IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!!!!!

Before I begin this chapter, I have an announcement to make. The epilogues are NOT the end of the story. Because so many of you have asked me to do a few fluff chapters with Kari/Duncan, and Ghanima/Folken, I have decided to do just that. Now, the epilogues take place 2 months after Chapter 20. I think I'm gonna write about 4 extra chapters, portraying a few things that happened during those two months. That's only for the fluff lovers, the ones that want Romance, since my story is Romance/Adventure, more fluff than I have already put will ruin the whole taste of it. However, I wanted to write a bit of fluff.. heh, fluff's nice, so I'm giving you those 4 chapters. I know some of you asked for a sequel… tho I'm not sure I could write one… ne how, so hehe, yes, there shall be fluff!!!

Chapter 21 ~ Kari's Decision (Epilogue 1)

The day was young as the raven haired girl leaned over the balcony's edge. The late summer wind was making her long locks fly around, like a curtain of velvet. She sighed, slowly titling her face, on her milky hands. If you had asked her two months before, she would have never admitted that life would go back to the way it was before their amazing adventure. Yes, it was amazing, and terrifying, and it taught her more about herself than she ever hoped to learn in a lifetime. It also taught her much about others. Others, like Duncan. Duncan… after they had destroyed the white pendant, they had fallen asleep in each other's arms, only to be found by their concerned parents the day after. Kari was still being teased about it. Yet… she didn't mind. Over the last two months she had grown fond of the dark-haired boy with his ever blue eyes. Kari sighed, thinking she really missed him. It had only been one month since she had last talked to him, but she couldn't help think about him every day. It was a custom she held onto dearly. It was almost like she was in love with him. But that couldn't be… she had hated him at the beginning of the summer. Times change… the thought popped into her head.

"Mighty fine morning isn't it?" Kari heard a voice behind her.

She spun around only to see her red-haired friend stand behind her, smiling happily.

"Yes…" Kari said melancholically.

Over the past two months, Ghanima had been a guest of the Fanelian people. After she woke up from her coma, she had shared her unbelievable story with Kari, Folken and their parents. At their insistence, Ghanima had stayed at the palace and seen a full recovery. Kari knew there was something between she and her brother, but she respected them well enough not to make a big deal about it. "Everything comes in due time. We can't rush fate." She thought.

"The season's almost passed. A very beautiful late summer." Ghanima observed. She had seen the look of sadness cross over her friends face. Yes… she could call Kari a friend. During the summer, they had become so close, you could almost call them twins. They were always like the other's shadow. Ghanima smiled, thinking how much she appreciated that. Kari never shunned her out for who she was, instead she accepted her with open arms. However, she was still the protector of the rings, and ever since the white pendant had been destroyed, Ghanima felt an odd surge of energy flow through her. But enough thinking. She came here to find out what was wrong with Kari.

"What's wrong?" she asked when the dark-haired girl didn't answer.

"N.. nothing." Kari answered shakily. She looked up in Ghanima's misty eyes, and saw all the skepticism of her friend. "No, really, I'm fine." She said and smiled.

"Suuree.. That's why you're sitting around here, looking like a love-sick puppy no?" Ghanima smiled teasingly.

Kari didn't know why, but she blushed a crimson red. "What do you mean, a love-sick puppy?" she asked innocently.

"Oh, don't try to be innocent with me. You know perfectly well what I mean. If you love him this much, go visit him. I'm sure Queen Hitomi, and King Van will let you go." Ghanima said.

"It's not that easy…" Kari sighed. "Hey… wait a minute! Who are you talking about? And who ever said that I like anyone?" she asked pretending to be upset.

"I never said anything about you liking anyone. It's obvious you don't like Duncan." Ghanima stated matter of fact.

"Good. I'm glad we understand each other." Kari said and turned to lean on the edge of the balcony.

"Yeah, we do. You love him, and there's no use denying it Yukari Alia de Fanel!" Ghanima said, coming towards her friend smiling.

Kari's jaw dropped. "I am sick of this teasing! Just because I fell asleep in his arms… that doesn't mean anything!" she said seriously. However, a smile and a blush couldn't help but creep up to her face. The feeling of Duncan's arms around her… Kari longed to feel them again.

