Chapter 24

Miaka's smile deepened, her eyes tearful as she watched Tamahome step in front of her and their friends. Atsuna and Tasuki moved to either side of her, steadying her trembling form as she kept her tears, grateful and happy, at bay.

"I remembered there were some loose ends I need to take care of," Tamahome said, his eyes burning with resolve, staring hard at Nakago. His celestial symbol gleamed, celestial energy flowing through his blood. "So I turned around and came back."

He turned over his shoulder, his eyes moving over each of his friends, his sister, and falling onto his priestess. He cracked a small smile, nodding once to her in affirmation, in comfort, as if to calm her raging tension.

And then that smile was gone as he returned his attention towards the Seiryu Seven warrior.

"Everyone, protect Miaka. This jerk…is mine."

Saying nothing else, Tamahome launched himself forward and jumped into the air, swinging his leg towards Nakago's head. But the cocky, smirking Kutou general dodged the attack, simply stepping to the side effortlessly. Tamahome growled in frustration, and as soon as his feet touched the ground, he pounced back up, volleying a barrage of punches. But Nakago effortlessly dodged those, as well, to Tamahome's chagrin.

The Kutou general's symbol lit to life, and a burst of blue celestial energy exploded around them. Atsuna instinctively turned towards Miaka, wrapping her arms tight around her, as Chichiri erected a protective barrier before any of Nakago's attack could lay waste to them.

But Tamahome was not so lucky, his body flung from the explosion in a heap. He skidded across the rugged ground on his back, rousing a pained groan from between his teeth.

Nakago walked from the dissipating energy blast, smug and victorious. "Don't be so annoyingly arrogant, boy," he said. "You're wrong in assuming that just because you've managed to summon Suzaku it means that you've won. Let me show you." He unbuckled his cape, allowing it to pool at his feet behind him. "This is why they call Seiryu the God of Battle."

Nakago looked up at the two warring beast gods, and Seiryu opened his mouth, spewing out a beam of celestial energy. It slammed into Suzaku, causing the great phoenix to trill and cry as the energy from his celestial brother catapulted him into several skyscrapers. Debris crumbled, falling to the ground in a thunderous, dusty rumble around them.

As Tamahome stared up at the display of power, concerned for his god, Nakago slammed his fist into Tamahome's face, then high-kicked him in the jaw. Tamahome was sent backwards to his back once more. This time he didn't move.

"Tamahome's hurt!" Miaka cried out, tears beading at the corners of her eyes. She turned to Atsuna, grabbing her arms. "What do we do?!"

"Everyone, we must help him! We must concentrate and give Tamahome all of our life force immediately!" Hotohori ordered.

Chichiri raised his staff and slammed it into the ground, shattering the surface beneath it. "Miaka, grab onto this," Chichiri commanded, offering his hand to her. "Send our life force to Tamahome! You have to be the one to send it to him!"

Miaka bit her lip and shakily reached for Chichiri's hand. But in the corner of her eye, she saw Nakago shoot two balls of energy, and they slammed into Tamahome's chest. Tamahome felt his body being flung backwards, but he dug his feet into the ground, determined to keep his stance.

Nakago scowled as Tamahome came to a stop, his eyes boring into the general's tauntingly. "Now you die," Nakago seethed.

With his willpower and a single yell, the building towering above Tamahome collapsed, the debris falling atop the Suzaku champion and burying him, his scream muffled and falling silent.

"Tamahome!" Miaka shrieked, watching in horror as the pile of destroyed building sent up clouds of dust and dirt. With resolve, she quickly clamped her hands on Chichiri's staff and tightened her eyes shut. She could feel the hands of her protectors on her shoulders and back, and she silently prayed. She could feel the warm of their energies channeling through her body, reaching out towards their fallen comrade.

Tamahome then emerged from the rubble with a cry, his eyes glowing red and his hair spiked. He smirked, cracking his knuckles at his sides. "You won't come out of this victorious, Nakago. I have Miaka, my sister, and all of my friends behind me. We're not going to let you win."

"You stupid fool! You've already lost!" Nakago shouted, shooting out several more blasts of energy. They exploded against Tamahome's body, but the Suzaku warrior didn't falter, didn't betray a sense of pain. As soon as the energy dissipated against his seared flesh, he summoned his own bout of strength and propelled one concentrated blast of energy. Nakago lifted his hand, and the energy exploded into shards, dissipating into the air.

