Sherkoni - Hey everybody! (sniffle) This is the last chappy, so I hope you all enjoy...
I tried to update as soon as I could., you guys are too nice to me. ;;;
- - Please read my other story I did with a friend (YYH) titled, "Healed by the Torn" It's the story I mentioned before, but for some reason you can't really find that penname...anyways....
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Chapter 14
The End of Tiluka and Final Goodbyes
Botan clasped tightly onto Kurama's shirt, tearfully sobbing into the material. "Kurama! We have to help Hiei! He sold his freedom to Tiluka!"
Kurama softly grabbed her face, making her look at him before giving her a determined look. "We'll help him Botan. We just have to devise a plan how "
"A plan!" Botan interrupted. "There isn't any time! Kurama!"
"Botan! Your anger and worry is clouding your judgement!" he argued harshly, tears starting to form in his own eyes. Quickly he pushed Botan off him and took a step towards Reiko. "Tiluka - we are going to free Hiei and don't think we will even remotely consider your life."
The villain just laughed darkly in response. "I'm afraid you wouldn't have the chance to anyway Kurama. You've fallen right into my trap, you've been poisoned."
Kurama just glared at him. "Your mind games won't-" he stopped abruptly, clutching his side. His eyes widened in shock and pain before he let out a pained scream, collapsing to the ground.
"Kurama!" Yusuke cried, rushing to his side. "Kurama, answer me! Are you okay?!"
Kurama only let out another scream in response.
Yusuke's face darkened and angered ki started to form around his body. "You've hurt three of my friends," he whispered angrily, turning to Reiko. "You're going down!" he yelled, charging the demon.
"Yusuke don't!" Botan cried after him in vain. She started to run after him, but stopped in her tracks when Reiko laughed evilly. "YUSUKE!"
Suddenly a spear seemed to appear out of the ground, flying up, violently catching Yusuke in the side. He let out a strangled gasp before sinking to the ground, eyes wide with shock and pain.
"Urameshi!" Kuwabara cried, running to his friend's side. He fell to his knees and ripped the spear out of Yusuke's side, wrapping an arm around his torso to help support him. "Come on! Move Urameshi! Do something, don't be dead!"
"Stupid Kuwabara..." a slight whisper answered, head still bowed in remorse.
Botan cried in happiness, bringing her hands to her face, trying to hold her relief and sorrow together. Suddenly remembering the next part of Reiko's plan, she whipped her head behind her, searching frantically for someone.....anyone....
But Nero was gone.
Tiluka aimed the dagger he still had in his hand at Yusuke and Kuwabara. "What a shame, he's a still alive. We'll have to fix that," he sneered, lip curling angrily. Kuwabara gave him a fearful look, knowing if he tried to move with Yusuke, Tiluka would kill him with that dagger.
"You won't be fixing anything Tiluka," Hiei mused from his position on the wall, sending him a mischievous smile.
"Excuse me?" he snapped, turning to his new prisoner. Botan looked at him suspiciously as well, wondering how he could be so calm and confident.
Hiei laughed in response. Just laughed, before giving him a satisfied smirk. Reiko glared at him, "What are you laughing at?!"
As if on cue, a long, green lariat whipped out shattering the dagger he held in his hand. He gasped, looking up at it's owner, a very pissed off fox demon. "But - but, you s-should be...."
"Dead?" Kurama asked, raising an eyebrow. He grinned. "Youko doesn't die." Botan's mouth fell open in surprise and relief.
Seeing his fate, Reiko frantically searched for a lifeline. Finding a spear on the ground, he hastily picked it up and aimed it at Kuwabara and Yusuke. "Don't do anything stupid, or I'll kill your friends!"
Kurama sighed and shook his head, giving him a light smirk. "You are truly pathetic."
Reiko started to sweat, wondering where the red-head's confidence was coming from. Angrily, he brought the spear back, preparing to prove his point. He dropped the spear with an empty crash as Nero landed in front of Yusuke and Kuwabara protectively, aiming a long silver pistol at the now terrified demon. "You were saying?" Nero implored, smirking in satisfaction at the growing surprise and terror that was entering Reiko's face. Botan gasped in delight. Kurama wasn't dead, Nero didn't leave, Reiko's plan was slowly getting foiled... but Hiei?
"Don't move," Nero commanded Reiko harshly.
Reiko started to obey, but suddenly remember the jewel around his neck. He laughed insanely, his pupils shrinking to small dots. "You can't kill me anyway! Only the Jagan eye has the power to destroy the jewel!"
