Tegami mae ni ketsumatsu...

[A Note before conclusion…]

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First, let me apologize if the above statement in Japanese is placed incorrectly…I recalled the lesson. I think I am right.

So…Noir [big sigh] The next chapter is the last one. I will finally close this story and move on to something else, no doubt from the Shoujo Kakumei Utena fandom entirely.

That is not to say that I have not enjoyed writing this--it is, by far, the longest and most thought out of any story I have ever written.

I wanted to explore the characters…to remain true to them and yet to explore different avenues that other stories have not.

New relationships, old relationships.

The nature of being trapped by your past and dreams.

The idea that freedom is a prize won in fighting your most dangerous enemy--yourself…

I also did not want to victimize any character nor blame any character for their faults. Each one of them has to reach their own 'true' awareness…some with death, some with life outside of Ohtori, some with love and some with acceptance of those things that cannot be changed.

And I will apologize ahead of time for the ending---this is how I end most long-fics of mine [lol] In that respect, I think I am following (if only slightly and less creatively) in Ikuhara's footsteps.

All is possible *grin*

~

Now, some thanks to faithful readers…the few, the proud…well, maybe just few [lol]:

Myself the Great [[[Ktch!!]]] = Thank you very much for not only reading, but leaving the most reviews for this surreal mess of a fic…I appreciated your comments. I also liked that I could ask you over AIM what you liked/did not like---very helpful for the creative process. And, of course, for the pictures you drew for this story…I plan on putting the links you gave me on my 'stories authored' bio here at FF.Net You truly rock 3

Foon = Well, sugarpea, I hope you've enjoyed the ride…and do believe me when I say that I almost did the idea you bounced my way for Shiori. It was a damn good one…you are so creative! Thank you for loving my fic and offering to have sex with it--Noir loves that kind of attention. And I will get around to the Noir: Prelude…I swear!

And a big thank you to: Leland Lancaster, Fairady, Jamie-boy, SKU/Random, animegirl, Lorelai Rhymeless, Karen, T., Demon Faerie Aeryka, safari-girl, kino amiko and even shanejayall (just the one time-lol)

I am sure I forgot a few, but I thank all who took valuable time out of their lives to read this story.

You honor me.

~

Now for the really important stuff--the music!

Yes, I used lyrics early on…but I was always listening to something whilst I wrote. It could be the words or the sound or just a feeling I got from it…nonetheless, the list below inspired me to keep going to the bitter end *smile*

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The Doors - Touch Me

Beatles - DayTripper, Helter Skelter

Cardigans - Marvel Hill

Natalie Imbruglia - Wrong Impression

Judy Collins - Both Sides Now

Patrick O Hearn - So Flows the Current, Coba

Bjorn - Bachalorette

Juliana Hatfield - the entire 'Only Everything' album

Bauhaus - Spirit

Incubus - Warning

Ani DiFranco - Slide, 32 Flavors

Cousteau - Last Good Day of the Year

Rufus Wainwright - Grey Gardens

The Police - Invisible Sun

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I am sure I have lost some along the way…but that is pretty close…

~

So, once again---thanks for reading, thanks for commenting.

I love this story like no other and I hope it shows.

~~~

TBC