"Pathetic. This is going to be easier than I thought it would be," Nakago said with a smirk, pleased as Tamahome's face twisted in aggravation. "But I am done playing with you. I will end this."

Nakago suddenly phased away, leaving a small kick of dust in his wake. Tamahome felt his heart slam to a stop against his chest as he searched for his energy trace.

And then there it was, coming from right behind him.

As Tamahome spun around, Nakago's hand was already raised above his head, collecting celestial energy. Tamahome's eyes widened, frozen in place as the Kutou general swung his hand over him.

And in a flash of indigo and a spark of golden light, the blue energy ball exploded, creating whirls of wind around them.

Now standing between Tamahome and Nakago was Atsuna, her body glowing with a warm golden sheen, her staff held up against Nakago's wrist to halt his attack.

"How dare you interfere, woman?" Nakago barked, eyes furrowed in annoyance.

"Atsuna, what are you doing?!" Tamahome exclaimed.

"I'm not going to watch him hurt you anymore," Atsuna said through clenched teeth. "He's done enough of that already."

Nakago chuckled and moved to lower his hand, but the tip of Atsuna's staff suddenly sparked to life, the energy biting and licking against him.

"One move and it's over for you," Atsuna warned. "My powers seek out the darkness. And you are full of it, Nakago." She twisted her back foot into the ground, stabilizing her stance. "And, like Ryozo, I'm sure when the light has eaten away at your darkness, there would be nothing left of you. It would be a rather permanent end for you, I'm afraid. And seeing as the only person you care about is yourself, I'm sure you'd like to do what you can to prevent that, especially at a woman's hand."

A growl vibrated against Nakago's throat. "You are arrogant just like your brother. And you underestimate me." His celestial symbol glowed to life, and his life force pulsed around him, pushing against Atsuna. "And I will not let an insolent woman like you make a fool of me!"

Atsuna quickly ducked down and swung her staff at Nakago's ankles, causing him to stagger backwards. He cried out in aggravation and released a ball of energy towards her. She rolled out of the way and pushed herself to her feet, preparing to go on the attack.

"Atsuna, watch out!" Tamahome shouted. "It's coming back!"

Atsuna spun around at the insistent sound of her brother's voice, and as she did, Nakago's energy sphere slammed into her abdomen, knocking her staff from her hands and careening her into a nearby building. Her body slammed through the building's storefront windows, shattering around her and kicking up debris.

"Son of a bitch!" Tasuki shouted. He sprinted towards the building, heart pounding loudly in his ears. "Tama, I'll get Atsuna! Take care of that bastard!"

Tamahome nodded and turned to Nakago, charging towards him with energy flickering in both of his palms, his anger now fueling his life force.

With the sounds of their scuffling in his ears, Tasuki crawled through the shattered window, careful of the shards of glass sprinkled around him. He squinted, focusing his eyes in the dark of the building for Atsuna.

And then he saw her.

She lay motionless against a bed of glass and debris, trails of blood painting her face.

Tasuki paled and moved towards her, kneeling carefully at her side. "Atsuna? C'mon, baby, open yer eyes fer me." He flicked glass from her body, checking her for any punctures and wounds on her body, grateful to find she was mostly scratched and bruised from the impact.

He slid his hands carefully under her back and knees, picking her up against his body to move her away from the glass and building debris. He sighed in relief when he heard her moan in response and her head lulled against him. "That's right. Wake up fer me."

He knelt down on the other side of the room, keeping her close to his body. Her eyes opened for a moment then slammed shut as blood escaped inside, stinging. Tasuki rubbed the blood away from her eyes with his hand and pressed pressure against the gash on her forehead, all the while grumbling curses.

"Tasuki?"

His eyes met with hers, tired and pained. "Yeah, it's me, babe. Are ya okay?"

"Hurting," she rasped as she shifted against him.

"Don't move," he said firmly, tightening his hold against her. "Mitsukake is gonna need to check ya out."

Atsuna swallowed against the dryness in her throat and nodded once. She turned her head towards the shattered windows, seeing against blurred vision as her brother and Nakago continued their attack on one another. "He needs help. You should go to him."

