A/N: Here, FINALLY, this series comes to an end! I'm sorry if it seems kinda rushed or anything, or if I left anything out. If I did, please message and I'll be sure to add it in or explain it in a oneshot or something. Also, please note that there is one "original ending" and two "alternate endings". The Original Ending, so marked like this in this chapter (...:::: Original Ending ::::...) was the one I'd thought up first. The two alternate endings will be coming later, soon if I'm lucky. They're endings for people who would have liked this story to have ended differently/with a different pairing. Whichever ending you choose, everything will be the same up to the point where the original begins. Which means; everything before that is part of the plot no matter what... hopefully that makes sense -sweatdrop-... lol. Anyways, hope you guys like the "final" installment! Please R&R and lemme know what you think!

Disclaimer: I own nothing but Amanda and any other OC's I have mentioned.

"Hey! Whatta ya all standing around for?"

Over a half-dozen heads whipped around to stare at me, each one of them gawking at me in stunned surprise as I darted across the street towards them. As soon as I stepped onto the sidewalk I was instantly snagged in a giant double bear hug from Mariah and Hilary.

"There you are!" Hilary exclaimed in relief. "We were so worried about you! We didn't know what happened!"

"I know you're gonna be all 'can't tell ya, haveta kill ya.'" Mariah added. "So I won't ask where you went. But I will say; don't EVER do that to us again!"

I laughed as I hugged the girls back.

"Promise." I replied softly.

When the two had released me and stepped away, I smiled when I saw Max step up to me. Before saying anything, he reached out and pulled me into a tight hug.

"You're terrible, you know that." He said half playfully, half serious.

I smiled and wrapped my arms around him as well.

"I know." I replied the same way. "Promise; first and last time... if I can help it."

Max laughed and placed a kiss to the top of my head but before he could release me, Tyson glomped us both in a huge bear hug of his own.

"You big ol' jerk!" He exclaimed, though there was a smile on his face. "I should beat the snot outta ya for that! The girls might not wanna know, but I sure as heck do! Where'd ya go?"

I laughed and squirmed out from both boys' clutches, sticking my tongue out at the blunette when I was free.

"Noneya." I said impishly. Tyson cocked his head to one said in confusion.

"Noneya?" He repeated in confusion. "Is that in Canada?"

Some of the others snorted with laughter and I grinned wide.

"No." I replied simply. "Noneya. As in none ya business."

Tyson, finally catching on, grinned and made to grab me.

"You saucy-... Come 'ere!"

I laughed and dodged the blunette, darting around the people and eventually hiding behind Ray, poking my head out from behind him to stick my tongue out at Tyson again.

"Tyson, didn't your grandpa ever teach you not to chase weird people? You never know what they're capable of."

"That's right!" I said triumphantly. Then I realized what had been said. "Hey! I resent that!"

Looking up with a mock offended expression, I saw Ray grinning playfully down at me.

"Well I'm just stating facts." Ray said calmly thought there was a mischievous glint in his eye. "After all, it was only just last night we all saw you get mowed down by a car, yet here you are, standing and laughing before us as if nothing had ever happened. Can you blame us for being a little... surprised?"

That surprised me to say the least; mostly because it came from Ray. Once I'd gotten over it however, I grinned at him.

"Yea, well, crap happens! But, the doctor checked me out and I'm fine, so what was I gonna stay in that stuffy old hospital for?"

Okay, so that was a half-lie. I was fine, I knew that. But no doctor had seen high end or tail of me. Still, why complicate things witch such trivial details?

Ray smiled at me and the glint in his eye softened to a warm glow.

"I'm sure." He replied teasingly, reaching out then to pull me into a hug. "Well in any case, I'm sure I speak for us all when I say; I'm so glad you're alright."

"And I'm sure I speak for us all when I say; don't ever do something so stupid and reckless again."

I pulled away from Ray and turned to the familiar voice. Blinking a few times, I starred at the young man, trying to decipher the emotion, if any, behind the statement. Eventually however, I decided I didn't care and grinned wide before bounding up to my favorite redhead and throwing my arms around him.

"That I can't promise." I teased as I hugged him tightly. "But I will promise to be more careful from now on. No more running into the streets after fly-away pictures. Next time I'll just take another one!"

It might have surprised me months before, but right then my grin widened when I felt Tala's arms around me, hugging me closely.

"Considering who I'm talking to," Tala began bluntly. "I suppose that's the best I can hope for."

I knew it was a teasing remark, even if it didn't sound like it, and I laughed again before squeezing the redhead one more time and pulling away from him.

"Yep! Take it or leave it, red!"

A whisper of a smile graced Tala's lips then.

"I think I'll take it." He replied playfully this time.

"I duno it was kinda quiet here for a few hours. I kinda miss that."

Doing a 180, I whirled around to stick my tongue out at a familiar smirking blunette.

"That's not a problem, Mr. Hiwatari." I said with mock annoyance. "I'm not your roommate, anyway! Keep your grouch arse out of our apartment and you can have all the silence you need."

This time I was actually a little surprised when Kai laughed lightly and stepped up from the others to reach out and pull me into a hug, though a rather strange and slightly awkward one.

"Nah. If anything can be said about you, it's that you keep life interesting."

I grinned again and wriggled free from his one-armed hug before he could ruffle my hair like I knew he no-doubt would.

"That I do, Cap'n!" I replied with a mock salute.

The others laughed lightly and Tyson looked up at the sky, no doubt noting the sun sinking below the horizon and casting a faint orangy glow over everything.

