A/N: Well, this is it—the last chapter of "The Mystery Of Jacklyn Ripper". I'm glad so many of you enjoyed this fanfic. I'm still trying to work out the details for the fourth fanfic, but until I start it, I'll do a few one-shots with some fluff or other content.

Chapter 21: Epilogue

Dressed in their winter overcoats, Kanami and Hiyori stood at the hotel entrance, watching the scene before them. Several law enforcement vehicles from the Ibaraki Police Department were parked out front. Covered with a white sheet, Mary's body was carried out on a stretcher. Officer Kuroda talked privately with three of his colleagues, before bounding up the stone steps to the two Tojis.

Tipping his hat, he said, "Thank you both for your help. Now, we can finally return Izanamihime's jewels to their rightful owners. Hopefully, the three of us can meet sometime in the future—under normal circumstances."

And with a few more words of thanks, Officer Kuroda said his goodbyes. Just as he left the entrance, Kenzou and Yayoi were being led out in handcuffs by the chief police officer. However, just as they were about to pass the two Tojis, Yayoi turned back to face Kanami.

"So, Etou-san, do you now feel as though you've avenged the lives of those I've killed?"

Even though Kanami's face was devoid of emotion, in truth, Yayoi's words cut through her as sharp as a knife. There were no limits to the serial killer's ruthlessness. She was determined to cause the Minoseki Toji as much pain as possible until she was hanged.

"What a failure on your part, Etou-san," Yayoi sighed. "In reality, you—the great Toji detective—are just a poor little girl. Disappointments like you are so...unnecessary."

The chief police officer had quite enough. "Come on. Let's go."

But just before he started tugging Kenzou and Yayoi away, the latter looked back with the same cruel grin. "I shall haunt you two forever, Etou Kanami and Juujou Hiyori...even in death."

Straightening their backs, the two Tojis locked their hands together and stared at Yayoi, straight in the eye. "We won't run away...Jacklyn Ripper."

In their hotel room, Kanami and Hiyori started hastily packing their suitcases. They had gotten desperate pleas from Hinata for them to stay, the hotel proprietor even offering many complimentary services. However, the two Tojis were all too eager to leave as soon as possible. As disappointed as Kanami was that she and her lover were unable to have a proper vacation, no way in Hell did either of them wish to spend the rest of their winter holiday at the Hotel Tsubaki.

The Minoseki Toji looked away from her packing to stare at Hiyori. The ebony-haired girl was holding the Origami Family diadem uncertainly in her hands. Grateful as she was that they were able to find it, Hiyori still couldn't help remembering Yayoi's words about her incompetence. Was she truly a worthy person to take on such responsibility? Sensing the conflict growing in Hiyori, Kanami went up to her with a smile and placed the diadem on her head.

"It's beautiful on you, Hiyori-chan. You look just like a princess from a fairy tale."

Hiyori's cheeks burned red. "K-Kanami!"

"Don't listen to what everyone else says, Hiyori-chan," Kanami said. "You will be a great leader as the Head of the Origami Family. Why else would Yukari-sama have chosen you in the first place?"

A faint smile formed on Hiyori's face, as she delicately took off her headpiece. "Well, I'm not going to wear it all the time. Always feels like it's compressing my temples."

She shared a smile with Kanami, before kissing her on the lips. As the two resumed packing, Kanami was struck with a brilliant, yet insane idea.

"We haven't had much of a vacation here, have we? Hey, Hiyori-chan, how about we take a flight to Okinawa?"

"Are you crazy?! No way would your father ever allow that all of a sudden."

With a mischievous smile, Kanami said slowly, "He needn't know right away..."

The tone in her girlfriend's voice made Hiyori raise an eyebrow. "Since when were you such a troublemaker?"

"Ever since I first ran away with you," Kanami admitted.

"Oh, so I'm to blame for your mischief?" Hiyori scoffed.

She let out a gasp when Kanami grabbed her around the waist and pulled her close. Putting her mouth next to Hiyori's ear, the Minoseki Toji whispered huskily, "Well, what do you say, Hiyori-chan? We still have a week left of the winter holidays..."

In the Etou household, Sergeant Tanaka had brought out two cups of tea into the living room. Akane, who was already seated, gave him a rather apologetic smile.

"I'm sorry. Really, it should be me being the hospitable host, but..."

"Ah, no worries, Akane-sama," the sergeant brushed off. "You need to keep that shoulder of yours from moving anyway."

The two took sips of their tea, allowing the drinks to warm their bodies up. After a few minutes of silence, Inspector Etou joined them at the low table with a sigh. He showed them the screen of his phone.

"Kanami just texted me saying that they've managed to find and arrest Jacklyn Ripper. I've replied telling her to come straight back."

"Well, that's excellent news, Shigeru!" Akane exclaimed. "I don't doubt all of Japan can now let out a sigh of relief. Seems like Kanami-san and Hiyori-san will have quite the story to tell once they return."

However, just as she finished saying this, Sergeant Tanaka felt his phone vibrate. He opened it up and a look of both surprise and amusement crossed his face. It didn't take long for him to burst out into laughter.

'Oh, Kanami-chan! You never fail to surprise me...but you're in for big trouble later on,' he internally said.

"What's going on, Tanaka?" Inspector Etou demanded.

With a toothy grin, the sergeant showed his colleague and Akane the screen of his phone. On clear display was an unmistakable photo of Kanami and Hiyori seated on a plane, both doing peace signs. Underneath it was a text message that read: Off to Okinawa! Don't tell Father yet!

Her open mouth covered with one hand, Akane looked with widened eyes at her husband. Steam was starting to come out from Inspector Etou's ears. It didn't take long for a furious yell to boom out of the Etou household and surrounding neighbourhood for all to hear.

"KANAMI!"

A/N: Kanami and Hiyori have run off on their own little honeymoon—I mean *cough cough* vacation. I am excited to finish the plot for the fourth fanfic of the series, "The Killer Of The Opera". I will try to complete it as quickly as I can, but it may take time—maybe two or three weeks. But like I said before, I will post a few one-shots. Until then!