"I'm not only talking about that. Although by the look on your face, you seem to have enjoyed it! I've seen your mood when he was here, and how it changed when he left. Face it… you love him." Ghanima told her.

"Never!" Kari whispered defiantly. Though her heart screamed yes, she wasn't about to give in.

"Why not?" Ghanima asked.

"I will, if you will." Kari said and smiled.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ghanima retorted.

"I thought so." Kari said bursting in a fit of laughter.

"No, really, what do you mean?" Ghanima asked seriously.

"Nothing." Kari said and laughed.

"Oh, I'm sure." Ghanima said laughing. She made a pass for her friend, and they began playing a fierce game of tag on the balcony.

By the time they were finished, both of them were exhausted. Ghanima was laughing so hard, she was holding on to her stomach for dear life.

"What's so funny?" they heard another voice behind them.

"Folken! Took you a while!" Kari laughed. Her brother had been away for the past week, and she missed him. She stopped laughing and ran to him, hugging him tightly.

"A little tighter why don't you?" he asked laughing. It was great to see his sister. His heart gave a jolt when he saw Ghanima. She looked so beautiful, with her rosy cheeks, beautiful eyes and overall power she inspired. Her hair had come undone in the fight, and it flowed down her back like the eternal flames of a red fire-breather. He had never seen anyone so beautiful. She took his breath away.

"Well, I'll be going now. See you later Ghanima!" Kari said and slipped away.

"Kari, wait…" Ghanima called out after her. She still hadn't managed to cheer up her friend.

"Let her go." Folken said calmly.

"But, she's not feeling well." Ghanima insisted.

"I know, but this is her life. No one can help her here." He said.

Ghanima sighed and nodded. "Yeah…"

"Come on cheer up!" he said and came closer to her.

Ghanima smiled. "I'm so happy to see you!" she said and gave Folken a great big hug.

"Me too." He whispered and traced the fine lines down her back.