"Hey, since Amanada's OK and it's gettin kinda late, why don't we all head home? Duno 'bout you guys, but after the last two days, I could use a little R an' R!"

This got agreements all around and everyone turned to leave, a mild chatter of small talk spreading around the group as we walked away. Before I could take a step, however, I gasped slightly as I was suddenly scooped up onto someones back.

"We don't have a wheelchair so I'll have to do; can't have the weak walking by themselves can we?"

I laughed at the blonde who was looking over his shoulder at me and grinning playfully. Wrapping my arms around his neck and leaning forward, I rested my chin on his shoulder as I had the night before and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek.

"I duno about weak but I'm not complaining either."

Max laughed and adjusted me on his back before heading off after the others.

I seemed like forever since I'd last seen the apartment, so it was little surprise when I slid from Max's back as soon as the door was opened and stepped in with a huge, no doubt dopey grin.

"Mmmmm!" I hummed happily, lifting my arms beside me. "Sweet Chocolate and caramel mixed with a slight odor of old gym socks! It's so good to be home!"

For some reason, the people around me found this funny and laughed...

Hearing a small, almost pathetic, bark, I looked down to see a chubby, tiny, little puff of white bounding toward me, nearly falling all over himself to get to me as fast as he possibly could. Feeling myself melt, I crouched down and held out my arms, lifting the little puff into them when he finally reached me, barking and trembling with happiness.

"Oooooh! Yuki, my baby!" I heard myself coo pathetically as he licked my face vigorously. "I missed you too! I promise, I'll never leave you again!"

"Geeze! Hate to see you if you were gone for a month!" Tyson teased playfully.

Cradling Yuki to my chest, where he snuggled in happily, I looked over to playfully stick my tongue out at the blunette for a third time that day. Getting a laugh from him I turned back towards the room and noted the pile of boxes, bags and other various items piled outside my room.

"Wow... it didn't look like quite that much in the huge BBA room last night but now... geeze."

"We didn't know what you wanted to do with them." Kai replied a little boredly. "So, we just put them there. You're welcome to clean up your mess now though."

I turned to stick my tongue out again, this time at the older blunette, but Kai was much quicker to respond then Tyson was and in a blink had reached out to snag my tongue between his thumb and forefinger.

"Don't stick that out again unless you're planning on using it."

I blinked up at the blunette in shock for a few moments, unable to believe what he'd done. After a few however, I decided to let his plan backfire on him and bit down on his fingers. To my great surprise however, he simply raised an eyebrow.

"You're maturity level astounds me." He said sarcastically, but there was a slight mocking and playful tone to his voice as well.

Finally I sighed and gave him a blunt stare.

"Thine." I replied thickly. "Ine thorry."

An amused expression crossed Kai's face and he finally released my tongue. Giving him a mock glare, I wrinkled my nose in false disgust before turning towards the pile of gifts beside my door.

"So! Who wants to help me!"

"I wish I could but I've actually got work in fifteen minutes." Ray replied guiltily. "Sorry."

"S'ok." I said with a smile. "Any more volunteers?"

"Sorry, but I just remembered; I've got uh... homework!"

I sweatdropped at Tyson's remark as I watched him bolt off.

"He hasn't even been accepted for school yet..." I muttered, sighing heavily.

"Sorry. Hil, Kenny and I have work too." Mariah said sympathetically. "I'll help you though if you wait until later."

I looked at the pile by the door again before shrugging and looking back to give Mariah a grateful look.

"Nah. I don't gave work until tuesday; had a few days off for my b-day so this gives me something' to do. Thanks though."

"I've actually got a meeting with Mr. Shuzaki in about an hour. I probably wouldn't have helped anyway but at least I've got an excuse."

I turned around, ready to stick my tongue out at a smirking Kai again but the sight of him lifting an eyebrow daringly made me change my mind.

"Don't want your help anyway." I replied playfully. Kai's smirk widened.

"Nice come back." He replied bluntly.

I grinned then before turning back to the others and giving them smiles.

"It's cool, guys. Do what you gotta do. Like I said; I'm off tonight, so it'll gimme something to do."

"I'll help!" Max volunteered with a grin. Hilary turned a stern look on him.

"You're already late for work, Max." She said scolding.

"Max!" I scolded him myself. "What are you still doing here?"

Max frowned.

"Josh'll understand."

"I'm sure he will." I replied with my hands on my hips. "But that's besides the point. He's expecting you in, Max. That's not fair to him, especially over something so silly. Go!"

The blonde sighed heavily and turned for the door.

"Fine..." He mumbled moodily. "See you later, guys."

I smiled at him and shook my head.

"Later, Maxie! Have a good shift!"

The blonde looked back at me with a smile and a wink then before finally disappearing out the door.

"Well, we better get going too." Mariah said with a smile. "See ya later, girl! Stay out of trouble!"

I laughed and nodded.

"I'll try."

After a brief farewell to the others, I walked them to the door and turned around to stare at the pile of gifts again. Turning upon getting the feeling I wasn't alone, my eyes fell on a particular redhead and I smiled.

"Then there were two." I teased playfully. "I almost forgot you were there, Tal."

Tala gave me a small smile.

"I almost forgot I was here." He replied playfully. "You'd think you'd been gone forever!"

I laughed and gestured to the pile of gifts.

"Busy?" I replied with a grin. Tala laughed lightly.

"I suppose I could find time in my busy schedule to give you a hand."

I grinned again before stepping past him to approach the pile, the redhead following close behind.