"Isn't it a shame then that you are now at the mercy of the Jagan eye?" a cold voice answered behind him. Reiko whipped around to come face to face with Hiei. Not even letting Reiko's features contort with fear, Hiei struck his face with a crisp punch, causing him to tumble to the ground in agony.
Kurama suddenly clasped Botan's shoulder, causing her to jump in surprise. "Come on," he said, gently picking her up.
"But Hiei-" she started, only to be cut off.
"We'll only get in the way, he'll hold back if you're here."
Botan gasped. "He's not going to unleash the dragon is he?!"
Kurama shook his head. "No, but he doesn't plan to destroy the jewel, he simply has to get it off Tiluka's neck. He thinks he has enough power to do that."
Botan still looked worried, but nodded anyway. Nero came running up to them, Kuwabara right behind, Yusuke on his back. "Let's get out of here!"
Together, they ran out of the room just as Hiei's enraged energy started to fill the atmosphere. Not wasting time, they hurried down the stairs and were out the front door in less than a minute. Just as they entered the grassy ground in front of the castle, a loud explosion set off in one of the top rooms causing not only the roof to blow off, but the whole castle to crumble and shake.
"Hiei!" Botan cried just as a large stone fell violently at their feet.
Nero narrowed his eyes. "Come on, we need to get to a safer distance," he said shortly, starting to leave, followed closely by Kuwabara. Kurama started to leave as well, but stopped when Botan grabbed his wrist, staring worriedly at the collapsing castle.
"Hiei..."
"Botan come on! He can take care of himself," Kurama exclaimed in exasperation, tugging on Botan's arm.
"We can't leave him!"
"Botan!"
Botan ripped angrily out of his grasp. "Well I can't leave him," she snapped, turning and running into the crumbling building.
"Botan!"
Not hearing Kurama's cry, Botan ran through the main hall, rushing up the stairs as fast as her aching legs would allow her. She reached the same room and frantically pushed open the door. She gasped as a tumbling rock almost landed on her and tried to see through the growing layer of dust and noise. She ran over to where she had been chained before, straining her eyes for any sign of Hiei.
Not paying attention she tripped over a black lump. "Ow..." she grumbled, glaring at the culprit. She gasped - the "black lump" was Hiei!
She ran over to him and shook his shoulder. Getting no response, she turned him over. He had blood trailing down his cheek and forehead, his face pale and breath shallow. "Hiei..."
More rocks and chunks of the building fell in larger numbers, the ground itself shaking, threatening to collapse at any moment. "Please get up..." she whispered, but to no avail. Hearing a loud rupture, she whipped her head up. Rock was falling right towards them rapidly, at least ten of them!
Not wanting to leave Hiei, she gripped him tightly, laying on top of him, emitting a loud scream.
Then all was black.
Botan woke to cold concrete pressing against her face. Groaning, she slowly opened her eyes, taking in her surroundings. Reality came rushing back to her like a piano crashing on one of those stupid cartoons. Gasping, she hauled her self up, only to crash into more concrete. Rubbing her sore head and making sure to keep her head lower, she glanced at the fire demon beneath her.
"Hiei?" she asked, voice trembling. She almost cried with reassurance when she saw bits of scarlet appearing beneath lids.
"Botan?" he whispered, averting his gaze to her soft face.
"I'm here," she murmured, stroking his cheek.
"What happened?"
Botan gulped. "We're caved in..." she replied. "But we're lucky to be alive."
Hiei didn't say anything, closing his eyes in solitude. In an instant, they flew back open, glaring at the ferry girl next to him. "What are you doing here?!"
Botan frowned. "You didn't think I'd leave you, did you?"
Hiei groaned, shutting his eyes again. "I'm going to kill Kurama..."
'If we see him again,' Botan thought to herself, shivering slightly - half from the cold and half from fear.
"You scared?"
Botan jumped at the deep, hoarse voice. "No..." she lied.
"That's what I thought."
Feeling coarse, strong fingers touching her own, she sighed. Hiei closed his eyes and started singing softly. It was a beautiful song, sung in a different language, but the tone and rhythm carried waves of comfort. Botan listened to him sing, his voice quiet from injury, but still polished and beautiful. She had almost started to drift into a pleasant sleep, when the singing stopped.
"Botan..."
"Yes?"
"I didn't tell you before..."
Botan blinked, gazing at the fire demon quizzically.
"But....I love you..."he whispered, a small smile tugging on the corners of his lips, before passing out.
