don't get lost."

"Good job," said Chris, still looking down at her hand. "We can get them home safely this way."

Salome followed her gaze. "So the word is true then? You are in a relationship with Percival now?"

Even so, Chris still felt a little embarrassed. "…Yes, Salome."

"Milady, I won't tell you what to do but I must remind you of Percival's reputation with women—"

"I'm aware of it, Salome. But I'll be all right. I assure you, I will."

Salome nodded slowly. "If he makes you happy, Milady, then none of us have the right to complain. I wish you the best."

"Thank you, Salome." It was then that Chris noticed Borus. He was sitting on his horse not too far away, looking absolutely miserable. She couldn't help but feel bad for him, but at the same time she couldn't bring herself to go over and talk to him. She really wasn't good with this stuff after all.

"Master Thomas and Lady Cecile are just about ready to leave," observed Salome. Indeed, the young couple was climbing into a rather small carriage for their trip to Vinay through the Yaza Plains and the Zexan Forest. "Shall we get going as well?"

Chris turned away from Borus and managed a nod. "Yes. Send around word and let's head home."

The whole castle lit up in cheers as the Zexan party, the bride and groom, and many others as they took off from the castle and into the Yaza Plains. The traveling group was just as loud as it was in the first part of the journey.

Chris didn't mind; that was just how they were. She just couldn't believe how much changed in so little time. She went from having a midlife crisis to gaining a boyfriend in one of her subordinates and breaking the heart of another. It certainly wasn't anything she expected when she first opened the wedding invitation.

But she wasn't bothered anymore. She felt strangely refresh after everything. She changed somehow, even if in a small way. But it was a good change. The wedding itself did help her to set her priorities straight, but in seeing everyone so happy she knew there was still a lot left to life. And it didn't have to be with the Zexan knights forever.

But would it be with Percival? She didn't know. But this was certainly a beginning and she was willing to see it through, just like everything else in life.

---

---

The 108 Stars of Destiny

Sasarai - Tengou Star

Returned to his duties in Harmonia after throwing away his Rose Brooch. It was later found by Euram Barows.

Caesar - Tenki Star

After consulting Apple's ex, he took time off from his studies to go to Lukiae Ende Towayo and "bag an elf" as the only means to top his hot sister-in-law.

Dupa - Tenyu Star

Returns to his duties as Chief of the Lizard Clan and decides to take up a mate.

Shiba - Tenmou Star

Returns to the Great Hollow with his mate, still sore that LizardGirl didn't choose him for a spread.

Lucia - Teni Star

Continues to help Hugo maintain the Karaya clan, though she's looking forward to the day he gets married.

Yuiri - Tenei Star

Is puzzled why she's getting love letters from guys.

Salome - Tenki Star

Returned to his duties in Zexan, wherein which he foiled the lottery by being the second Zexan Captain to marry.

Juan - Tenman Star

Continues running the Training Center at Budehuc, but never misses an opportunity to shirk his duties.

Sergeant Jordi/Joe - Tenko Star

Goes home to the Duck Village, but is not below browbeating Hugo at any chance.

Bazba - Tenritsu Star

Finally agreed to do a 10-page spread in LizardGirl for 500 million potch. It was a best-selling issue across the Lizard community.

Edge - Tenan Star

Left on a quest to find Viktor after the man disappeared before he came home.

Yumi - Tenyu Star

The idea of marriage intrigues her and would like to try it out. Yuiri ain't so keen on the idea.

Fubar - Tenku Star

Ate a bad batch of berries and died…just kidding.

Nash - Tensoku Star

Went home with Sierra to be with his aunt and sister. Is plotting a new adventure, but is afraid Sierra will force him to take her along.

Aila - Teni Star

Continues to travel with the Twelfth Unit, but is eager to do more than train with a bunch of drunken idiots.

Hallec - Tensatsu Star

Returns home with happy stories of how he met up with his BFF, the Flame Champion.

Estella - Tenkyu Star

Left immediately for Harmonia to see if Jillia Blight was in fact alive and living there.

Melville - Tenken Star

Forces himself on a treasure quest with Billy, much to his mother's chagrin.

Ace - Tenhei Star

Continues working with the Twelfth Unit. Is happily a "pen-pal" to Meg, which he cannot resist bragging about to Elaine (who doesn't care).

Alanis - Tenzai Star

Continues traveling with her father while maintaining a long-distance relationship with Melville.

Queen - Tenson Star

Continues working in the Twelfth Unit while maintaining a platonic relationship with all her teammates. Tries not to care about Elaine having kids, but fails miserably.

Elliot - Tenpai Star

Inserted himself in Melville and Billy's treasure quest, though ran for his life during their first random battle in the Cave of the Wind.

