Where do I belong?

Disclaimer:

Me: It's done! I don't even mind saying the disclaimer! I do not own any of the FY characters. Any characters that you do see that isn't from FY is mine! I don't mind borrowing them to y'all just remember to ask first yea?

WARNINGS: OOC characters cos I want it that way. NO FLAMES are welcomed. Don't like my fic DON'T REVIEW!! I am only doing this for my fun and the readers who actually want to read it. One more thing MAJOR SPOILERS!

Notes:

Hmm.. Sorry once again for the umm… 5 err.. 6 month hiatus. I know… I know don't kill me I had my reasons. But anyways, the chapter isn't up to my expectations and isn't my usual style but eh.. its done and I'm pretty happy about it. I hope y'all haven't forgotten about this. Oh yes.. Thank you to my dear Shadow Hawk for encouraging me always and making me get this chapter out at the threat of blackmail. * pointed look in her direction *

Anyways I'll leave my looooong note for the end so enjoy the this FINAL FINAL chapter umm epilogue of the WDIB epic. Lol

P/S: sequel info will be put in that long note.

 

~ Fiery-Ice ~

Readers delight:

The Shadow Hawk: Ahhh… I've finished it! I want that HIROSHI CHAPTER you evil evil genius you! Anyways I really am hoping that you like it. Gyah it totally drained my brain power… this chapter..

Meta Lise: I do know what you mean. If you read my note at the end of this fic lol you'll see what I mean. But thank you for your nice comments and sticking around to read this long epic. I do hope that you are able to see this chapter! ^_^

Songwind: Wee I'm done! Thank you Songwind-san for being here. Being a loyal reader and all that! I appreciate all your comments Love ya girl!

Fire Pendant: Kouji is here! Check it out. There isn't much.. sorry but I didn't have the energy. But thank you very much for the suggestion! And um.. I don't know whether this is called "soon" lol sorry for being so late on this!

Metajoker: Hey! Ya still out there? * wink * here's the chapter!

FYfangirl26: Cortney! Cortney Cortney daaaaarling…  You've been here a long time and have been such a great person to know! Thank you for everything. Glad you like how I portray my darling Tasuki. Don't cry! This chapter is a bit more upbeat! Um I think. ^_^

michiro-shizume: lol I didn't forget! Here's the much awaited epilogue… lol umm I hope its up to standard! * wink *

Fangiez the freak: hey hey hey! Enough questions dude! * grin * just read on! Hrmm… you're not online right now how to tell you that this chapter is out… =P

nAtsume :D:  Ooh thanks! You really didn't expect him to propose? Aww.. Tasuki maybe a badass but he's still honourable! Lol my opinion.. may not be shared by others but ohh well! Read on dude!

NaTTiE: that's allright! Hope you enjoy this one.

SpaceVixon: Thank you for your suggestion! Gods I love all you readers! ^_^

Kimna: The last line made you cry? * sweatdrop* gosh I should be punished for making all you readers cry! Lol I only meant for it to make you all feel warm and fuzzy! Hee hee the whole story review in this epilogue? Uhhh can you actually remember my whole story after 6 months? Hahah I doubt you'll even see this chapter * wink * but I do hope you do!

Eileen: Wow you've got a lot of faith in me when you said 'if I get a sequel out it will be just as good as this one' but doumo arigatou!

Epilogue

- Wedding -

The wedding day had come after a week of planning. Hotohori & Nuriko had insisted that Kimiko and Tasuki have a grand wedding to be announced to the whole of Konan but the young couple compromised with the Royal couple saying that they would have a wedding of smaller scale with close friends and relatives and allowed the enthusiastic Royal couple to announce their joining to the whole of Konan.

The wedding was of traditional nature. Now we come to see the bride getting ready for her big day.

~Kimiko~

I woke up in the comfort of the Royal Konan Empire's Palace. I stretched and yawned against the silken sheets of my small, elegant yet cosy room. I opened my eyes slowly enjoying the last traces of the dream image of my husband-to-be.