It was sometime around nine o'clock pm when I finally placed the last of my gifts in my closet. Turning around with a smile, I noted Tala standing back-on to me, appearing to be looking at something, and cocked my head to the side as I watched him curiously. After some time of no movement, I finally straightened my head and approached him.

"Watcha got there?" I asked cheerfully.

The redhead turned slightly and I could see he was holding a picture.

"I can't believe you still have this." He said softly.

I stopped beside him and looked down at the picture in his hands, one of the many I'd had pinned to my mirror. It was a picture of him and me, my arms around his neck while I grinned at the camera and one of his around my waist. His expression in the picture wasn't overly different from his expression most of the time, other then the fact that it was considerably softer. But it was his eyes that gave him away. Smiling and with more warmth and happiness then I'd ever seen him possess. It was the one time I'd ever seen or imagined Tala truly happy. That made the picture one of my absolute favorites.

Smiling fondly at the faces starring up at me, I looked back up at the redhead beside me with a warm expression.

"Of course I still have it." I replied as causally as I could. "Why wouldn't I?"

Tala's thumb moved on the picture frame and absently brushed my face as it starred up at him. After a few silent moments he seemed to realize what he was doing and quickly replaced the picture back on my mirror.

"Just didn't expect you to keep it, that's all." He attempted casually, turning away to look the room over.

I knew the difference. I knew he was touched that I'd kept the picture and the fact that such a simple gesture warmed his heart so much made me happy.

"So." The redhead said, again casually. "Guess that's it then."

I moved until I was standing before him and starred up at him with as warm a smile as I could manage.

"That's it for the tidying, yea." I replied gently. "But that's not it for us."

Tala's eyes widened slightly as his eyes looked down at me in slight shock. This made me laugh slightly.

"I'm sorry, that was the wrong thing to say." I said with a small chuckle. "What I meant was; we're not over, Tal... not completely. I have no idea what the future will bring but I know that I don't want to disconnect myself from you completely. I love being around you and being able to call you a friend... if nothing else. And I want to always be able to do that."

I took his hands in mine then and gave them a gentle squeeze as I continued smile up at him.

"I won't be a jerk and tell you to wait for me, cause that's not fair. I do want you to be happy, no matter who that's with. Don't disconnect yourself from me, Tal, but don't be afraid to move on either. Okay?"

Releasing the redheads hands, I wrapped my arms around him for a hug.

"I do love you, Tala." I whispered softly. "I'm just not sure anymore if it's the kind you want and need..."

There was a long hesitation and I felt Tala's body tense up. I was afraid my words had gotten through to him but planted the wrong seeds. My fears worsened when he placed his hands on my shoulders and gently pushed me away from him.

"I know that..." He said simply. "I know all that. I'm not a complete idiot."

I frowned at that and my stomach knotted sickeningly. However, I relaxed considerably when Tala's hands slid down my arms to take my hands like I had his. I blinked up at him when he lifted them to his lips and pressed a tender kiss to my fingertips.

"It's enough." He whispered softly. "To know that... you still care about me and still want me around... that's enough for me. It's more then I've ever gotten and it's more then I deserve. You've made the past few months that happiest I've ever been and I'm already in debt to you for that... I'm not so sure I could handle much more anyway."

I bit my lip as I felt tears well up in my eyes. A whisper of a smile crossed Tala's face at that.

"Don't you dare." He teased playfully.

Tala released my hands and reached up to cup my face in his hands. I closed my eyes as he leaned down and pressed a tender kiss to my forehead, savoring the rare display of affection and knowing it would become rarer still after this moment.

When the redhead pulled away from me his expression and gaze softened again.

"Thank you so much." He whispered again. "You really do always know exactly what to say."

I laughed lightly and forced back the wetness in my eyes, smiling once again as I starred up into sapphire blue.

"Welcome." I replied simply.

Before anything else could be said or pass between us, both Tala and I turned when a voice at my door suddenly pierced the silence.

"It's time to go, Tala."

Noting Kai in the doorway, obviously resisting a smile, I lifted a brow at him as Tala released me and nodded once. I wasn't sure how I knew, but I knew somehow that he'd been there for quite a while.

Turning back to me again, Tala gave me one last fleeting smile before moving towards the door and leaving.

I starred blankly at the floor for a moment, standing and thinking about everything that had happened since the truth was revealed to me. It seemed too good to be true but there it was. The first time I'd thought that, everything had gone perfectly - or as perfect as life can be expected to be anyway. In the end, it had turned out that it was true, and I was the one who'd gotten to make my own choice. Was this the reward for being a good girl? Was this my just desserts for being selfless for so long, grinning and bearing it? For putting my mothers feelings and happiness before my own?

"You coming or not?"

Shaken from my thoughts, I looked up at Kai, who was still standing in my doorway. Having forgotten he was there, I blinked at him for a moment before smiling and giving him a small nod. To my surprise, the smile was returned, though faintly, and an arm was outstretched towards me.

Taking a deep and soothing breath, I approached him and took his arm, following the blunette out of my room, then the apartment as we got into the Taxi with a smiling Tala and made small talk, I myself trying desperately not to think about the second painful goodbye I'd soon be offering him.

"This sucks."

Tala laughed lightly at my statement and placed his carry-on down for a moment to pull me into a hug.

"Hey, it's not forever." He said simply. "We'll see each other again."

I hugged him back tightly before releasing him and giving him my best smile.

"I know... but it still sucks."

Tala smiled and reached down to pick up his bag again.

"Don't be a stranger!" He replied, mock-scolding me. "I'll be waiting for your call telling me you're coming for a visit."

