Rhage: *grins* we lied. Chapter Ten was a false ending. I couldn't be that mean to my lovely ladies. Here is the true ending set somewhere in the Future Arc.

Heli: So you're forewarned, I've only read up to the 16th book, so, to write this scene, I had to rely on Largo's infinite memory and my own imagination. I'm sorry if it doesn't fit into the main story line. Random Fact Eleven: Ever since I wrote a love story that made my mother cry, I've enjoyed doing everything I can to make my works heart wrenching. I get no better satisfaction than being told how my story impacted you.

It's been too long," Kusakabe said with a smile when the young, dark haired woman joined him in the tunnel. They embraced quickly then pulled apart.

Taka smiled up at her old friend. "It has. Ten years at least. You still look the same."

Kusakabe chuckled. "You as well though you're...," he eyed the top of her head, "taller."

She snorted. "That's what happens when you grow up." Her eyes moved from him to glance down the tunnel as she slipped her hands into the pockets of her cargo pants. "So...what's the name of this family again?"

"Ballard," Kusakabe turned and offered his arm before leading her through the dimness to a set of heavy double doors. He pushed them open and together they stepped into a large foyer before he turned to take a side hall.

"And they asked you for a recommendation for an Enforcer position?" Taka asked, peering at him suspiciously.

He smiled down at her as they stepped down another hallway decorated in a traditional Japanese style. Taka's eyebrows raised slightly at this. "I overheard they were seeking candidates and, knowing you were growing restless with the Yakuza, I put in a good word."

"Uh huh," Taka studied the door they'd halted before. "Why do I have the feeling you're up to something then?"

Kusakabe knocked on the doorframe, flashing her a charming smile. "Am I not allowed to do something for an old friend; no strings attached?" He reached out to push the door aside at the muffled sound of a voice commanding enter.

Taka gave him a quick look. "You can understand my reservations considering how you plotted against me in..." her words trailed off when he gave her a shove into the room and she came face to face with a set of startled gray eyes she'd never expected to see again.

Hibari stood frozen in front of his desk, his gaze locked on her face. His heart wrenched in his chest when she blinked, tears welling up in her eyes. Unaware of his own intent, Hibari crossed the space between them until he was close enough to feel the heat coming off her body.

Taka's throat worked several times before she spoke. "What did you do to your hair?" she rasped.

Hibari scowled, then, unable to stop himself, he grabbed her and pulled her tight against his chest. "You stupid bird," he whispered into her hair, hiding the smile spreading across his face when she clutched at him just as tight.

Kusakabe, still in the doorway, didn't bother to hide his smug smile.

Heli: Here's a quick background on what happened after Taka left Hibari: Taka disengaged herself from the Prefects though she made sure to keep in touch with Kusakabe through the years. Her family ended up moving to a larger city where Taka continued to work on her fighting skills. It wasn't long before she missed the order and companionship of groups like the Prefects and she fell back into school gangs. Eventually, she was recruited into the Yakuza where she made a name for herself. Years later, Kusakabe, learning that she was growing restless in the male dominated gang, tells Taka of an opening in a fictional family. Interested and seeing no reason to be wary of her old friend, Taka agrees to meet with the Ballard Boss.

Rhage: I hope you enjoyed this story as much as we enjoyed writing it for you.

Heli: I'm sorry for the bitter sweet ending but that was the first thing that popped into my head when I was trying to come up with a sequel that was realistic.

Rhage: Goodbye my beautiful ladies! Until we meet again! *waves*

Heli: See you guys next time and remember to pop by my profile page occasionally to see what I'm up to. I try to update it regularly. Bye! *waves*