Husband-to-be… Gods! It sounds so unbelievable. I stared up at the ceiling as though it had answers. I mean I'm only sixteen! Am I doing the right thing? Is he the right guy for me? A shiver ran up my spine as I imagined how it felt and would feel without Tasuki by my side.

Yes… this must be the right choice. I don't think I could ever imagine life without him anymore. I used to think that I could go through life without being weakened by the emotions of love. But after this whole journey… I guess I feel that love is what completes a lucky person. It gives one a sense of belonging and security that I wouldn't give up for the world. I can't explain it. It just makes me feel like smiling uncontrollably when I see… him.

I smiled contentedly and sat up in the bed. Tasuki wasn't with me because he was at his family's house. As it was tradition for the bride to be taken to the groom's house like a parade through the streets from her house. But since I didn't have my own house here, Hotohori was kind enough to insist that I stay at the palace.

Suddenly, the doors to my room were slammed open. I jumped and covered myself with the sheets. Nuriko glided in grandly in the Royal robes, a dozen maids and chuckled.

Then seeing me in bed, she stared at me with wide eyes and sternly with a teasing glint her eyes said, "What are you doing still in bed Kimi-chan? There are lots to be done. Come on! Get up or do I have to strain myself to pull you out of there!" She took one threatening step towards me.

I was already cowering in a corner of my bed seeing the many maids she brought in and I knew her threat wasn't empty.

"Nuriko! What do I need so many maids for? Oh..noooo!" I whimpered. I was dragged bodily out of the bed. In a matter of seconds and Nuriko clapped her hands twice, maids surrounded me and I was soon dressed in a simple robe to only be ushered out of my room.

We passed Hotohori and he laughed sympathetically at my helpless, pleading expression. Then he called out mischievously, "Enjoy the ride, Kimiko!"

I threw him a scowl before helplessly moving along with Nuriko and her band of maids towards the Royal baths area instead of the guest bath area.

I was practically pushed into the warm lavender scented water after the crazed maids whipped off my robes without even giving warning. I sank into the water with a violent crimson blush heating my cheeks.

Several of the maids were massaging oils into my skin after one had pinned up my hair. I smelt the mild and soothing scent of lavender oils. My eyelids grew heavy at how relaxed I became although Nuriko was chattering of all the preparations that were done and what to do to my hair.

"Did you realise your hair has turned into a lovely shade of russet after your transformations? It's got this golden glow to it and a reddish tinge to it. Reminds me of autumn!" Nuriko rambled on cheerfully.

I blinked slightly confused. I didn't even notice.

Finally, Nuriko and her maids urged me out of the warm relaxing comfort of the hot waters into some warm robes. Soon once again, I was in my room with several maids crowding around me and many hands reaching out to my hair, twisting, combing while more hands were brushing, smoothing and blushing my face.

It was so overwhelming, my thoughts wandered once again. Tasuki… I hope he isn't having second thoughts. I mean I never thought that he would propose. But he surprised me pleasantly once again. Mmm… I saw his sexy smirk in front of my eyes.

I was snapped out of my reverie by Nuriko, "Kimi-chan! Wake up!" Then she grinned slyly, "Thinking about a certain fiery bandit ne?"

I felt cheeky so I smirked, "Naturally. What else is there to think about?"

Nuriko pressed her palms to her cheeks dramatically with an incredulous expression on her lovely face. "What else?! Today is your wedding day!"

I flushed happily then grinned sheepishly.

********************************

The rest of the preparations went by in a whirl. Kimiko's hair was put up in elaborate loops and twists piled upon her head with tendrils of hair framing her face. A few valuable gemmed combs, which were pinning her hair up as insisted by Nuriko when Kimiko protested.

Finally, Kimiko wore the traditional Chinese wedding robes. Red robes with intricate and exquisite designs of the symbolic phoenix and dragon done by skilful weaving of gold and silver threads into the robes. On her head, she wore the red and gold headdress for prosperity and a red veil hiding her made up face to symbolise purity. (She managed to get away with minimal in Nuriko's opinion make up)

The young and flushed bride in her wedding splendour was taken from the palace to the Tasuki house hold in parade form. Finally the actual ceremony commenced. Chichiri was to be the priest to do the actual ceremony and the binding of the two lovers in holy matrimony.