Tasuki shook his head, scowling. "I'm not leavin' ya, Atsuna, so shut up. Yer outta yer mind if ya think I'm just leavin' ya here." He pushed hair from her face. "Definitely not the smartest thing you've done. I'm just glad yer okay, though. Here. I'll help ya stand."

Tasuki pushed himself to his feet and leaned down, gently tugging Atsuna up. She gasped against the aches biting through her as she grasped his shoulders, testing the strength in her legs. "Ya think ya can walk? I don't think Nakago will be payin' any attention to us." He turned over his shoulder just in time to see Tamahome skidding backwards, his arms crossed in front of his body to protect from the dissipating energy blast. "He really hates Tama."

"I'm sure the feeling is mutual," Atsuna said. She leaned in to him, giving him a small kiss on the cheek. "Come on. I'm sure Tamahome could use your energy right now."

Tasuki nodded and pulled the tessen from his back. "Stay close to me just in case. I'm not lettin' him hurt ya again."

Atsuna only nodded, deciding it was better not to argue, and followed him out of the wreckage of the storefront. Glass crunched under their feet as they crawled over the broken shards of window sticking up from their footing.

Nakago turned his head towards the emerging twosome, smirking. "Your knight in shining armor has rescued you once again, I see."

Tasuki scowled, pointing his tessen towards the Kutou general. "Go to hell, asshole. Yer gonna get what's comin' to ya." The bandit's frown turned into a pleased smirk. "Probably any second now."

Nakago turned his head the smallest degree, and Tamahome's iron fist slammed into his jaw, knocking him backwards into the dirt. Tasuki tugged Atsuna back over to their friends, who remained huddled under Chichiri's barrier, Miaka still grasping tight onto the monk's staff.

"Atsuna, are you okay?" Chiriko asked worriedly.

Atsuna placed a hand on the boy's shoulder, smiling. "I look worse than I feel. Don't worry, Chiriko."

"Okay, so what the hell do we do? We're gettin' nowhere," Tasuki grumbled. "Tama's just wastin' his energy against him."

"Which is precisely what Nakago wants him to do," Nuriko added with a frown.

"Miaka, you have to stop Seiryu," Chiriko said, causing the priestess to turn her head towards the young boy. "Can't you seal him up somehow?"

"That'd be tough, you know. This isn't like before when Yui sealed up Suzaku. Seiryu's already here, you know?" Chichiri spoke up.

"But with Seiryu present, Nakago's powers are amplified," Atsuna said. "I don't think Tamahome has much hope of defeating Nakago unless we find a way to seal his physical form."

"The scroll I got from Taiitsukun!" Chiriko exclaimed. "It has holy power. If Miaka can bind Seiryu into it, then maybe we have a chance."

"Forget it, Chiriko!" Tasuki shouted, shaking his head wildly. "We can't ask her to do that now!"

"It's true. I can heal her body, but I can't do anything about Suzaku residing inside of her," Mitsukake pointed out.

Miaka lowered her head and smiled, warmed by the worry of her friends and protectors. It made it that much easier to do what she had to do. "Chiriko. Give me the scroll."

The child complied and dug it from his robes, handing it over to Miaka, who closed her fingers over it tight. She lifted her head, brows furrowing in concentration. "Kai Jin!" The celestial marking of Suzaku flickered back to life on her forehead. "I swore I would not lose! Seal Seiryu away!"

Miaka's forehead marking mirrored onto the head of the dragon beast. Suzaku's holy power spread across his body, enveloping it in crimson, until the energy shattered, taking Seiryu's beast body along with it.

Nakago's celestial symbol dimmed as Tamahome rushed forward, his fist poised for an attack. Tamahome's fist impaled his midsection just as Nakago's body slumped, reverting to that of a normal human's.

And now the two warriors stood with Tamahome's arm protruding through the Kutou general's body.

Tamahome stood still, shocked, as his power faded, his hair falling down around his face. He looked up at the peaceful look against Nakago's eyes as a small stream of blood peeked from the corner of his mouth, dribbling down his chin.

"Why didn't you dodge me?" Tamahome asked, his voice soft.

"Won't you please stop? Don't humiliate me with your childish feelings. Show me some respect at least," Nakago answered. He closed his eyes, pain seizing through him as he took a breath. "Seiryu is sealed away. You have the power of Suzaku. It is stronger. And it is the strong who win. So be it."