I laughed and gave him a small wink.

"Might be coming sooner then you think." I teased playfully. Tala's smile widened slightly.

"Looking forward to it." He replied, for the first time I could ever remember, cheerfully.

The redhead turned to Kai then and held out his hand.

"Take it easy, Kai." Tala said simply. "Same goes for you too."

Kai smirked slightly as he gripped Tala's hand.

"It doesn't count as a visit if it's home."

Tala grinned slightly as he released Kai's hand.

"And don't forget it."

That said Tala gave us both one last, small smile before finally turning and walking away.

Kai and I watched him get checked in and through security before he turned and gave us one final wave and disappeared beyond our view.

I could feel the familiar sting and pressure clench my chest as I watched Tala go. No matter what my feelings were for him, it still killed me to say goodbye.

My head and eyes turned upwards as I felt an arm around my shoulders. Starring up at Kai, some of the pressure in my chest eased as he squeezed my shoulders slightly before gesturing to the exit.

"Come on." He said softly. "No point in waiting around here. Lets go home."

I nodded and turned with him as he lead me towards the exit. Once outside, I watched him pull his cell from his jacket pocket, but before he could dial a number, my hand reached up to cover his and stop him. He turned a questioning expression on me then and I gave him a small smile.

"We don't really need a taxi do we?... I'd kinda just like to walk."

Kai starred at me curiously for a few moments before eventually replacing his cell back into his pocket and slipping his arm further around my shoulders.

"Lead the way." He said simply. I smiled and wrapped an arm around his waist before leading us down the sidewalk.

I remember the stars that night more then anything. They stood out against the clear night sky like a thousand diamonds strewn across an endless black blanket. As I smiled fondly up at them, I couldn't help but think that each time one of them blinked, they were winking at me, congratulating me for my achievements and telling me how happy they were for me.

Of course, it was a silly thought. But silly or not, it comforted me greatly to think it nonetheless.

"What are you thinking about?"

I didn't look at Kai when he spoke. Instead I leaned back against the tree - our tree, and closed my eyes, the image of the brilliant stars above me projected on the back of my eyelids.

"Everything..." I replied softly. "And nothing."

Because of my anticipation of Kai's snide remark to that, I was a little surprised by his response.

"Thought so."

I opened my eyes to look at him curiously, starring into his face as he leaned against the tree as well, his eyes closed and arms behind his head as he rested peacefully.

"Did you now?" I asked playfully.

"Yea, I did." Kai replied bluntly. "You're not very hard to read, you know. Though I know you think you are."

That statement surprised greatly.

"Fortunately no one else shares that opinion." I replied, trying to sound a little indignant.

Usually people found me very hard to read...

A small smirk crossed Kai's face but still he didn't look at me.

"I'm not everyone else." He said simply. "Or anyone else. I'm me. And being who I am, it's very hard to hide things from me. Unfortunately for you."

Resisting the smile was impossible.

"Nah." I said simply, leaning back and looking up at the sky again. "It's not that unfortunate. It's kinda refreshing to have someone who can see through me... Someone I don't need to hide from or pretend around. You're more of a comfort then you'll ever know, Kai."

There was a long silence but I didn't mind. The moments with Kai and I were often like that, much like Tala's and mine used to be... though hopefully there would be more of those again as well. However, this silence was short-lived as I felt a pair of eyes on me. Turning my head, I starred at Kai and was a little surprised to see a slightly stunned expression on his face.

Grinning at him I leaned over to give him a playful nudge.

"What's with the look? Don't tell me little old me caught you off-guard?"

Kai starred at me for a minute before finally gathering his composure and smirking again.

"Don't get too excited, there's a first time for everything. Just don't expect a second."

I laughed at that.

"No worries. I don't."

To my surprise and delight, a small smile graced Kai's face before it turned upwards to the sky like mine had previously.

"Wish I could say the same." He said absently. "Must be nice."

I starred at him for a few moments before looking down a second and returning my gaze to the sky.

"Someday, Kai." I said simply. "It's just kinda hard to read a book with a lock on it."

"True."

I smiled at this response but didn't look back at the blunette.

"I wanna be able to do that for you too Kai. I wanna be able to say that I know you inside and out, like you do me. But you gotta let me in for that... I just don't understand what you're afraid of."

"Neither do I."

I looked back at Kai then and wasn't so surprised this time to see him starring back at me again. We starred at each other for a few moments and I noted his crimson orbs looking into my soul as he had often done before, seeing a part of me that not another living soul had ever managed to catch a glimpse of before. Almost desperately, I tried to do the same, to look into his windows as well - but it was still impossible.

I had no idea how long we'd been starring at each other but finally, for one fleeting moment, I thought I caught a glimpse of something I'd never seen before. I saw a flicker of light in the darkness, a tiny spark through the windows. But before I could confirm that I'd really seen what I had, never mind identify what it was, the spark disappeared.

The slight frustration was hard to supress and I knew Kai didn't miss it, despite my best efforts. After that moment another whisper of a smile graced his lips before he finally broke eye contact and looked away. What killed me was that the smile wasn't snide, proud or playful this time, it was a sad smile.

"I'm sorry..." I whispered, unable to help feeling guilty. "I'll learn to do it someday..."

Kai snorted absently, the hollow smile still on his face as if he didn't believe me.

"You said it yourself, you can't read a locked book... and unfortunately for me, even I don't have the key anymore."

A felt a sickening twist of my heart at that and couldn't stop myself from leaning over and pressing a tender, lingering kiss to his cheek.

"I promise, Kai." I said softly. "One day I'll find it."