(A/N: Okay I'll admit I know little of Chinese traditional ceremonies although I'm a Chinese because rarely we, the modern Chinese do the ancient traditional thing. But I'll try to write it with my little knowledge of the traditional ceremony)

~Kimiko~

My face was hidden by a translucent crimson veil and as I peered through it everything was seen through a crimson haze. Granted I couldn't see much because I was in a sedan and was being carried to the house. I was driven in a carriage until the edge of Tasuki's village which was a relatively short distance from the palace.

My fingers were cold. One sign that I was really nervous. My head felt like a thousand pounds because of the heavy headdress that Nuriko insisted was compulsory. This little parade to Tasuki's house was only serving to make my nervousness grow. I hope Tasuki doesn't think I look like a fool. All this makeup must make me look like an idiot.

Oh no…. We're at his house already?!

The house was a simple pleasure to look at. Traditional Chinese decorations of red and gold cloth, fresh flowers and golden symbols. The ceremony was to take place in the backyard of the house where Tasuki had proposed to me. I smiled at the memory.

I rubbed my palms together trying to put heat back into my numb cold fingers. The sedan jerked to a stop. I swallowed hard. I was to meet Tasuki inside his family's house. I closed my eyes trying to compose myself. Suddenly the sedan's cloth flap was flipped open and my heart started beating double time in surprise at the grinning cheekily face that appeared.

Kouji… I had met him officially before today. He was completely surprised that anyone would have snagged his woman hating friend Genrou. All this was said in brotherly teasing.

"Konnichiwa nee-san! Nervous about your big day? Is that why you won't come out of the sedan? Konnichiwa! Of course I am Kouji-san but I've got to get out of this sedan so I can meet my sweet darling Genrou before he bursts with anxiety! Okay so come on nee-san! Right behind you Kouji-san! Here let me help you out! Arigatou Kouji-san! No problem for a beautiful bride, like yourself nee-san! Doiitashimashite! (You're welcome!)"

I laughed at his antics, effectively relaxing my tenseness. Carefully, I stepped out of the sedan and Kouji walked me to the door where Tasuki was waiting for me outside the door. He gave me sexy smirk.

"You sure did take your time out there." He commented. As I was about to say something, he added, "But I'm glad you're here."

He proceeded to take my left hand. "Suzaku! Your hands are freezing!" He took my hands and rubbed them to warm them up.

"I know! I'm nervous!" Then he kissed my fingers and I protested no more.

Kouji and the rest were waiting inside. We stepped through the threshold of the house and walked through the house to the backyard. I smiled at the overall decoration which was a Seiryuu and Suzaku design.

Our friends, Tasuki's large family and to my surprise the Seiryuu seishi too were there smiling and though I wasn't a goddess anymore I felt they were a little uncomfortable. I didn't think they would have come even though we issued an invitation. (With Tasuki protesting wildly against it.)

I looked around the whole group and felt overwhelmed. I didn't know what I wanted to do, what I felt. But still I felt the comforting warmth that encircled my hand. So we walked hesitantly towards Chichiri who was there in his official ceremony clothes. He wore red with intricate gold weaving robes with his prayer beads, shakujo and his various items on a table behind him. He wore no mask today but grinned widely lighting up his handsome features. 

As we stood with everyone we loved and treasured surrounding us, I felt the overwhelming love and emotions of the whole lot. I shouldn't be able to sense this but I guess it had to do with the united ki I felt they were emitting. I felt the support and yet I still felt loss. My parents and my grandparents were not there physically. I selfishly wanted them to be there physically but then I realised the moment Chichiri started speaking that they were there watching even though I couldn't see them I could feel them.

I turned my attention back to Chichiri as he said, "We are gathered here today to bind these youth in holy matrimony." Then he took out this bowl filled with some sort of water. Lifting it and facing the South he said, "Repeat after me. Praise and honour Suzakuseikun, protector of Konan for the blessing of this bonding."