Both of them parted, blushing furiously.

~~~~

The sun's rays reflected off the bay's water, making it look like a silver blanket. Duncan Fassa sat in his room, looking out towards the bay. Palas was beautiful this time of year. The cool breeze brushed past him, bringing him to reality. Duncan shook his head, and stepped away from the window.

The summer was gone, and with it, the amazing adventure he lived along with Kari, Folken and Ghanima came to a stop. His heart ached, when he thought of the beautiful Fanelian princess. He missed the melodic tones of her laughter, he missed the fresh smell of her hair, and most of all he missed her chocolate eyes. He had seen pain and pure happiness in those eyes. It was what had touched him deeply. He had vowed to never see that horrid pain he had witnessed in her eyes again. He liked the way they lit up when she was happy. He liked to see her smile. And he loved to see her smile at him. But that would never happen. She probably didn't feel anything for him except mere gratitude for saving her life. Sharp pain twisted his heart, a rusty knife making its way slowly, painfully down to the core of his heart. How could she, and angel, love him? He was a plain ordinary person, while she… she was divine. A brief picture of her and her wings came to his mind. It was how he cherished her, deep inside him, he saw her for the angel she was. The memory of their moonlight kiss entered his mind. Duncan's hand unconsciously went to his lips. He longed to kiss her again, but no. He wanted to see her happy, even if that meant that she wouldn't be with him. Duncan recognised it, but knew that he couldn't do anything about it. Love had trapped him, and he madly loved the one person who would never have him. Hopeless… that was his cause. A knock on the door interrupted his grim thoughts.

"Come in." he called in a low voice.

The door opened, and in stepped his mother. Her golden hair tied in a very beautiful braid, wearing a pale blue dress, his mother looked very dignified and queen-like. Duncan looked up surprised, to see her blue eyes filled with concern. He had always thought his mother was beautiful, but he had never seen her like this. He had seen her mad, he had seen her raging, yet he had never seen her sad. In all his life, he had not seen a glimmer of sadness in his mother's blue eyes. Except for now.

"Hello mother." He said warmly.

"Duncan, what's wrong?" she asked bluntly. He couldn't help but smile. His mother had always been blunt. Never any diplomacy in her. It probably came from the fact that she was a doctor. They always wanted straight answers.

"Nothing. What could be the matter?" Duncan asked innocently, hoping to divert Millerna's next question.

However, no mother could be fooled. "Don't give me that. You know I don't' like lies, or 'politically safe' answers. I hate it when your father gives me those. What's been making you so glum these days. Are you sick?" she asked, concern echoing in her voice again.

"No, I'm not sick. It's just that I've learned a lot over the summer. I'm still digesting everything." Duncan said, giving her the 'politically safe' answer.

Millerna scoffed. "And what's this I hear about you leaving?" she asked again.

"So that's why she's come here." Duncan thought. "I want to see the world. Only by seeing the world will I be able to make half a good a king as father." Duncan told her with honesty. It was right. During his travels with Kari, he had seen places full of corruption. Where the law didn't exist anymore, where innocent people died. He wanted to make his own friends, to learn more, to help others, so that in the end he might be able to help Asturia in times of crisis.

"You can do this right here. There's books." She said.

"Books don't help. It's real life experience that matters. I cannot simply rely on father's connections. I'm going to make my own. I'll gain my own allies." Duncan said, and his jaw clenched in determination.

"But you are a future king. You need to stay here. There's still much to learn." She argued.

"Much to learn, that cannot be learned anyway else." Duncan said.

"You're still too young to go out on your own." She said, finally voicing the true reason why she didn't want him to go.

Duncan smiled, and walked up to his mother. He was a bit taller than her, though he was only 16, but that didn't matter. He took her alabaster hands in his and said.

"Mom, I'm 16, and adult. I can fend for my own. I went through bigger dangers than this. Dangers not only to me, but to those I cared about. I need to go out on my own. Otherwise, I'll go insane. It'll be good for me mother. It's only two years, on and off, and I will be visiting home ever so often. I promise you I won't get into any trouble." He said and smiled, his blue eyes twinkling.

Millerna was silent, considering her options. However, she didn't have much choice. She heard her husband's voice coming from the doorstep.

"Let him go dear." Dryden said firmly.

"But…" Millerna said looking back at her husband. She met Dryden's knowing gaze, and backed down. Ever since they got married, Dryden had never mislead her, nor had he lied to her. It was one of the reasons Millerna had fallen madly in love with him. He was the one man she couldn't twist to her will. Actually, it was the other way around. He had a way of getting her to agree to the wildest of proposals. And in the end… they worked.

"Go son, I've had the servant prepare your horse. Come on Millerna." He said and gently dragged his wife out of the room.

"Why did you do that?" she turned to him furiously once they were a safe distance away.

"Our son needs this. He talked to me, and I think it's a good idea." Dryden told her.

"Well I don't." Millerna pouted. She hated it when she was left out.

"Trust me. He's mature enough to have sensed some very important things about being king. It's the education that will make him loyal to his people forever." Dryden said and pulled Millerna in close.

"He's still so young…" She argued.

"Mhm.. not quite as young." Dryden mumbled as he placed small kisses on his wife's neckline.

"Dryden… stop that. We're in public." She tried to worm out of his grasp.

"I don't care." He said and continued his pursuit.

"I just hate it when you do that. You're not going to get me to change my mind just with a few kisses." She said.

"Well then how about this?" he asked and kissed her deeply.

"Nope." She said smiling, and kissed him back. "I was a fool to ever wish for Allen. I've got all I want right here. And even more. God, what a fool I was, and how much I wish I didn't hurt him so bad in times like these." Millerna thought. She passed her arm behind his waist, and they continued walking down the hall.

"How about we escape this dreaded castle for a day?" Dryden asked her.

"We can't!" Millerna giggled. "We've got an important meeting with the government of Internal Affairs!" she told him.

"They can wait." Dryden said and kissed her again. He picked her up, and they both exited the castle.

At the stables, Duncan got on his horse, and began heading in the direction of Fanelia. He wasn't going to tell her he was leaving. He only wanted to see her one more time, before he truly had to leave. Just one last look at her…

~~~~

Two days later, Fanelia was celebrating its annual Fall Festival. The whole city was out in the streets partying. The music was echoing joyfully in the night, and the two moons were lending their light to further mystify the landscape. People were laughing, dancing, performing. It was truly a beautiful night. Ghanima and Kari were out in the crowd eating candied apples, and chatting merrily.