"H-Hiei.." she croaked, hoping for a response. Not getting one, she let a few tears slip down her cheeks. She wanted to tell him, but knew his energy was slipping as it was, so she didn't try to wake him. Swallowing the rest of her tears that were pushing on her eyes, she drifted into a disturbed slumber...
Botan awoke comfortably, a soft pillow caressing her cheek. She sighed contentedly and buried herself further into the silk sheets. She paused - silk sheets? That must mean she was in her own bed. But that means...
She bolted upright and jumped out of bed. Throwing on her robe, she dashed out into the halls of the Spirit World palace, bursting into Koenma's office. A surprised Koenma, Yusuke, Kurama, Kuwabara and Nero stared at her.
"Botan, I'm so glad you're up. Are you alr "
"Where's Hiei?! Is he alright?!"
Koenma raised an eyebrow. "He's fine. You've been asleep for 2 days. He healed in that time."
She sighed in slight relief before glaring at her friends again."Well where is he?!"
"Um...I believe he was just headed to the Ningenkai portal back to Makai Botan?"
Botan didn't even hear the last part of Koenma's statement as she flew out of the room, summoning her oar as she ran. Where was he going?! Didn't he at least want to say good-bye?!
Hopping on her oar, she soared towards Ningenkai as fast as she could. Racing in between buildings and trees, she flew towards the portal. As it came into view, she saw a figure that could only be Hiei about to step into it. "Hiei!"
He paused and turned to look at her, surprise etched across his features. Without even bothering to land her oar, she jumped off, unceremoniously landing on him. Instinctively, he caught her and set her down, giving her the same shocked look, however a slight nervous edge now laced his face as well. "What are you doing here Botan?" he stammered.
Panting slightly, she clutched his arms for support. "Wh-Where are you - going?" she gasped.
He looked at the ground. "Makai."
"Where in Makai?"
"I don't know."
"But how will I "
"You won't be able to contact me."
She gaped at him with wide eyes. "But..."
"I want it this way onna," he replied, lightly shoving out of her grip stepping towards the portal again.
Angrily Botan ran into his path, clutching his shoulders. "Wait Hiei!" she cried, a lump forming in her throat.
"Botan "
"I love you Hiei."
He stared at her a moment in shock, his features softening with sadness. Sighing he placed a hand on her cheek, forcing her to look up at him. "I love you too, Botan, and I probably always will," he paused, his jaw tightening, "But this proposes a problem. You, even myself, almost lost our lives because of....love," he paused again, an eyebrow raising, "Besides, if I'm remembering correctl- "
Botan interrupted, knowing where this was going. "I thought you could tell - that was part of Tiluka's plan. I didn't mean a word," she said lightly, her gaze lingering on his lips.
"Thought so..." he murmured, but relief was clearly evident in his tone. He glanced up, becoming more and more aware how close Botan's lips were getting. Taking a breath, he placed a finger on Botan's lips, stopping her in mid-motion. Tears stinging at his eyes, he grabbed her in a tight hug.
"For your safety and well-being," he whispered into her hair, "please don't try to find me."
Botan clutched him tightly, as if... if she held on tight enough, she might be able to keep him here. "Please don't leave me..."
Hiei clutched his eyes tight, but a tear slipped through despite his efforts. Botan started when she heard a soft clink on the ground next to her. Peering down, she saw a midnight black gem on the ground by her feet. Curious, she bent down to pick it up, but Hiei got there first. Holding it close to his face, he smiled. "I always wondered what they would look like..."
Gently, he placed it in Botan's trembling hand and kissed her forehead lightly. "I love you onna."
Botan went to hug his warm form one last time, but a cold wind greeted her instead. She clutched the gem tightly in her hand, vainly looking around with her eyes. Falling softly to her knees, she started crying.
He was gone.
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THE END
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You have to review before going on to the epilogue! (Well not really, but it would be nice )
I tried to update as soon as I could., you guys are too nice to me. ;;;
- - Please read my other story I did with a friend (YYH) titled, "Healed by the Torn" It's the story I mentioned before, but for some reason you can't really find that penname...anyways....
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Chapter 14
The End of Tiluka and Final Goodbyes
Botan clasped tightly onto Kurama's shirt, tearfully sobbing into the material. "Kurama! We have to help Hiei! He sold his freedom to Tiluka!"
Kurama softly grabbed her face, making her look at him before giving her a determined look. "We'll help him Botan. We just have to devise a plan how "
"A plan!" Botan interrupted. "There isn't any time! Kurama!"