Then he proceeded to sprinkle some of that water in that direction. He repeated the process to the East, North and West directions and their protectors. Then he handed a cup filled with tea to Tasuki and said, "Please take this cup and repeat after me Tasuki-kun na no da! I honour you, Seiryuu-Suzaku Kimiko and the generations to come with our sacred bond of love." I heard an audible gasp from Tasuki's family as they heard my name. There's going to be questions after this.

Tasuki repeated that statement to me with an eternal promise reflected in his eyes and drank from the cup. Chichiri satisfied then took the cup, refilled it and passed it to me. "Kimiko-san, please take this cup and repeat after me. I honour you Kou Shun'u and the generations to come with our sacred bond of love."

As I repeated that statement, I knew that dreams do come true and that I meant every word that I said. I felt a hot blush creep over my cheeks as I lifted the cup to my lips and drank the sweet tea from it.

Taking the tea cup reverently from me, Chichiri proclaimed, "You are now bound to each other before the four Gods our guardians, the Heavens and the Earth. May the gods bless your marriage with prosperity, good fortune, happiness, long marriage and most of all eternal love."

Tasuki and I stared into each other's eyes silently. The veil was no barrier. Green met amber; I saw his slight disbelief and joy. I am sure I was reflecting those emotions too.

Suddenly, Nuriko's voice piped up, "Tasuki! You wimp! You can kiss her now! Unless if you want to wait till tonight!"

Tasuki grinned predatorily. Then he approached me. I could hear everyone holding their breaths because suddenly I felt hypersensitive. He lifted the veil and then his face broke out into a sexy smirk as he leaned in. His lips pressed against mine passionately made my surroundings fall away until all I knew was only him. My hands had somehow made their way into his hair and his arms slipped around my waist pulling me even closer.

I barely heard the cheers from our friends. There was warmth everywhere. And below my collar bone I felt the warm weight of my family's pendant. The Seiryuu and Suzaku pendant. The symbol of my life, my being.

Finally, Tasuki pulled away gently and I licked my lips tasting him on them. I grinned at him then asked, "Can I take my headdress off? It weighs a ton!"

He burst out laughing as did everyone else especially Nuriko even though she had an indignant look on her lovely face. I quickly took out the many pins which were holding the headdress and the hair up. Ahh my scalp could breathe again. Most of my hair no longer held prisoner by the pins tumbled down but I left the jewelled combs that held a few loops in my hair so that Nuriko wouldn't kill me straight away.

Afterwards, we did the tea ceremony. (A/N: I know that I'm probably screwing the whole tradition thing up cause I'm pretty sure that the tea ceremony is BEFORE the actual wedding binding ceremony. * groan *)

Tasuki and I took turns to serve his parents tea to honour them. We were supposed to do the same to my parents or their representatives but there was no one. I brushed my feelings aside and turned to Tasuki with a small smile on my face, "Anata, let's just set out for the Konan palace now. I don't have any representatives for my parents."

Tasuki gave me a concerned look but I shook my head indicating I was fine. Then his gaze focused on something behind me.

"Kimiko…" I heard a soft lilting voice call out from behind me.

I spun slowly around. A beautiful scarlet headed woman and a handsome man with midnight blue hair were sitting in the chairs provided. They looked solid not spirit transparent like.

"Kaa-san? Tou-san?" I wondered disbelievingly. They grinned and nodded. I stood there in shock wondering how this was possible when I felt a reassuring hand on the small of my back urging me forward. I turned my head and met the passionate and tender eyes of my husband.

So I picked up the tea tray and gave a cup of tea to both of them. Then I knelt on the floor my head bowed in respect. My parents touched my head indicating I should get up. I took back the tea cups and refilled them and setting it up for Tasuki's turn to honour my parents. I looked upon the scene. My koi had just swept his robes back and knelt in front of my parents on one knee. My parents smiled and I knew that they were satisfied at my choice of a life partner and my choices. This was confirmed when my mother cheekily winked at me while beaming. They touched Tasuki's fiery head and he stood up.