Nakago fisted his hand in Tamahome's hair, pulling him back so he could get a good look at the blue-haired man. His pride was hit when he saw the young man's eyes tearing up. Nakago's face contorted. "How bitter this is, to have my dreams spoiled by a naïve fool, a boy."

With that, Nakago's arm fell to his side, and his body disappeared from around Tamahome's arm.

The Kutou general was dead, his reign of terror finally over.

"Tamahome?"

Said man turned around at the sound of his name on his beloved's lips. She stood facing him, her smile weak and tired. "I didn't lose. It's true, isn't it? I didn't lose. The beast god didn't devour me. I'm still here."

In a fit of joy, Miaka thrust herself forward into his chest. He closed his arms around her, closing his eyes as he relished in the feel of her against him again, a feeling he thought he had already felt for the last time.

"It's over," he murmured against her hair. He lifted his head off her shoulder, looking at his friends, all of them, as they smiled. "My friends. What's going on here?"

"Yeah, how did you all do this?" Miaka asked, pulling away from Tamahome's hold.

"It was me."

Taiitsukun suddenly popped up in front of the twosome. Tamahome cringed and jumped back in alarm, rousing a deep chuckle from Taiitsukun. "Tamahome, still don't like my face?"

Tamahome stammered and directed his attention to his four departed friends. Four pink balls of energy suddenly rose from their bodies, returning them to their spirit forms. And then the pink energies transformed into Nyan-Nyans.

"Nyan-Nyan!" Miaka exclaimed, smiling.

Taiitsukun nodded. "Exactly. I had the others using Nyan-Nyan bodies, that way they—"

"Taiitsukun's really smart!"

"Taiitsukun's the lord of the stars who controls death and everything!"

A groan. "Would you let me fin—"

"Miaka, you really, really wanted the Seven Stars back with you!"

"And the souls of the Seven Stars heard you! They really did!"

"Uh-huh! They answered you really, really strongly and came to be with you!

Another loud groan. "Darn it, would you let me talk?"

The Nyan-Nyans giggled.

Taiitsukun cleared her throat. "Well done, Miaka. You managed to summon Suzaku. The Kutou Empire has fallen at the loss of its leaders. But from this new beginning, it shall be rebuilt as a new nation. And in Konan, as well, the people are united, and it is already recovering. In summoning Suzaku, and because your heart is strong and true, you have saved the world. You have fulfilled your duty as the Priestess of Suzaku in every way."

"So, all's that left is to use your last wish so you and Tamahome can stay together!" Chiriko exclaimed giddily.

"That's right. There's still one wish left," Hotohori added with a nod.

"I wonder how she should word the wish," Chichiri pondered. "It didn't work when Byakko was asked, you know?"

"We'll never know unless she tries," Nuriko pointed out.

"How about we say we'll kick his ass unless he lets Tamahome live in this world?" Tasuki suggested with a smirk.

"Be serious, Tasuki. That won't work," Atsuna said with a frown.

"How can we threaten Suzaku anyway?" Chiriko asked matter-of-factly.

"She could bring Shoka back to life," Mitsukake said with a smile.

"She could fix Taiitsukun's face!" the Nyan-Nyans chorused together.

"HEY!"

"Maybe she could move time back before she opened the book," Hotohori suggested.

"What would that accomplish?" Nuriko asked.

"Kai Jin!"

The Suzaku warriors turned around just as Miaka's body was surrounded by Suzaku's celestial light, the mark glowing bright atop her forehead.

"Suzaku, save this world. Return it to normal."

"What's she doin'?" Tasuki asked in surprise, turning to Atsuna. The light bearer stared up at him, sad and somewhat humbled by the girl's altruistic gesture.

"It's so completely unselfish," Nuriko said softly.

"Not only that. Stupid, too," Tasuki added.

"What about Tamahome?" Chiriko asked, twisting his hands together anxiously.

"Miaka, are you sure about this?" Mitsukake asked.

"You two really deserve to be together," Hotohori replied.

Miaka and Tamahome looked to each other, smiling and holding one another tight, and then looked upon their friends.

"I want to thank all of you, everyone here," Miaka began, her eyes filling with tears, "for caring about us. But I don't think it's something I should ask Suzaku to do. All of you taught me that, taught me just what I was capable of doing. I always thought of myself as being helpless, just swept along. I was always trying to please everyone else, pulled in every direction to my family and schools and my exams."