Franz - Tenrou Star

Has left on a journey to find an Albino Mantor, though it's unclear if he will be successful.

Iku - Tensui Star

Supports Franz in his endeavors as usual. Gave birth to a baby girl.

Scott - Tenbou Star

Leaves in a huff when his red hat goes missing, unaware that Waurenhyte sold it for drugs.

Ernie - Tenkoku Star

Accepted a job at Apple's University as a librarian. Won an 'Apple Look-Alike' contest held in Gregminster.

Dios - Tenkou Star

Resigned his post to avoid any more idiocy. Someone younger and hotter replaced him.

Albert - Chikai Star

Continues being happily employed and being married. Still sends photos of his sister-in-law to Caesar from time to time to see if he'll marry her.

Mua - Chisatsu Star

Returns home to his family. Is hoping to retire from fighting.

Dominic - Chiyu Star

Prides himself by making multiple smelly copies of the Mole Armor. None of them have sold.

Jeane - Chiketsu Star

Showed her "true form" to Koroku before departing to become the Rune mistress in the next game.

Shabon - Chiyu Star

Decided to live with Nei and Roland in Brass Castle for a while. She's hoping Nei has a girl.

Fred - Chii Star

Races off to face another adventure, as a Maximillian Knight is wont to do.

Rico - Chiei Star

Reluctantly but compliantly follows Fred on his crazy adventures.

Percival - Chiki Star

Returns to farm duty in Iksay but proudly carries on with his relationship with Chris.

Borus - Chimou Star

Moons over Chris for a while but slowly gets over it.

Twaikin - Chibun Star

Goes to the Great Hollow to resume digging that hole that goes to nowhere.

Nadir - Chisei Star

Went on a quest to find more plays. Budehuc Castle hopes he never comes back.

Duke - Chikatsu Star

Goes back to his work with the Fourteenth Unit. He wants to have a daughter this time around.

Barts - Chitou Star

Returned to Iksay to tend to his crops in his usual weird manner, whilst oblivious to townswoman swooning over him.

Bright - Chikyou Star

Sticks to Futch like glue, hoping for a lenient punishment for knocking up Thrash.

Toppo - Chian Star

Decided to follow Estella in her latest quest. Still claims to be 'content'.

Beechum - Chiziku Star

Assists Lucia and Hugo in taking care of Karaya.

Gau - Chikai Star

Continues being Duke's yes-man—er, Kobold—and fights in the Fourteenth Unit.

Reed - Chisa Star

Happily and obliviously follows Lilly wherever she may go.

Samus - Chiyu Star

Follows Lilly but continues to see Rina, even if the two constantly clash.

Mio - Chirei Star

Still works hard as a nurse and follows Tuta. Has already forgiven him for not saving her husband, but hasn't told him yet.

Tuta - Chijyu Star

Went to Muse to show off his medical skills to Huan. Is still a little emo about Mio, but he tries not to show it.

Futch - Chibi Star

Returns home with Sharon while trying to be in Milia's good graces over Thrash. In time tells her the truth with…mixed results.

Lilly - Chikyu Star

Continues doing whatever the hell she wants and forces Reed and Samus to accompany her. Tries to get rid of Rina every step of the way, but fails miserably.

Jefferson - Chibaku Star

Sets off for the Beaver Lodge hoping to whip some Beavers into shape. -cough-

Watari - Chikou Star

Left to live…somewhere.

Ayame - Chikyou Star

Left with Watari.

Sebastian - Chihi Star

Tuta gave him a prescription for Prozac, but he's still whiny as ever.

Shizu - Chisou Star

Started up a relationship with one of the muscular dudes operating the elevator, but nobody knows who he is.

Hortez VII - Chikou Star

Salome forcibly put his whole family and him on a boat towards home. Alas, they still went off in the wrong direction once they landed.

Elaine - Chimei Star

Continues to support the Fourteenth Unit and is eager to return to active duty. She gave birth to her second child…a boy.

Jacques - Chisin Star

Follows along with the Twelfth Unit. Is looking for the courage to formally ask Aila out.

Joker - Chitai Star

Continues his work with the Twelfth Unit, merrily drinking away his life because he's got nothing else to do.

Wan Fu - Chiman Star

Decided to try sumo wrestling for a new challenge, though many believe it's because his ass is so fat.

Eike - Chisui Star

Still hangs around the library like a weirdo, reading books 24/7. Nobody knows he has a pen-pal in Greenhill named Emilia.

Leo - Chisyu Star

Is still a tough-as-nails knight with no tact. Would rather do a lot of fighting, but favors the idea of settling down.

