Disclaimer: If I owned it, this story would be in the manga. But it's not.

A/N:Once again, I dedicate this chapter to –toot– Oh, and it's my birthday too! Yay!

Stage 10: Jiyuu – Shikibaraku daka

Starr had never flown so high before. She and Dark soared above the clouds, diving and swooping. For the first time in over a hundred years, Starr laughed with pure joy.

This actually feels……fun! Starr thought with the first true smile she had in years.

She had flown many times before, but during those times, Starr had felt heavy with sadness or regret. Now, Starr felt different.

A different sensation altogether!

And……it felt amazing!

Dark cast occasional glances at Starr, and maybe once or twice, he smiled warmly at her.

After sometime, they landed on a hill overlooking the sea. The moon was bright and the stars shone like diamonds across the sky.

"This is the best night of my life!" Starr sighed sitting on the grass. "When we were flying, I felt that I could do anything!"

"It seems like you had a brief taste of freedom," Dark remarked sitting beside her.

"Freedom?" Starr repeated. "I felt freedom?" Wow, I never knew it would feel this……good. I want to cherish the moment forever."

Starr leaned back, letting her bright silver wings spread out behind her. The wings shimmered even more, as if they were absorbing the moonlight. Her violet, ponytailed hair blew in the gentle sea breeze. As Dark gazed at her, something stirred within him.

Had she always been this beautiful? Dark thought. One thing intrigued him though.

"Don't you ever wear your hair down?" he asked. Starr stared at him, surprised at the question. She slowly stood up, turning red.

"My……my hair?" she stammered. "Why? What's wrong with it?"

"Nothing, it's just……I've always seen you wearing it in a ponytail. Just this once, can you at least let it loose?"

Starr ran her hand over her hair. "It's messy. You'll think I'm a witch."

"I still want to see. Just for tonight."

"Well……" Starr thought for a minute. "All right. But you pull it loose, because I won't."

Starr thought that Dark wouldn't dare. She was wrong. Instead, Dark stood up and stepped closer to her until they were face to face. Having him so close to her made Starr's heart beat faster. She turned redder.

Dark looked deep into her eyes, holding their gaze. He reached behind her and slowly pulled her hair loose. Starr gasped and stepped back. Her long hair blew in the wind, framing her face perfectly.

It wasn't messy at all! It was sleek and shiny, rippling in the breeze.

She looks……like an angel, Dark thought. Starr didn't seem to agree.

"See? It's all messy," she said, running her hand through her hair, trying to gather it all again.

Dark stepped closer to her again and caught the hand that was on her hair. Starr froze. Those piercing violet eyes were starting to make her melt……

"Don't fix it," Dark said softly. "That looks so much better on you. You look much more beautiful."

"Beautiful?" Starr murmured. "No, I'm not. I'm not even close to pretty, but beautiful? Not happening."

"Who says so?"

"Krad. He told me that I'm so ugly, I'll manage to break a mirror one hundred miles away."

Dark frowned. "He has bad eyesight. You are beautiful. I swear upon my soul you are."

Starr blushed. "T-thanks, Dark. Thanks for taking me out tonight. I'll remember it forever."

Dark didn't reply, but stared at her for a moment before pulling her close to him. Starr was surprised, but eventually understood. But before she could react, Dark leaned down and claimed her lips with his, kissing her softly. On impulse alone, Starr reached up with her right hand and laid it on Dark's cheek.

Her first kiss – ever!

Dark slowly broke away and was shocked to see tears in her eyes.

"I-I'm sorry!" he said quickly. "I didn't want to hurt you, I just –"

"You didn't do anything wrong," Starr said softly with a sweet smile. "I'm just…happy. Thank you for everything, Dark. Thanks for tonight."

"Too bad it has to end. Well, I better go."

"Yeah. I'll see you."

"Bye…Starr." Dark smiled at her then spread his wings. Starr watched as he rose up and flew away.

When Dark had gone, Starr sighed.

"If only he knew what I feel for him," she said to herself. "I would be truly happy. I would be…free."

She looked up at the star-flecked sky and passed her wish among the stars. Then, she spread her wings and few away.