Prettyinpinkgal: Here it is, the epilogue. I had planned to make it longer, but I thought it would be okay like this. I just wanted to show a snippet of life after the snowfall, that's all, and I think this accomplished it. It's been a fun, sometimes depressing, sometimes aggravating ride (darn writer's block!), but I'm happy with how this story's turned out. How long has it been since I've finished a story, anyway? Well, I'm glad this story's over, and all you readers finally find out the ending. I've been glancing over previous chapters... (cringes) I'd like to think I've come a long way since beginning this story. Maybe someday I'll edit the earlier chapters so they're not quite so grating to read.

Also, there IS a possibility that I will make a somewhat sequel to this. I've been planning to do this with one of my unfinished stories, "Just a Dream", when it is finished, so I was thinking, "Why not with 'Second Snowfall', too?" What I mean by somewhat sequel is this: It would be a series of standalone oneshots involving Himeno and Hayate's relationship. Because I think this story was far too lacking in fluff. Of course, this is only a possibility, and I need to finish some of my other stories, too. But just thought I'd let you guys know ;)

A final shout-out to my readers: You've all been so wonderful, whether you've just started reading "The Second Snowfall" recently or have been reading since the first chapter. I appreciate your patience and kind words. You guys really are amazing! It is thanks to you that I've finally, after all this time, finished this story. I hope you've enjoyed it, and enjoy the epilogue.

Disclaimer: See previous disclaimers.

PRETEAR: THE SECOND SNOWFALL

EPILOGUE

"YOU JERK!"

The Leafe Knights, Takako, and the Awayuki family cringed as they sat in Leafenia, trying to enjoy their picnic. Hayate and Himeno had wandered off, as they often did at gatherings such as these, but their voices could now be heard loud and clear.

"WOULD YOU SHUT UP, TULIP-HEAD?! IT'S YOUR OWN FAULT!" Hayate's voice carried itself over the trees of the forrest to be heard over Himeno's ongoing, indecipherable screeching.

"IF YOU KNEW THERE WAS A LAKE HERE, YOU SHOULD HAVE TOLD ME!"

Takako turned to the Awayuki family and attempted to smile. "There's a lake further out. More like a swamp, really. It's usually littered with leaves, so it's difficult to see. I'm, uh, supposing Hayate didn't warn Himeno ahead of time."

There was some more muffled yelling. Finally, Hayate's voice was heard yelling, "WHY DID YOU PULL ME IN?!"

"BECAUSE YOU DESERVED IT!"

"I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING! IT'S YOUR OWN -censored- FAULT THAT YOU FELL IN!"

"YOU CONTROL WIND! YOU SHOULD HAVE CAUGHT ME!"

"THAT'S NOT MY PROBLEM!"

"YES IT IS!"

"NO IT'S NOT!"

Goh sighed. "Hayate sure has a way with the ladies, doesn't he?"

Mayune scowled. "Himeno is so unladylike."

The entire party sighed in unison as the fighting continued.

A month had passed since the snowfall. It had not only fallen in the strange dimension Feral had lived in, but also in the human world and Leafenia. All who felt a speck of snow felt a bit more rejuvenated, and seemed to hear a whispered, "You're not alone. Hang in there." Since then, the worlds had become gentler places, at least a bit. People were a bit kinder to one another. Nature flourished even more. Smiles became a bit brighter, a bit more genuine. Couples were more loving and showed less fighting.

Of course, the new couple that had saved the worlds refused to conform to this new way. If anything, their bickering increased. Oftentimes, their friends would abandon them when they started up, the companions too embarrassed to be seen with them.

Yet, their feelings transcended all things, words and spats alike. Although spectators would never guess this.

Presently, Mawata, trying to ignore the fighting in the distance, asked after a sip of tea, "Whatever happened to Kimoto, by the way? We never really got that far in the story when you all told us about what happened."

Kei smirked. "That's right. Himeno and Hayate began bickering again, and I suppose we got distracted. Thanks to Himeno's power, he and Feral had successfully seperated from each other. Instead of sharing the same body, they are now two distinct people. Feral is paying for his crimes in Leafenia and is undergoing purification--"

"How does that work?" Natsue inquired.

Kei grinned, and the rest of the Leafe Knights knew they were in for it. "Well, I'd be happy to explain..." To summarize, he explained that the elders of Leafenia--those who helped train Leafenia's knights--were working day and night to use their powers to reform Feral. Ordinarily, a Prince or Princess of Disaster, once captured, would be killed instantly. In this case, thanks to Feral's consent and Himeno's pleading, it was agreed that the elders would try and purify Feral, who was already on his way to change due to Himeno's support. So far, it seemed he was making progress.

"I see," Kaoru murmured. "And Kimoto?"

"He is currently working under the elders. He wishes to become a Leafe Knight. He has enough power and has been excused of all penalties marked against him due to his association with Feral. Kimoto says that he wants to help people for once."

Minutes later, the grumpy couple returned, scowls on their faces and water dripping from their clothes and hair. "Geez," Mannen began playfully, "you guys are like little kids!"

This earned him two sets of painful glares, which caused him to squirm and mutter an apology.

Himeno sat at one end of the blanket and Hayate at the other. They refused to look at each other, except to glower.

"I'm just wondering," Mayune piped up. "Do you guys actually genuinely fight, or is it just for fun? Because the two of you fight way too much to be a couple if you really are fighting. Maybe you guys should break up."

Hayate and Himeno looked at her, horrified. "I still love him/her!" they shouted at the same time. Pausing and realizing what they had said, their cheeks burned red and the two quickly began focusing on the food before them. After a moment, Himeno looked up at her boyfriend and managed a small giggle. "But I guess it is sort of fun getting you riled up."

Hayate replied, "Same goes for you," grinning slightly.

The group snacked and talked until evening. The sun was beginning to set, and the Awayukis prepared to return to their world. "I'll catch up with you guys later," Himeno informed them. "Hayate wants to show me something."

Walking off into the woods so they would have privacy, Hayate scooped the girl he loved into his arms. She flushed and muttered, "We could just pret, you know."

"I know. But I like this better." And he smiled so wonderfully at her that Himeno dropped all protests. Instead, she simply clung his clothing and listened to his heart beat as they soared into the heavens to watch the sunset.