Well, this is it. The last chapter for this story. :( I think I might cry! I have spent over a year working on this, and now it's finally ending! Thanks to everyone whose read and reviewed, especially Vampireninja101 :) Based on the title, it's just an epilogue to not keep you all wondering what happened to everyone. Enjoy!

Chapter 29: Epilogue

The next morning

The sun rose over the Aburaya. A new day arose from the aftermath. From where 15-year-old Kaede Nushi stood, the rising sun was more than just a new day. It was a new beginning. The Dark Spirits had been conquered, her mother returned to her original self, and their relationship was resolved in all of one week.

She walked out on the balcony on the top floor of the bathhouse. She closed her eyes and breathed in the wondrous ocean air. Since that storm 25 years ago, the bathhouse rested above a nice, blue ocean. She rubbed her fingers against the rigid wooden rail, feeling ridges with each movement. The waves' attacking of bathhouse was music to her ears. This was a sign; this was her home.

The Human World seemed like a wonderful place to live during her brief visit, but that wasn't where she belonged. Her family and friends were all here, and she wouldn't give them up for the other world.

She felt a cool pair of hands rest on her shoulders and she opened her eyes. She smiled and turned around, meeting a pair of diamond-colored eyes. They twinkled in the rising sunlight and smiled back at her. She rested her head against his shoulder and he embraced her. How right they felt together, to be together.

"They're going," he whispered to her, "You may want to say good-bye." She nodded slowly. She would never see them again. There wasn't any way to make them stay. They belonged in their world.

They began the walk down the stairs to the lobby. Everyone was waiting there, saying their farewells. Kage and Yuki stood in the corner with their children, Hamano and Taro. Ever since she gave her husband that test, he has returned to the man she once knew. Their love blossoms with each passing day.

Lin decided to stay in the bathhouse. Being away made her lonesome. She missed her old friends, especially the human girl and dragon boy. Chihiro gave her a job as her assistant so she wouldn't have to work scrubbing tubs again.

Kamajii had nothing to complain about. His life was perfect in the boiler room. The sootballs adored him and that had become a family over the years. And now that he had Lin to bring him his food instead of some random stranger every once in a while, he felt more at home than ever.

Yubaba and Zeniba had become closer as sisters. They practiced magic together and learned not to let their temper run loose, especially Yubaba. No-Face loved seeing Chihiro and Haku visit them. He would give her flowers every time they came. Boh, however, was still the baby he was and never grew up. He lived under his mother's protection from the outside, but when she wasn't there his Aunt Zeniba would take him for a stroll.

"Well, looks like the two lovebirds got together, after all," Rin said. Kaede smiled at her remark. It was true; they were in love. It just took them some time to realize it. Chihiro and Haku were having a nice chat with her parents. In the last 16 years, there was a lot to talk about. "Oh, you don't know how much I missed you both."

"Now, Chihiro," her mother said, "We know. We missed you just as much. Opportunities like these only come once in a lifetime. But, I guess this really is good-bye." A tear trickled down her face as her daughter embraced her. This, indeed, was the last moment they would spend together.

"Yuuko, we mustn't stay too much longer." Chihiro brought him into the hug as well. Mai and Haru soon joined in, as well as Haku. They were a family for the first time.

"Um," Kaede said, loud enough for them to hear. All eyes went to her and Ryo, as they held hands and descended the staircase. "Can I join in on this momentous occasion?" Chihiro smiled and nodded, spreading her arm out to her daughter. Kaede released her grip on Ryo and joined her family. They were truly magnificent.

"Before they go, my dear, there is something I think they should see." A voice came out from the darkness of a corner. Erikku. Only he would pop up and share some unexplained news.

"What is it?"

Erikku smiled and bent down to Kaede's height. "You understand my power, correct?" Kaede nodded, giving him the cue to continue. "I can see the future, the past, and of course, the present. I can visualize every moment that has happened and will happen. But that is only because I am special in a way very few spirits are."

"Why, how?" Kaede asked. There were many things that were unexplainable, but once Erikku finished, all would be revealed.

"I am the brother of Yubaba and Zeniba, that much is true. But I am only their half-brother."

"Half-brother?" Came from voices in the room.

"Oh, stop your ignorance and let the man finish!" Yubaba shrieked.

"My mother was a human, like yours. She died in childbirth, and my father took the duty to raise me. Being half-spirit, I would stand out in the Human World. He later met a woman named Ayano, who soon gave birth to twin daughters, Yubaba and Zeniba."

"I'm the older one!" Both witches shouted. Erikku couldn't help but laugh. They always fought over who was older, but only Erikku knew the answer, and he wouldn't tell them.

"Yes, of course," he said, and continued. "We were given a certain responsibility around the age you are. There were three items: the bathhouse, which my father owned, the golden seal, which belonged to my stepmother, and this." He held a golden ball. It was magic. His magic.

"But, that's…"

"Yes, all the magic inside of me. And now, it's yours."

"What?" Again the voices of those whose ignorance blinded them. Yubaba and Zeniba hushed them, letting Erikku finish.

"Why is it mine?"

"Because you are like me," he explained, "your mother may have given birth to you as a spirit, but she still has her human qualities. Your brother and sister and the same, as well. But you have a certain eminence about yourself that makes you able to carry such an important task." He motioned for her to bond with the magic. Bonding meant receiving, and she wasn't sure she was ready.

"I…I don't know…" She paced the floor, back and forth. "I will have the powers you have?" Erikku nodded in response. She looked for support around the room, and everyone agreed.

"Kaede, you deserve it." Chihiro said.

"It was your destiny all along." Zeniba told her.

"It is who you are." Ryo said, walking up to her. "You're supposed to have this gift. It's a special gift; take it." She looked to Erikku who was patiently waiting for her decision. Confidently, she nodded.

"I will." She closed her eyes and let the magic do its job. Glowing lights flashed around her and bonded with the spirit inside of her. There was also somewhat of a human quality, one that made her capable of holding such power. Erikku was also changing. In his life, he has never been completely spirit or human, and now was his chance to decide.

"I need to be with my sisters, with my family." He whispered. He was spirit, but his magic was gone. Kaede opened her eyes, and a whole new world opened up to her. She could choose time periods and places and the answers were directly in front of her. Her vision was cleared and she was whole.

"Thank you, Erikku. Thank you."

Yuuko and Akio hugged them all one last time before giving one last farewell. Kaede lived her life well, using her gift only when she knew she must. After many years, she and Ryo moved to Erikku's old fortress and began their lives together. The three gifts were all passed on to the next generation to come, and as for Kaede, her eyes were open to the world.

And there you have it! I really want to thank my supporters who stuck with me. This was all for you. Now, all my focus will go to finishing my Kiki's fanfic :) There's still many chapters to come with that one, but with me being in the school play and my school life sucking up all my time, I have barely any time to hang out with my friends. I've already started working on my Alice in Wonderland, 2010 fanfic, and the next chapter will be up after this weekend :) Thanks again, and happy reading!

Anabelle ;)