Roland - Chiin Star

Returned to his duties in Zexan. Is very anxious about becoming a father, but doesn't show it.

Sharon - Chii Star

Happily returns home and quickly claims Thrash's new baby as her dragon. She names it Pixie.

Nicolas - Chiri Star

Continues with the Fourteenth Unit, putting up with his teammates' shit because somebody has to do it.

Gadget Z - Chisyun Star

Goes along his merry way with Meg and Belle, breaking down as much as possible.

Nei - Chiraku Star

Returned to home with Roland delightfully awaiting the arrival of her first child. She wants a boy.

Viki - Chitatsu Star

Disappeared without a trace…until the next game.

Viki (little) - Chisoku Star

Went off after the bigger Viki.

Augustine - Chichin Star

Goes off on a journey to enhance his aura…um, yeah.

Belle - Chikei Star

Follows Meg wherever she goes, not letting her mother out of her sight. She hopes to grow into the woman Hugo wants.

Koroku - Chima Star

Continues his position as part of the Budehuc Knights. Along with his companions he continues fulfilling Cecile's wish of having a large puppy population at Budehuc.

Arthur - Chiyou Star

Somehow secured an interview with a very distant cousin to the Queen of Falena and ran off to meet them.

Kidd - Chiyu Star

Gets a job from the President of Dunan to find a guy named Shin for 15,000 potch and goes off immediately.

Apple - Chifuku Star

Went to Gregminster and smacked her ex in the face with Mathiu's biography. After careful deliberation, she answered his request for a reconciliation: "Maybe."

Kenji - Chihi Star

Runs around the world, somehow avoiding random battles when he's all alone.

Mel - Chiku Star

Has taken her act on the road! Was last seen in Falena trying to impress the Commander of the Queen's Knights.

Peggi - Chiko Star

(S)He continues working as a blacksmith at Budehuc but is looking to settle down.

Martha - Chizen Star

Lives contently after ripping off the entire wedding party of lottery tickets.

Wilder - Chitan Star

Returns to the Duck Village hoping to use his smarts to open a school.

Rhett - Chikaku Star

Goes back home hoping to find something useful to do without Sgt. Joe getting on his case.

Louis - Chisyu Star

Took a leave of absence from the Zexan knights to keep an eye on Rody in his quest to conquer the kraken.

Mamie - Chizou Star

Starts a reality show in Toran for aspiring chefs.

Ruby - Chihei Star

Follows Franz wherever he goes. Iku is still jealous of it.

Muto - Chison Star

Quit his job as vault manager to open a dancing school, but returned to his post a month later when nobody applied.

Landis - Chido Star

Went off with Sid to have fun…mostly terrorizing Chaco's family.

Kathy - Chisatsu Star

Still manages the horses at Budehuc, while keeping correspondence with her half-brother.

Emily - Chiaku Star

Still lives at Budehuc bullying Juan into doing his job, though she's also looking for a way to ask him out.

Billy - Chisyu Star

Is on a new treasure hunting adventure with Melville and Elliot, this time looking for a Blue Gate Rune.

Mike - Chisu Star

Has gone off on a new adventure to confuse the hell out of everyone.

Luce - Chiin Star

Has adopted about 300 kids and lives happily in Karaya.

Sanae - Chikei Star

Gave birth to a bouncing baby boy, but wishes her parents would stop hovering over her.

Anne - Chisou Star

Has started a bar chain between Karaya, Budehuc, and Alma Kinan and it's very successful.

Goro - Chiretsu Star

Started a spa chain on Mt. Rakutei hoping to please his father. It didn't work.

Piccolo - Chiken Star

Still lives at Budehuc giving out lame-ass fortunes until someone pays a good price.

Rody - Chimou Star

Took a break from his training and went to Tinto to confront the kraken. Ended up becoming its pen pal.

Guillaume - Chizoku Star

Still manages the appraisal shop in Budehuc. Still not allowed around children.

Gordon - Chikou Star

Continues his job at the item shop. Is puzzled why he's still single.

Cecile - Tentai Star

Is happy with life as both Captain of her Guards and as wife to the Budehuc Castle master. Looks forward to having lots of babies.

Thomas - Tenkai Star

Lives as the Master of Budehuc Castle, happy and content with everyone around him.

Hugo - Tensyo Star

Is still the proud leader of the Karaya Clan and the Flame Champion, though he wishes to go on a big quest again.

Geddoe - Tenjyu Star

Does what he does best.

Chris - Tenbi Star

Stays on as leader of the Zexan Knights while maintaining a long-distance, low-key relationship with Percival. No longer feels like an 'old maid'.

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The end!!! Thanks for reading!!!