Kai smiled again, still starring up at the stars, but it was still an empty smile.

There was another long silence but this one didn't comfort me like usual. Eventually, after a very long time, I sighed heavily and turned back to the blunette.

"It's kinda late, you ready to head back now?"

Kai didn't look at me that time either.

"You go on ahead." He said casually. "I'm gonna stay here for a bit."

If it was anyone else I would have asked if they wanted me to stay for company. But seeing that it was Kai, I knew the question would be a waste of breath.

Standing up and dusting myself off, I reached down and placed a hand on Kai's shoulder.

"Careful, kay?" I said softly, knowing that was also a waste of breath. "And I know it's a pain in the ass for you, but if you're gonna be real late... send me a text or something, kay?"

Kai reached up and placed a hand over the one still on his shoulder. After a moment or two, his gaze finally left the stars and looked up at me instead. His face was expressionless but for the first time, I could really see the warmth in his eyes.

"Promise." He said simply.

The blunette gave my hand a small squeeze before removing his and looking once again back up at the stars.

Smiling to myself, I removed my hand from Kai's shoulder and stuffed both into the pocket of my sweater before turning to head back home.

When I got back to the apartment, it was sometime after midnight. I knew that by then Max and Tyson had gone to bed and everyone else had gone home. Feeling the fatigue wash over me, I stifled a yawn before heading to my room.

After getting dressed for bed, I rolled back the covers and crawled into it. The movement woke my adorable little ball of fluff, whom had been sleeping at the foot of my bed. With a yawn and a stretch, Yuki clumsily waddled up to me, curled up at my side and closed his eyes for another snooze. Smiling to myself, I leaned down to press a kiss to the top of his head before getting settled and closing my own eyes.

-;-

"I kinda like the blue hair. She didn't have that when I saw her last, only those punky streaks."

My forehead wrinkled as I heard the familiar voice. I knew it and I knew I loved it, but I just couldn't figure out where it came form.

Oh well, not that it mattered. Dreams were meant to be weird, perhaps I didn't know the voice at all.

"Well this is a first. I don't think I can remember ever having to wake her up before, usually I was the one being shaken or awakened by the sweet smell of breakfast."

"You know what they say; there's a first time for everything."

Okay, enough was enough. Two familiar voices now? And they were both talking about me.

Groaning slightly, I let my eyelids flutter slowly open. I didn't move at first, simply stared at the side-on images before me; two familiar faces matching the familiar voices, two identical brilliantly lit sets of eyes and smiles.

Nothing unusual, just my parents. They could wait a few hours until I finally got some sleep.

My lids drooped shut again and I'd almost drifted off until something hit me like a ton of bricks. Lids shooting open again, I bolted upright and starred wide-eyed at the two people standing before me, one grinning like the Cheshire cat, the other smiling warmly. I knew the place, it was the surreal dream world I had first met my father in - though I hadn't known it was him back then. But now he had company.

"Y-You... you..you're-"

The woman standing before me said nothing more but instead held out her arms. Quick as a lick I was on my feet and had thrown myself into her arms.

"I'm so sorry! So sorry!" My own voice sounded weak and pathetic to my own ears. "I never meant the things I said! I never wanted my last words to be-"

I paused and bit my lip, unablr to continue. But instead of scolding me or making me feel worse, my mother instead pulled me closer and gave me a firm squeeze.

"You have nothing to apologise for, my girl." She said in her usual soft, sweet voice.

Pulling out of my mothers grasp, I looked up into her face - the familiar face I remembered. Her once brilliant emerald eyes were again shimmering with both her inner and outer beauty. Long, flowing chocolate brown hair surrounded a sweet and kind peaches and cream face. This was my mother, this was how I remembered her.

"You look beautiful..." I heard myself whisper. She winked and gave me a playful smile.

"Not bad for an old lady, huh?"

A small smile appeared on my lips.

"Not bad at all."

I turned then and held out my arms to my father. After pulling his hands from his pockets he laughed lightly and gave me a hug.

"Not that I'm complaining." I began, trying to hide my utter happiness. "But why are you here?"

Pulling away from each other, my father looked down at me with a small smile.

"Good question. No, we're not here for more warnings or to deliver bad news. Just wanted the chance to do things right this time."

A deep frown creased my face at that.

"You mean, you came to say goodbye." I replied bluntly, knowing what he meant.

"Don't think of it as goodbye." My mother said gently placing a hand on my shoulder. "Think of it as closure. The beginning of something new."

My frown deepened.

"You're not staying with me are you?"

It was a rhetorical question and we all knew it. Both my parents smiled though they were empty, hallow smiles.

"We're going somewhere nice too." My mother said softly, her eyes welling up. I felt mine well up too but I knew I wouldn't cry. I had done enough of that lately and I knew it would solve about as much as it would help things.

Absolutely nothing.

"Okay then..." I said softly, starring into both of their faces as one, trying to force myself to burn their images into my mind this time. "Will I see you again?"

There were those hallow smiles again.

"You never know." My father said, sounding cheerful. But I could see it in his eyes. This was the last time I'd ever see them again.

Reaching out to hug them again I closed my eyes and held them both tight, savoring the feel of them hugging me back.

"I'm glad we got to do it right this time..." I whispered, knowing they could hear me. "I'll never forget you and... and I love you so much."

"Ditto, kiddo." My father said gently, placing a hand on my head and ruffling my hair slightly. My mother placed a gentle kiss to the top of my head.

"I love you too, my girl. And we're not the only ones. Don't forget that and don't waste your time on silly things that don't matter."

