This chapter was fully written by the fabulous Ankh'sAngel. It's so wonderful and bittersweet and it's one of my favorite chapters of this whole story. Thanks for reading – A.R.

The Final Ending

Andy slowly woke, twinges of pain letting her know she wasn't as young as she felt. She sat up, resisting the urge to turn. It had been far too long since there had been anyone to greet in the morning. She sighed and climbed out of the bed.

Sitting at her table, she brushed her silver hair out slowly. When had it turned from black? She gave a little laugh at the memory of Mai enthusiastically pulling at it while she made lunch for the team. She gave another sigh, her eyes traveling up to the pinned photograph on her mirror. She raised a hand, gently touching the faded item.

It had been taken the day before everyone went their separate ways after Madrelan's defeat. Everyone was smiling, some laughing and in the center of it all, her true love. Kiba was laughing, his eyes bright with joy and love, one arm around her and the other playfully slapping Daiki.

Her eyes glistened as she took the photo down. Gods, she missed him. He'd died ten years before, his body finally giving out. His last words were "I will find you." Then her brave hero had closed his eyes and left her. Her hands shook as the memory brought a sob to her throat.

She pushed it aside, somehow managing to finish braiding her hair. She smoothed her outfit, taking a final look in the mirror. She nodded to herself, picking up the photograph and tucking it in her pocket. She would visit him today alone, Mai having taken her family to Eshana for a visit.

She stepped outside, the massive bouquet of flowers in her arms. There had been a storm in the night, the air crisp and cold. She inhaled slowly, a small smile appearing as she began to walk to the memorial cemetery. A few people waved to her, but there were so many unfamiliar faces now, she mused.

Soon she was there, the bronze monument to the heroes of the resistance almost shining in the sun. Running a hand over it, she closed her eyes briefly. Memories flitted through her mind for a time before she opened them. Then she made her way into the cemetery.

Row upon row, 15 stones greeted her. She gently touched a few as she lay flowers at their base.

Rei was absent, his wish to be with Etsuko on Orpheus granted long ago. Her teams were still alive and would be buried here someday also. Gai and Ryu shared a stone, although the ground was empty below.

She finally approached the final grave, laying the rest of the flowers on the grass before seating herself against it. Kiba's name was etched beautifully in the marble, his dates beneath. Next to his, her name was there, only the last date missing. She ran her fingertips over the stone with a soft sob.

"I miss you. Wait for me." She suddenly felt sleepy, like she had once again expended all her energy to save her team. Maybe she had, she mused with a chuckle as she looked around.

She pulled out the photo, smiling softly. She traced Kiba's face as she laid down on the grass. A sudden gust of wind plucked the photo from her hand. It swirled slowly around the bronze ship, then flew high into the sky and disappeared.

"I will find you." Her eyes closed, a smile on her lips as she took her final breath.