Her smile brightened, and she chuckled tearfully. "I was wrong. Now it's different. Because, even with my entrance exams, I'm going to take them for me, not because I'm being made to take them. Believing in myself, thinking of others, knowing that there are people who love me, and knowing how to love them – You taught me that. All of you did."

"Nyan-Nyan, do you mind?" Nuriko suddenly asked, turning to Nyan-Nyan. "Can I borrow your body one more time? Because once more, I want to hold her in my arms."

Nuriko stepped forward, his body whole once more, and took his priestess in his arms.

"Oh, Nuriko," Miaka sobbed, burying her face into the willow warrior's chest.

"That's exactly as it should be."

Everyone turned, seeing that Taiitsukun, as well as all of the Nyan-Nyans, had turned into adult forms. "It is not the gods that make wishes come true. It is human feelings and emotions that do."

A red celestial light flickered to life above them, enveloping all but Miaka.

"It is time," Taiitsukun said.

Miaka sniffled, tears streaking down her face. "My friends…"

"I'll be praying for you, Miaka," Nuriko said with a smile.

"I wish you much happiness, Miaka," Hotohori added.

"It'll be all right, you know? You two will manage some sort of miracle," Chichiri grinned.

"Miaka, do you really think studying is boring?" Chiriko asked with a pout.

"Not anymore, Chiriko. I'll just imagine that all my textbooks were written by you," Miaka replied.

Chiriko smiled back happily.

"Miaka, a soul needs a good body to live in. Take care of yourself," Mitsukake said.

"Miaka, you have done so much for me and my brother," Atsuna said with a smile. "Thank you for bringing him love. It has made us both so very happy. Hikari will be watching over you."

She turned to Tasuki, who kept his head tilted and his eyes closed. Atsuna nudged him in the side, nearly knocking the wind out of him.

"What? Sorry, but I don't got any farewell speech for ya!" he shouted.

Miaka laughed. "Oh, Tasuki."

The bandit sighed and nodded. "Okay, Miaka, from now on I won't say I don't like girls. I'll say I don't like the people I don't like!" he laughed.

"You sure have a way with words, Tasuki," Nuriko teased with a wink.

"Thank you. Thank you, all of you, so much," Miaka said. She wiped the tears from her face. "I will never, ever forget any of you!"

Smiling at her, the light above them brightened, swallowing them back into their own world. Miaka quickly turned to Tamahome, and he leaned down, kissing her and holding her tight as the light began to swirl around him, tugging him.

And then he was gone, leaving Miaka standing alone, a sad but grateful smile affixed on her face.

Standing in Suzaku's summoning chamber back in Konan, Nuriko, Hotohori, Chiriko, and Mitsukake looked upon their friends, smiling.

"I am afraid it's time for all of you to return to your rest," Taiitsukun said. "You all did well for this world and Miaka's. You have earned it."

"I'm gonna miss you guys," Tasuki said, his face somber. "This has been the most kick-ass time of my life. It's not gonna be the same without ya."

"You have a long life ahead of you, all of you," Hotohori said with a smile. "We will be watching over you and wishing you well."

"The work of a Suzaku Seven warrior will never be over, you know," Chichiri replied. "There is a lot of work to be done in Konan after the war. But we will see it done, you know."

Nuriko turned to Tasuki and Atsuna, grinning. "You two need to promise me something before I go."

Atsuna and Tasuki exchanged a curious glance at one another. "Of course, Nuriko," Atsuna said, turning her attention back to her friend. "What is it?"

"When you two have your first son, you better be naming him after me," Nuriko said with a wink, thumbing himself in the chest. "And you tell him all about me."

Atsuna felt her cheeks warm up in a blush, but she smiled and nodded. "You have our promise, Nuriko."

Tasuki wrapped his arm around Atsuna's waist, smiling slyly. "We'll get to work on that real fast, buddy."

Scarlet swarmed Atsuna's face, and her eyes fell on her brother, who glared at the bandit with a scowl. Nuriko laughed, shaking his head. "Tamahome wants some nephews and nieces, so you should get moving on that."

Atsuna buried her face in her hands, embarrassed, as laughter rang out around them.

"Suzaku warriors, it is time," Taiitsukun spoke up. "You cannot remain out of Heaven for much longer."