"Do what you want to do and don't let anything hold you back." My father added with a smile when I looked up at them again. "This is your second chance - our second chance. It's OK to take life as it comes but don't settle for whatever it throws at you if you're not happy with it. And most importantly; follow your heart as well as your head."

"Okay." I said simply, giving them a smile. "You guys too."

They both gave me a smile and a nod.

"Deal!" My mother said, retracting a hand and giving me a thumbs up.

I smiled back at them but gasped lightly as I suddenly felt something jerking me backwards, like a rope wrapped around my waist suddenly yanking me away. Looking up in alarm I was surprised to see smiles of slight amusement on my parents faces.

"Looks like someone wants you back." My mother teased playfully.

"Wants me back?" I asked incredulously. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You're going home." My fatehr said simply. "The home you were always meant to belong to. And this time you're gonna stay there."

I frowned as I felt myself being tugged backwards again. I didn't want to go, not yet. I wanted to stay with them and talk with them. Be with them just a little longer. But it wasn't possible.

"Catch."

My hand shot out and snatched something from the air just as my father retracted his arm and placed it around my mothers shoulders, where she leaned into him and gave me a watery smile.

Without opening my hands I starred at him curiously.

"What is it?" I asked. But he simply smiled.

"Something to remember us by."

That said, I watched my mother blow me a kiss before the rope wrapped around me finally yanked me away from them.

-;-

My eyes opened groggily and it took me a while to focus. When I finally did, I managed to register something wet and soft brushing my cheek. Looking down I noted Yuki sitting on my chest, vigorously licking my face.

"Hm, so it was you who stole me away from them." I said sternly. His ears drooped and he gave me the most typical 'puppy dog look' you could ever imagine. How could I possibly be angry at him.

My expression softening, I smiled lightly before reaching out and ruffling his furry little head.

"You're just too cute to be mad at." I said with a smile.

It was then that I noticed the poor little thing was shaking.

"Oh, my poor puppy." I cooed, picking him up. "You gotta go huh? I'm sorry! How long were you waiting?"

Obviously not expecting an answer, I got out of bed, sighed at the clock which read two am, and got up to fetch Yuki's leash and a sweater. When both were secured, I opened the door to my room and lead the poor little pup out.

The stars were still bright while I leaned against a light post outside the apartment, waiting for Yuki to do his thing. It was when I starred at one such star, a particularly bright one, that I finally remembered what had happened just before I woke up.

Looking down at my hand, I was a little surprised to find that I was still holding the item my father had handed to me - I didn't even both to try and figure out how it had followed me out of my dreams. I'd stopped asking such insignificant things a long time ago.

A beautiful silver band decorated with intricate swirls and designs. There were three stones on the ring; orange, pink and red - mine and my parent's birthstones. The red one, mine, was in the middle while the others rested either side of it. Surrounding the precious gems was a rather beautiful and expertly woven infinity knot.

Smiling to myself, I closed my eyes and slipped the ring onto my finger, not at all surprised that it fit perfectly.

"I didn't need a mementos to remember you..." I whispered into the darkness. "But I appreciate it nonetheless... thank you."

The tugging of the leash in my hand mace me open my eyes and look down. Smiling at my enthusiastic ball of fluff, I reached down to pet him affectionately before letting him lead me back into the building.

...:::: Original Ending ::::...

Even with such little sleep, and after having been awakened by a certain little fluff ball in the middle of the night, I still awoke quite early the next day. Looking at my clock however, I did groan slightly when I noted that the time was only just before four o'clock in the morning.

"Lovely..." I muttered, throwing an arm over my face.

Unfortunately, try as I might, I couldn't will myself back to sleep. Rubbing my still tired eyes, I yawned and sat up, stretched and finally willed myself out of bed. It didn't matter what time I got up anyway, I knew that if I was still tired, I'd sleep better that night.

Rubbing my finger over my still snoozing bed mates head, I smiled before leaving the room.

After getting myself a cup of coffee, I decided to step out onto the kitchen balcony. It both annoyed me and pleased me at the same time to know that the sun had yet to rise. Sighing to myself I slipped my free hand around my coffee cup and leaned my arms over the railing, starring out over the city. For once, not a single thought plagued my mind, not good or bad. I simply smiled as I took a deep breath. For the first time in my life, I felt like I had nothing to worry about, no problems to face, no stress weighing me down. For once, I finally felt free.

"Now I know where the term 'puppy dog face' came from."

Straightening and looking over my shoulder, I blinked at the sight of Max stepping out onto the balcony, smiling, with an excited and very alert looking Yuki under his arm.

"Why, what's he do now?" I asked with a grin. Max laughed.

"Nothing. I was coming back from the bathroom and I saw him through the hall at the kitchen door. He was whining to get out here with you and when he heard me he turned around... and then I got the look!"

I snorted in amusement at this and the grin on my face widened more when the blonde put the little white puff down, enabling his chubby little legs to bound towards me. Placing my coffee cup on the table beside me, I crouched down and picked the little up up, gently scratching his head with my fingertips.

"Fighting dirty, eh?" I asked the pup playfully. I'd like to think the look he gave me was innocent but somehow, I really don't think it was.

"So, what are you doing up so early?"

After securing Yuki in on arm, I once again reached for my coffee.

"Woke up a while ago and couldn't get back to sleep." I informed the blonde simply. He nodded wordlessly as he walked up to me and leaned against the railing with me.

It was quiet for sometime and I'd just begun to hear Yuki's tiny snores again when I noted the sky finally beginning to lighten.