My mother motioned me over then pulled me into a hug.

"My darling baby! Married!" Then she leant in near my ear and whispered conspiratorially, "To such a handsome and good man too." My father was shaking Tasuki's hand.

Then my father put an arm around his wife and lifted his other hand to touch my cheek. "We have to go soon. Your grandfathers were very generous for giving us mortal bodies for this moment. Daijoubu Kimiko! You have a wonderful life ahead of you and we're proud of you. Even though we're not here in body, we will be here watching over you in spirit." He kissed me on the head.

My mother just smiled slightly sadly but her eyes sparkled. "We'll be here." She said and with one last hug they faded away.

A single happy tear fell from my eye.

**************************

Tasuki gathered his new wife into his arms and she turned her face up, smiling fondly at him.

Soon after, the happy couple was ushered into the carriages with all their guests following to go to their wedding feast which was held at the Imperial Konan Palace as insisted by Her Royah Highness Nuriko.

On arrival, the newly-weds and their guests were allowed one hour to freshen up and change. The palace was decorated lavishly. The guests were all told to go to the dining hall after freshening up to wait for the arrival of the newly weds before the feast could begin.

The new couple walked in through the doors with their faces glowing with happiness. Toasts were made as they sat at their seats. They were made to kiss in front of their audience to make the night more interesting. Wine, sake and alcohol were drunk with no hesitance. Although Tasuki's buddy Kouji was declaring he was in heaven in between gulps of alcohol, Tasuki drank some but was still sober.

This was for a reason apparently.

~Kimiko~

I looked around at the red cheeked smiling guests. Few were not drunk. Nuriko wasn't drinking I could see because she was holding her stomach speaking in low tones to it with a small content smile on her happy face. I gazed around the room but my eyes always roamed and came back to one person. Tasuki... Surprisingly, I thought he would have been getting drunk by now. I had asked Nuriko to include alcohol in the feast because I knew Tasuki had a taste for sake.

I laid my hand on top of his to get his attention. A question in my eyes, 'Daijoubu des ka?'  He just nodded as his eyes softened and he grinned. He flipped his hand over to entwine his fingers with mine. I felt a spark shoot through my veins. I looked down at our hands then slowly brought my gaze to his face which now had an expression… of something. I can't explain. A mixture of mischieviousness, love, nervousness and longing?

He motioned that we should make our escape now. Curious, I followed him as we stealthily escaped from the hall. We ducked underneath tables, ran quietly behind pillars until finally we reached the doors and burst through them into the night's cool air laughing exhilaratedly.

Tasuki picked me up and spun me around just before laying a light sweet kiss on my lips that made my knees weak. I grinned, "A-na-ta… gods it feels good just to say that!"

He chuckled, "Ba-ka." After a short pause he said, "Aishiteru to you too, koi."

I smiled happily not caring how sappy and out of character I was being.

He enveloped my hand in his and we walked. I soon realised where he was taking me. It was our chambers for the night. I stepped through the doors of our exquisitely decorated chambers and thought no more as I was swept into a passionate embrace of my new husband.

******************************

~Pregnancy~

Kimiko was 8 months pregnant with her beloved, Tasuki's, children. She was sitting in a cushioned chair in her warm home which was near to the palace. Tasuki had insisted on being somewhere near the palace as Mitsukake would be around and there was more protection there.

The Reikaku bandits were still acting like bandits but are actually another group of protectors for the Konan Empire being trained under the strong command of Tasuki and Kouji.

~Kimiko~

I'm sixteen… and I'm pregnant. What are the odds of that happening?

I felt fat but happy. I touched my abdomen feeling my children, new lives stirring inside. Not only am I pregnant, I am also pregnant with twins! I still wonder whether they were boys or girls. I sent my ki to them hoping it would calm them.