"Why couldn't Folken come?" Ghanima asked, a bit on the sad side.

"Oh, miss him already eh?" Kari asked, teasing mercilessly.

"Well… it would have been more fun if he was here!" Ghanima exclaimed.

"My father detained him for a while. The mission he was on, to the north of Fanelia was important. Luckily, we managed to calm down the unhappy miners. We fired their boss and put someone else in charge. Hopefully it'll all be good now." Kari explained.

"It's hard being princess no?" she asked smiling.

"Yeah, I really don't like it. I'd rather be out helping people. But no, I have to take diplomacy lessons, economy lessons, behaviour lessons, advanced mathematics, and a whole bunch of other useless things. I'm never going to use half of them. Meanwhile my people are suffering. I'd rather be out and help them make better lives for themselves." Yukari answered.

"It's the way I used to think. I hated my tutors, and I ran away with the first opportunity. They always found me in the village helping the wounded." Ghanima smiled. "But all that's all solved now no?" a hint of sadness echoed in her voice.

"Don't you miss your home?" Kari asked.

"Sometimes, yes, but then I think back to what they did to me. Ispano is a beautiful country I would love to live back there. It's just that… well, I can never go back home." Ghanima said.

"Ghani, I'm sorry, but you're always welcome in Fanelia. You can stay for as long as you want. This is your home now too." Kari told her.

"Thank you. But enough of sad stuff. We're here to cheer you up!" Ghanima laughed.

They walked around for a few more hours, until the dance started. The Fall Festival celebration, ended each day with a commemorative dance, and at the end of everything, with a ball given by the King and Queen. This was the second last day of the festival, and Yukari planned on having fun, despite how much she missed Duncan.

The dark-cloaked figure moved stealthily though the crowd. He had to admit, the city looked absolutely breath-taking. He made his way to the dance, looking for her. She had to be here. He was sure of it. After a quick scan of the crowd, he saw her sitting quietly on the side. Duncan's face darkened as he saw a young lad come up to her and ask her to dance. A smile crept to his lips as he saw her refuse him.

Kari smiled sadly. She didn't want to dance. Not with that young lad. There was only one person she wanted to dance with, but he wasn't here. She looked over at Ghanima, but her friend had disappeared. She looked about alarmed, only to see her on the dance floor, dancing with her brother. So… he finally showed up. She smiled, thinking they made the perfect couple.

"Excuse me miss… but may I have this dance?" she heard a muffled voice behind her.

Kari twisted around, and saw a cloaked figure with a mask drawn over his face. A large hat covered his head, but below it she saw two sparkling blue eyes. Just like his… Before Kari could give a straight answer, he had her out on the dance floor, and holding her tight. Kari found herself lost in the immensity of his blue eyes. They were the most beautiful things she had ever seen. An identical match of Duncan's. She felt his hands tighten around her, and Kari slowly put her head on his shoulder. It all felt so right. That familiar feel of his hands around her. A gust of wind blew the stranger's hat off, and Kari gasped.

"Duncan!" she breathed happily.

"So, the cat's out of the bag eh?" he asked smiling. His blue eyes twinkling.

Kari blushed, looking up at him. She didn't want to show him how much she missed him. She was sure he didn't feel the same way.

"What are you doing here?" she asked him.

"What, are you not happy to see me?" he asked smiling broadly.

Kari blushed a crimson red. She lowered her head.

"Speechless for the first time!" he observed.

"Why must you always be so insufferable!" she muttered.

Duncan forced her to look up. "Sorry. It's nice to see you again Kari." He said politely.

"Drop the formalities." She told him.

"Yeah. Still the fact remains." He said, and squeezed her tightly.

Kari smiled, putting her head on his shoulder again.

Duncan slowly caressed her hair, and traced the lines all the way to the mid of her back. He felt her shiver at his touch. Duncan smiled. She was so beautiful. He never wanted to let her go.