"So, you up for a while?" I asked the blonde beside me. Max looked at me with a curious expression and a questioning smile.

"Depends." He said pleyfully. "Why?"

I grinned as I gestured towards the horizon.

"When was the last time you ever watched the sunrise?"

Max grinned and straightened from his spot.

"Not sure I ever have."

I drank the last of my coffee and placed it on the table beside me before snatching Max's hand and pulling him back inside.

"Me either!" I replied excitedly. "But there's a first time for everything!"

Max simply laughed as he allowed me drag him up to the roof.

I couldn't remember ever seeing anything so beautiful as what I saw that morning. The colors painting the sky was the most spectacular thing I'd ever seen. A perfect blend of red, oranges and yellows slowly pushing back the deep blues already in the sky. All this in anticipation for the grand finale, the climax to the appearance of the big show, the appearance of the mighty sun itself.

"I've never seen anything like this before... it's so beautiful."

There was a warm smile on Max's face as he starred at the horizon. After a few silent moments he looked at me and reached out a hand to take mine. Lifting it to his lips, he pressed a quick kiss to the back before looking into my eyes.

"Yea, it is. I'm really glad I got to see it with you."

I looked at him only long enough to give him a warm smile and expression before looking back at the horizon again. To my delight however, Max didn't release my hand. Forcing myself to repress my giddiness, I smiled lightly before looking out over the horizon again. On the ground beside me, yuki was curled up in a tiny ball as he once more snoozed peacefully, his tiny snores the only sound other then the soft lull of the morning city life.

I didn't have time to loose myself to the beautiful scenery again, because the feel of Max's fingers caressing mine, made me focus on him again - or more specifically, the feel of him caressing my new ring.

Looking down at our linked hands, I watched Max's thumb rub slowly across the colorful band before eventually coming to rest beside it. Lifting my gaze, I starred into Max's face and tried to read his expression as he starred down at the ring. But look as I might, I could not tell what the blonde was thinking.

"Where'd ya get this?" His voice was light and casual, an obvious attempt to sound indifferent. But I had little trouble picking up the curiosity and ever-so-slight tinge of jealousy. This made my grin widen immensely.

"It was a gift from someone really special to me."

Max still didn't look at me but instead remained starring at the ring for some time. Eventually his thumb brushed it one last time before releasing my hand and starring ahead of him again.

"It's pretty." He said simply, again a casual attempt. But he never was very good at hiding his emotions.

"It's not from Tala, Max... or Josh. It's... a family thing."

Max starred ahead of him for another few moments until finally he closed his eyes and sighed lightly. His eyes remained closed for a bit until finally he opened them again and looked up, still not looking at me when he spoke.

"I know I said I didn't need to know." He began softly. "And you know I've never really questioned a whole lot... but Amanda, if we're going to be friends, I need an explanation. I need to know as much about you as I know you know about me. Please, give me something to go by. I feel like I know you as a person inside and out, but I know next to nothing about you and your past... like you didn't exist at all before coming to bey city."

That statement was almost laughable in the way that it was almost true. Technically, I didn't exist before showing up in bey city, not in this world at least. Eventually I looked down at my hands and absently began to fiddle with the trinket on it. It seemed like hours before I spoke again but I knew it couldn't have been more then a few seconds.

"Trust me, Maxie." I said softly. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"That's what people say in the movies." Max said bluntly. "People always say that but in the end, their story is never that bad... or if it is then it's too weird or unnatural to be real. I'm pretty sure whatever you've got to say won't phase me. I've seen some pretty weird stuff in my day!"

I almost laughed again but the sickly feel of something bubbling in the pit of my stomach kept me from doing so. Max was right, he'd never really asked me straight out about my past and the few times he had ever asked me for something, I'd never been able to say no to him. It was no exception now and I knew that in the end he'd have what he wanted, but that didn't stop me from dreading what was coming and desperately trying to delay the inevitable.

"Mandy... please..."

Of course, that was my breaking point right there.

I stopped fiddling with my ring and sighed heavily as I closed my eyes. The feel of the deep frown creasing my face wasn't surprising and I knew I'd be frowning much deeper when I was finished. But the time had finally come whether I wanted it to or not.

"Alright, Max." I whispered, barely audible, even to myself. "But don't be surprised when you find you just can't accept what it is you want to know."

I knew he had a response to that but I didn't give him a chance to give it as I quickly continued, telling him everything I knew, everything that had happened and everything he wanted to know, right from day one.

-;-

Suddenly the silence wasn't peaceful anymore, it was deafening and sickening. The scenery wasn't familiar, it was frightening. And the sky I'd at first thought was so beautiful was terrifying and foreboding, like the flames of fire licking away the night sky as if it were a sign of what was to come...

OK so that's terribly melodramatic, but it was how I felt just then.

The look on Max's face was expressionless and unreadable and no matter what I did or tried, I could not get him to look at me. It was as if he was frozen in time, as if I had so completely shocked him with my confession and story that I had suddenly driven him immobile. It was only the steady rush of cars and city life below, and the consistent blinking of the blonde's long lashes that assured me, though not exactly comfortingly, that the world had not stopped turning.

Eventually, when I could no longer stomach the silence, I turned away from the blonde and began fiddling with my ring again, chosing to stare at it then the world around me.

"I told you you wouldn't believe it..." I said softly, needing to say something, anything to cure the silence. "I warned you it wouldn't make sense, that you wouldn't be able to-"

"Well, it explains a lot."

My head jerked up and I blinked in stunned surprise at the blonde beside me, him still not looking at me. But there was a soft expression and a small smile on his face now.