I felt so tired these days. Nuriko has been coming over daily to chat and also to bring her adorable 4 month old baby boy, Seishiro, to show him off.  Seishiro is a really gorgeous baby with a head of dark hair like his father and rose coloured eyes which sparkled with a mischievious charm. She is always supposed to bring guards with her but she refuses to which drives the advisers of the court crazy and worry. But it amuses her as she knows she can take care of herself.

Aidou has been living with us for a month now to help us out but I suspect it is also to annoy Genrou. Right now all was quiet as today Aidou has left to tend to her own family after leaving some prepared food on the table. It is twilight now and Tasuki should be coming home soon.

So much has happened. So much… sometimes I feel that this isn't real. Then when I look at my friends' faces and at the one who always was there for me, I realise that it is very real and that I'm very lucky to have found my place in the world with a blessing of peace. It is still very weird to realise that I'm sixteen after everything that has happened.

A warm presence and a light sweet kiss on my lips broke my train of thought. Only then did I realise that I was folding some clothes in my lap unconsciously and half dozing. Recognising the fresh rain and sexy smokey scent of my koi, I slowly opened my eyes.

He lifted a corner of his lips in a lopsided grin before saying, "Tadaima." Punctuated by a kiss on the top of my head and my belly.

I replied softly with a warm and welcoming smile, "Okaeri, anata."

I pushed myself out of the chair with his long fingered hands supporting me. Slowly, I made my way to the table to eat with him. I tilted my face heavenward for a moment, thanking my oji-sans silently with a gentle smile on my face. In the fading glow of the sunset that gave way to sparkling stars of hope, I felt fat but blissful with my husband and place in the world.

*********************************

~Birth~

Kimiko was 2 days late to the due date in her pregnancy stage. She was in a very frantic mood because of the agony of contractions. Tasuki supported his wife when he could but there was only so much a man could do before freaking out after his wife starts yelling at him.

~Kimiko~

It hurts. My back, my feet, everywhere aches. I'm two days late. I'm a bit worried. * pauses * Okay! I'm very worried. I can't use my powers at the moment because apparently, Chichiri says that my ki level is weak right now. I've been yelling at Tasuki but I can't help it especially when it hurts so badly. Che… hormones… they acted up as well in the beginning of the pregnancy when I kept crying silently becoming emotional everytime I saw something happy or sad.

I was sitting in great discomfort while Tasuki put his head to my belly speaking lowly in his deep husky voice. "You two better come out soon or else your kaa-san will…" he paused and raised his amber eyes towards me. Probably feeling my warning glare. "Just come out! Hayaku! Your tou-san is begging you!"

To this I grinned almost evilly. Then my eyes widened at a sudden active stirring and an answering kick. Rising to his knees, Tasuki gave me an almost fearful look. Trying to assure him, I relaxed back into the chair and shook my head.

I acted too soon. Pain gripped my lower back and abdomen. I went stone cold as my water broke and moisture flowed out of me. Pain… shooting agonizing pain reverberated through my lower body. I winced and gripped my koi's muscled forearm hard.

"Ana-ta… it's time." I whimpered.

"Nani?! Now? Guess I should have tried that earlier."

"Tasuki! G-get Mitsukake n-now!" I gritted my teeth at the pain.

Man.. I've never seen him move that fast. I tried to remember how to breathe. I groaned as I felt the contractions coming faster. I tried to rise from the chair only to fall back onto it.

"Ite!"

Chikuso! Where is Mitsukake?! It hurts… it hurts bad.

I was closing my eyes and breathing heavily when strong arms picked me up when a calm voice commanded to take me to the room. I opened my eyes slowly, a burning pain in my abdomen. I stared up into the amber eyes of my husband through blurry eyes.

"A-anata.. It hurts." I choked out.

****************************

Tasuki carried agonized Kimiko to their room. Mitsukake was already inside. Preparations were made as contractions sent waves of agony over her already sore body. After 3 hours of intense pain of labour, Kimiko had several mood swings finally ending in frustration and anger.

Kimiko was yelling, "This is your entire fault! Baka! Bogei! AHO!"

"My fault? What in the name of Suzaku are you talking about?!"