As the last lyrics of the song rolled off the singer's tongue, Kari looked up, remembering what had happened last time they were dancing like this. She longed to kiss him again. Duncan must have been thinking the same thing, because he leaned in, closer, and closer. Kari gulped.

"Come with me." He said and slowly led her off the dance floor.

Kari followed him, her hand holding on to his. Together they walked the dimly lit streets of the city. Most people were at the dance, thus very few were in the streets.

"What's going on?" Kari asked in a kind voice.

"Ah, nothing. Fanelia was just on my way." Duncan said.

"What do you mean?" she asked, fear creeping in her voice.

"I came to say goodbye to you and your brother."

"Where are you going?" she asked alarmed.

"Just on a voyage around the world. The adventure we lived through has taught me a lot. I guess I came to thank you for that." He said quietly.

"You don't need to thank me for anything. I should be thanking you. You saved my life, and I should be the one thanking you. We never got to thank each other properly." She said quietly.

"It was a pleasure traveling with you." He said looking at her with his intense gaze.

"Even if I am a brat?" she asked teasingly.

"No more than I am." He said and passed his arm by her back.

Kari leaned in close, and looked up to him. "You're no brat. I'm sorry I made your life a nightmare for all these years."

"I started it, so I sort of deserve it no?" he asked smiling.

"Most certainly." She agreed.

"Well, my time is up. I'll see you in two years Kari." Duncan said and broke away.

"Two years?!" she exclaimed grabbing on to his hand.

"Well, I do plan to travel a bit." He agreed.

"Oh." She said sadly. "Where are you going now?" she asked.

"Well, I plan on spending the winter in the warmer countries. Never really liked winter anyway."

"So, you're going to Gwal Draig?" she asked.

"Most likely." He admitted. "Good luck to you, Kari." Duncan said and came closer to her. Finally, their lips touched. Duncan just wanted to briefly feel the lips of his beloved on his, but to his misfortune, Kari parted her lips, letting him indulge in the sweet fire found there. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, and devouring her lips. He never knew such fire existed. He never knew he could feel that way, as his body short circuited with delight. When he finally had control of his body, Duncan let Kari go gently. He never wanted to leave, but he knew that if he didn't do it now, he'd never do it.

"I'm sorry." He whispered and turned around, disappearing into the night.

Kari finally admitted that which she never wanted to admit. She loved him, and that was the fact. And now… she wanted to see if something would come out of it. She couldn't let him go. If he was bent on adventure, and she was sitting at home bored… well, she'd just need to talk to her parents.

Kari spun around, and went in the direction of the castle.

~~~~

The morning was cool, and crisp, as Duncan walked out of the Inn he stayed at, yawning all the way.

"It took you a while. I was freezing here you sleepy head." He heard a voice come from above him.

He looked up surprised, to find a warrior in a blue shirt and tanned pants on a black horse. A long braid of raven hair came from under the hat, and two chocolate eyes met his blue ones, expectantly.

"Kari?" he asked shocked.

"Well of course. Who else?" she asked him smiling.

"What are you doing here?"

"Going with you of course!"

"You can't go. The danger's too big." He said calmly.

"Oh yeah, when did that ever stop me?" Kari looked at him defiantly.

"Are you that dense? I wouldn't want you to get hurt!" Duncan blew up. Immediately, he went crimson, as he understood the implications.

"I won't. You know I can defend myself, and I make a pretty good companion. You're going to get bored all by yourself, while I'm going to get bored here. It's a fair deal." She argued.

"There's no way to change your mind?" Duncan asked, his heart skipping with joy at the prospect.

"Nope!" she answered with a smile on her face.

"Get on then." Duncan said.

Together, they rode off, beginning a new day, and a new adventure.

Author's Note

Gomen! I didn't mean to take so long with this. I really hope I didn't disappoint you. This chappie's sorta weak in my POV. Oh well.. it's the best I can do w/ a huge writer's block! Here's to all of those that wanted to see how the first epilogue ended! Sorry if it stinks! I tried. Eheh.. do u think I should do a sequel to this? Lol.. ehhe.. ok.. so I need help, but still what do u think?