"I mean, it's a little crazy but... I guess when I really think about it, it's not all that hard to believe. This world is a world where sacred spirits live in spinning tops, toys. I've seen monsters and ghouls, power no one knew and lots of people still don't know, existed. I've even seen different dimensions and the force of two opponents power shake and tremble buildings until they literally collapsed right before my eyes. So... really, none of the things you said should surprise me. And like I said, it explains a lot."

I felt nothing but shock when Max turned to me with his trademark one-hundred watt smile. Not relief, happiness, giddy delight. Just shock.

"You-... you believe me?" I whispered in shock.

Max giggled and closed his eyes with a grin.

"Yea, I guess I do."

This time it was the blonde's turn to be shocked as he stumbled backwards, his hand reaching behind him as he tried to keep his balance. When his hand fell on the wall behind him, he steadied himself and starred at me through wide eyes as I held my lips firmly against his. It took his a few moments but eventually a small blush spread across his cheeks and nose before he finally closed his eyes, wrapped his arms around me and pulled me close before kissing me back.

The kiss didn't last long because before either of us could really enjoy it, the sound and motion of Max suddenly laughing hysterically pulled us apart.

"I'm sorry!" He exclaimed through his laughter, no doubt noting the utterly confused and stunned expression on my face. "The sun rise in the background, the sudden emotions, you glomping me like a little school girl jumping at her high-school crush, it's all too much! I feel like I'm in some really bad, cheesy romance flick!"

"Hey!" I protested with my hands on my hips, trying to resist a grin. "I take offense to that!"

Max grinned and slipped his arms around my waist, pulling me against him again.

"I'm sorry." He replied with a playful smile. "But it is kinda funny. Still, cheesy or not, you know by now how I feel about you..."

I'll be damned if my tratorous heart didn't skip several more beats over that. Nipping the side of my lip, I placed my hands against Max's chest and starred up at him indeed like the little school girl he accused me of acting like.

"I don't know what I was ever confused about." I whispered softly. "Then again... I'm not so sure I ever really was... I think I knew all along that I'd chose you, Max. It was always you. You were always there, right from the beginning. You were the first one I really fell for... and you're the only one I fell for so hard. I've got special feelings for the others but you... Being with you always seemed so... natural."

The instant flood of emotions from the blonde admittedly shocked me beyond belief. At first I felt a little surprised by his suddenly glossy eyes, then shocked, then alarmed. But before I could react, he had captured my lips again, this time in the most breath-taking kiss I'd ever felt. It was out first kiss all over again, deep and passionate yet light and heart-felt as well. Once again I was floating, lifting, rising above the clouds, above the world, above anything and everything else. Once again it was just Max and I and the feel of myself in his arms, his lips against mine, and the suicide attempt on my hearts behalf as Max pressed me as close to himself as our bodies would allow.

Unfortunately, my adorable little powder puff always had the absolutely worst timings.

Pulling away from each other, Max chuckled lightly while as scolded Yuki for his insistent barking. Eventually giving in, I sighed heavily and crouched to pick the little guy up.

"Yea, yea." I muttered a little moodily as the pup licked my face enthusiastically. "Your kisses are great too. But you could have waited your turn!"

Max laughed and put his arm around me, pulling me close to him again before reaching up to affectionately scratch Yuki behind the ears.

"I don't mind sharing." He said playfully. "Long as it's only with you."

I grinned and leaned my head on the blonde's shoulders.

"Promise." I said gently. "Anyway, I don't think you'd have a choice. If I know my little powder puff, he wasn't gonna let me go with or without your permission."

Max grinned and pressed a kiss to the top of my head as we both starred out at the horizon again. Once again, the silence, the scenery and the sky were beautiful as the sun finally made it's debut. I was in awe and I knew Max was too but Yuki simply yawned in boredom and chose to simply chew on the zipper of my thin hoodie instead of watch the sunrise.

Eventually the bright, golden orb had risen well above the horrizon and spread it's brilliant rays around it as if to say; 'ta-da'. Needless to say, I was impressed.

"Well worth the wait." I sad gently, a huge grin on my face.

Max smiled and nodded in agreement. After a few moments, he looked down at me and I'm sorry to say that I was unsuccessful in hiding my yawn from him.

"Alright, show off." He teased playfully. "I know you're a big girl, but even big girls need their sleep."

I laughed at the blonde and gently swatted his hand away when he reached out and teasingly pinched my cheek.

"I'm already up. No point in going to sleep now. I'll just wait until tonight."

"Just how much sleep did you get?"

I shrugged at the blonde.

"I duno... a few hours? Enough."

Max's smile turned into a grin as I resisted another yawn.

"Not." He replied playfully. "Come on, just take a little nap. You've been through so much the last few days, I really think you should get a little rest."

A grin of my own crossed my face as I looked up at the blonde and gave him a cheeky expression.

"Fine but I lost my teddy bear... Mind being a substitute?"

Max feigned a thoughtful expression.

"Hmm... teddy bears get held really close, snuggled and sometimes kissed lots of times..."

Max's playful grin returned and he hugged me tightly before replying.

"Deal!"

Between us, Yuki squirmed in annoyance and we both laughed as Max pulled away. The little pup gave Max an irritated expression and the blonde reached out to scratch behind his ears again.

"Get used to it, pal!" He said playfully. "I'm gonna be giving her lots of those!"

Grinning as the pup turned away from the blonde indignantly, I leaned against Max and wrapped my free arm around him as we both turned headed back inside.