"We'll see you guys on the other side, but take your time!" Nuriko said, pointing a finger at each of his friends. He turned to Hotohori, Mitsukake, and Chiriko. "Let's get going, guys."

Tamahome, Chichiri, Tasuki, and Atsuna watched with sad smiles as their friends' spirits materialized into energy, dissipating into nothing.

Tamahome's shoulders slumped, turning to his sister with a sad smile. "So I guess that's it."

Atsuna pulled her brother into her arms, sensing the turmoil and sadness within him. "I'm so sorry. I wish we could have done something to keep you and Miaka together. It's not fair."

"Yeah, that pretty much sucks," Tasuki grumbled, arms folded over his chest.

"There may be a way," Taiitsukun chimed, causing the remaining four warriors to gape at her in surprise. "That ring you have on, Tamahome. You got it in Miaka's world, did you not?"

Tamahome looked down to the ring adorning his finger. He'd nearly forgotten about it. "Yeah. Miaka and I exchanged rings there. We hoped maybe they could keep us together." His face fell into a sad smile. "But I guess not."

"That ring you have links you to her, seeing as it is a physical object from her world," Taiitsukun replied. "It is dangerous, and it could be impossible, but through that ring, we may be able to transport you back to Miaka's world with your memories intact."

Tamahome's eyes widened. "What?"

Taiitsukun nodded. "But you could easily be lost forever in the sea of time and space between the worlds. It is risky. And if you do happen to arrive there, you will lose your celestial abilities. You will become an ordinary human."

Tamahome turned to his friends, his sister, smiling bright. "I could be with Miaka. We could spend our lives together. I could make her the happiest bride in the world just like I promised her the night of the festival."

"But know this, Tamahome," Taiitsukun continued. "If you do this, you cannot return here. You will remain in her world forever."

The smile on Tamahome's face faded, and his eyes locked with his sister's. She was smiling. She moved towards him, pressing her hands against his cheeks. "You should go. Love is worth any risk. And I know you'd be able to find your way to her."

"But I'd have to leave you," Tamahome said, his voice rigid. "I don't know if I can do that. How can I choose between you and Miaka?"

"You wouldn't be choosing between us, Kishuku," Atsuna said, her smile widening. "You would be going to the world you belong in. You belong with Miaka. And she belongs with you. I would never be able to live happily knowing you are without her." She lowered her arms and turned over her shoulder, looking to Tasuki and Chichiri. "I won't be alone, so you don't have to worry about me. And you have the chance to be with the woman you love." She leaned up, pressing a kiss against his cheek. "Take it. You won't get another one."

Tamahome stared at her for a moment before taking her in his arms, wrapping them around her tight. "I will always love you, Kana. I will always feel you with me. And we'll see each other again. I know it. I won't say goodbye, because I know it's not."

Atsuna closed her eyes, listening to the sound of her brother's heartbeat in her ear. She smiled and pulled away, fighting against the tears that threatened to break through.

Tamahome walked over to Tasuki, placing a hand on the bandit's shoulder. "I know I don't have to say this, but keep her safe for me."

Tasuki nodded, patting his friend on the back. "You have my word, buddy."

With his hand still on Tasuki's shoulder, he placed the other on Chichiri's, smiling. "I know Konan will be in good hands with you two watching over. I'll never forget you guys." He pulled away and turned to Taiitsukun, taking the ring from his finger and holding it tight in his palm. "I'm ready, Taiitsukun. What do I need to do?"

"Close your eyes and concentrate on Miaka's energy. You should still be able to feel traces of her through that ring," Taiitsukun replied. "And when you next open your eyes, pray that you will be in her world." She raised her two fingers to her face, preparing for prayer. "Fight for what you want, Tamahome. You will find Miaka again if you look hard enough."

Atsuna moved over to Tasuki and Chichiri, and Tasuki threaded his fingers through hers tightly as they watched Taiitsukun chanting a spell. A rune circle appeared under Tamahome's feet, light rising out of the ground and enveloping him.

And then, in the blink of an eye, he was gone. And before she realized it, Atsuna broke down in sobs, not because her brother was gone, but because she could feel it in her heart that he had found his love.

And as Tasuki held her close to him, she knew she had found hers.

A/N: And next week comes our conclusion! I can't believe it's finally here! As always, thank you so much for reading, and I'll see you back here in a week for the final chapter! ~Halo