She started to reply but got caught by torture worthy wave of pain sending her into a scream.

"Auuuuuugh! K'so! Itai itaaai! D-don't you DARE l-lay a h-h-and on me AGAIN! Konoyarou!" She half panted, half screamed. "I need drugs! Mitsukake! Where are the drugs?! Gods why couldn't I have given birth in the other world where there is anesthetic!"

Mitsukake interrupted the screaming battle with a calm soothing tone, "Kimiko-san, you are doing well. Remember to breathe when pushing."

"Uuunnnngh! I am! I am! Hu hu hu hu hee hee hee hee! Aaaaaagh!" She screamed as she gave a mighty push. "Bogei! Get out of my sight!"

Tasuki stared at her wondering whether she was serious and started to reluctantly leave not wanting to cause his wife to start throwing things at him. Oh and also not to disembowel him once she's finished giving birth. The moment Kimiko saw him starting to leave she gave a piercing shriek.

"Ana-taaaaaaaaaaa! Don't leave! It hurts! It feels like a watermelon squeezing out! AAAaaaaaaaunnngggh!" She screamed and panted heavily.

Tasuki held his wife's hand and with his other arm supported her back as she arched off the bed pushing hard. He winced inwardly as she squeezed his hand as though she wanted to break his bones but his expression did not show it. His clear amber eyes shone with concern and worry with a tinge of fear for his wife.

"All right Kimiko. I can see one of the babies' head. I need to you push hard when I tell you but breathe now first." Mitsukake instructed.

Kimiko's head fell back and she breathed heavily. "I can't!" Her pale but blotchy, sweaty face spoke of her pain.

Tasuki brought the back of her hand to his face and pressed his lips against it, "Yes you can! C'mon don't give up. It's not like you."

She gazed into her husband's eyes seeing his love and fear and conviction. With renewed vigour, she focused herself and took a deep breath before arching sharply off the bed, screaming like banshee as she pushed with all her might.

"AAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUGGGHHHHHHH!"

She fell back on the bed heavily with her head bouncing on her pillow.

Mistukake exclaimed, "Congratulations Tasuki and Kimiko! You have boy!"

Tasuki's head turned towards his new born child and his eyes nearly rolled back in his head for the baby was covered in blood as all babies are when born. But Mitsukake got him cleaned and Tasuki gazed at his baby boy from his wife's side then grinned down at his tired wife.

He said in an awed voice, "Koi… aka-chan kakkoi desu." (Our baby is so cool)

She smiled a smile of grimness and joy. "It's not over yet Gen-chan."

Tasuki blurted out, "There's another one?!"

No one answered him and he handed his baby boy to Nuriko who just came in then knelt by his exhausted wife's side.

Mitsukake muttered while sweat beaded on his forehead, "Now Kimiko… start breathing. This one is impatient to come out."

"I know! I want it to come out too!" She took deep breaths, feeling as though the agony would go on forever.

And so Kimiko screamed her pain as the process went on. But thank her lucky stars for her second baby who was impatient to leave her mother's womb came out more easily than her first.

Finally, feeling battered and sore, Kimiko got her chance to hold her beautiful baby boy and girl before collapsing and falling into a deep slumber.

******************

-Aftermath- The real end… a new beginning?-

The whole family was having a picnic in the courtyard of the Konan Palace. By whole family it means all the Seiryuu and Suzaku Shichiseishi along with their young ones.

~Kimiko~

The sky was blue and everyone was having fun. My little darlings were crawling on the picnic blanket. Both of them are one and a half years old and have just learned to walk though they both seem to have the same speed and energy as their father for now they are climbing all over him and he is calling for help.

Akina has a fiery head of reddish orange hair and clear green emerald eyes not unlike my own except hers sparkled more with mischief as she pulled her father's ear. Akira was calmer than his sister as a baby. He has a deeper and darker shade of reddish orange hair and his father's gorgeous amber eyes. Less mischievious than his sister but still can get up to a whole lot of mischief. Ahh… it's their father's genes.

"Koi! Tasukete! Your children are attacking me!"

"Gods…" I rolled my eyes and started laughing. "C'mon kids I think your tou-san has had enough." I said while laughing and picking Akira off his father.

I think I'll let Akina torture him for a while. Seishiro or Sei-chan, Nuriko and Hotohori's little boy started playing with Akira as I set him down beside him. Nakago and Soi's reddish blonde children, one boy and one girl, looked on with their clear blue eyes while they drank their milk. So kawaii.

Chichiri hasn't married yet but he is courting a woman named Kaze-san. They sat off to one side talking. Tomo and Miboshi were not present as they had some business to attend to but they promised to come later. Ashitare was off somewhere in the wild and Shun-chan and Ami-chan were playing with the kids while their girlfriends sat talking to each other.

Never in my entire life have I felt so content. But I sat there, I knew it was for keeps though sometimes I feel that…

"Hey Kimi-chan! Penny for your thoughts? You look pretty spaced out! Anything wrong?" Nuriko interrupted my thoughts.

"Iie… nan demo nai desu. Everything is great."

Strong, warm arms slipped themselves around me and I turned to gaze into liquid gold amber eyes. He had escaped Akina's clutches and dropped her into Amiboshi's care. Huskily he murmured, "Damn right, everything is great! Love you."

He kissed me on my cheek and I rested my back against his chest. I smiled warmly as I replied, "Aa… love you too."

Yes… everything is just where they belong and everything is going to be great.

~End~

********************************

Last and final note of WDIB:  Oh my lords… It's 2004 people! And I'm back with this epilogue. It's been 6 months and I'm so so so sorry! * ducks when plates and rotten tomatoes come her way * OMG… I can't believe it… it's over.. my one epic fic is finally over! Now I can just store it and kiss it when I want to! Lol  I don't know how I feel about it.. I haven't been writing in so long! You won't believe how much I've had to go thru. Well my main reason for not exactly coming online was the fact that my dad fell ill last year… there was an operation and he's on treatment now.. Traumatic time it was. It still is but its better now. Next thing is that this year is a VERY busy year especially since I have to juggle my studies and activities because of the GCE O Level exams this year.. very very vital for my future. Anyways I hope you all will forgive me and I hope you guys enjoyed going on this journey of self discovery with Kimiko just like I did.

I kinda feel relieved? And sort of sad cause its all over. Relieved because I've actually finished it and even though it wasn't very very good I'm proud of it. It allowed me to meet all of you great people, served as an outlet and is an achievement. Sad cause I may not be writing anymore because of the reasons above. Perhaps I will be going on a hiatus. A thousand apologies everyone. Also much to disappointment of myself and all of you, there will not be a sequel. I've poured all my newbie ideas into this one.. and my heart and soul. And well, I look upon it with a sort of reverence and I think a sequel will not do justice to it. But not to fear, when a creative muse hits me with an idea I'll try to write it down. Most likely I'll be either writing shorter fics.. one shots if you please. Perhaps as side stories to this fic or a totally different ideas. Feel free to look out for them. I will be very grateful to see all of you then too! But for now I will be going back to being a reader. But I won't say that  I will definitely go on a hiatus cause if I do I know I will have many many ideas flowing in… lol and there will be a fic produced and that will probably stress my poor brain out. Never say never.

If y'all want to email me please do so! I look forward to all emails! Lol! My email is rukawakun22511@hotmail.com or if you all want me to read your stories I'll try my best to do so! Ahh… such a sad parting.. Hugs for everyone! I would just like to let all of you know that I love all of you loyal readers. All of you like Shadow Hawk, Song wind, Meta Lise, FYfangirl26 and so on. I would love to say all my thank you's individually to y'all but then I'll probably start becoming sad and taking up a lot of space so I would like to just say I love all of you and thank you thank you thank you to each and everyone of you reading this loooong note and fic of course.

Love you all! * hugs * Catch y'all later next time.

Arigatou!

Matta ne!

~Fiery- Ice~ 

P.S: R/R onegai shimasu! Arigatou!!