"Botan! Your anger and worry is clouding your judgement!" he argued harshly, tears starting to form in his own eyes. Quickly he pushed Botan off him and took a step towards Reiko. "Tiluka - we are going to free Hiei and don't think we will even remotely consider your life."
The villain just laughed darkly in response. "I'm afraid you wouldn't have the chance to anyway Kurama. You've fallen right into my trap, you've been poisoned."
Kurama just glared at him. "Your mind games won't-" he stopped abruptly, clutching his side. His eyes widened in shock and pain before he let out a pained scream, collapsing to the ground.
"Kurama!" Yusuke cried, rushing to his side. "Kurama, answer me! Are you okay?!"
Kurama only let out another scream in response.
Yusuke's face darkened and angered ki started to form around his body. "You've hurt three of my friends," he whispered angrily, turning to Reiko. "You're going down!" he yelled, charging the demon.
"Yusuke don't!" Botan cried after him in vain. She started to run after him, but stopped in her tracks when Reiko laughed evilly. "YUSUKE!"
Suddenly a spear seemed to appear out of the ground, flying up, violently catching Yusuke in the side. He let out a strangled gasp before sinking to the ground, eyes wide with shock and pain.
"Urameshi!" Kuwabara cried, running to his friend's side. He fell to his knees and ripped the spear out of Yusuke's side, wrapping an arm around his torso to help support him. "Come on! Move Urameshi! Do something, don't be dead!"
"Stupid Kuwabara..." a slight whisper answered, head still bowed in remorse.
Botan cried in happiness, bringing her hands to her face, trying to hold her relief and sorrow together. Suddenly remembering the next part of Reiko's plan, she whipped her head behind her, searching frantically for someone.....anyone....
But Nero was gone.
Tiluka aimed the dagger he still had in his hand at Yusuke and Kuwabara. "What a shame, he's a still alive. We'll have to fix that," he sneered, lip curling angrily. Kuwabara gave him a fearful look, knowing if he tried to move with Yusuke, Tiluka would kill him with that dagger.
"You won't be fixing anything Tiluka," Hiei mused from his position on the wall, sending him a mischievous smile.
"Excuse me?" he snapped, turning to his new prisoner. Botan looked at him suspiciously as well, wondering how he could be so calm and confident.
Hiei laughed in response. Just laughed, before giving him a satisfied smirk. Reiko glared at him, "What are you laughing at?!"
As if on cue, a long, green lariat whipped out shattering the dagger he held in his hand. He gasped, looking up at it's owner, a very pissed off fox demon. "But - but, you s-should be...."
"Dead?" Kurama asked, raising an eyebrow. He grinned. "Youko doesn't die." Botan's mouth fell open in surprise and relief.
Seeing his fate, Reiko frantically searched for a lifeline. Finding a spear on the ground, he hastily picked it up and aimed it at Kuwabara and Yusuke. "Don't do anything stupid, or I'll kill your friends!"
Kurama sighed and shook his head, giving him a light smirk. "You are truly pathetic."
Reiko started to sweat, wondering where the red-head's confidence was coming from. Angrily, he brought the spear back, preparing to prove his point. He dropped the spear with an empty crash as Nero landed in front of Yusuke and Kuwabara protectively, aiming a long silver pistol at the now terrified demon. "You were saying?" Nero implored, smirking in satisfaction at the growing surprise and terror that was entering Reiko's face. Botan gasped in delight. Kurama wasn't dead, Nero didn't leave, Reiko's plan was slowly getting foiled... but Hiei?
"Don't move," Nero commanded Reiko harshly.
Reiko started to obey, but suddenly remember the jewel around his neck. He laughed insanely, his pupils shrinking to small dots. "You can't kill me anyway! Only the Jagan eye has the power to destroy the jewel!"
"Isn't it a shame then that you are now at the mercy of the Jagan eye?" a cold voice answered behind him. Reiko whipped around to come face to face with Hiei. Not even letting Reiko's features contort with fear, Hiei struck his face with a crisp punch, causing him to tumble to the ground in agony.
Kurama suddenly clasped Botan's shoulder, causing her to jump in surprise. "Come on," he said, gently picking her up.
"But Hiei-" she started, only to be cut off.
"We'll only get in the way, he'll hold back if you're here."
Botan gasped. "He's not going to unleash the dragon is he?!"
Kurama shook his head. "No, but he doesn't plan to destroy the jewel, he simply has to get it off Tiluka's neck. He thinks he has enough power to do that."
Botan still looked worried, but nodded anyway. Nero came running up to them, Kuwabara right behind, Yusuke on his back. "Let's get out of here!"
Together, they ran out of the room just as Hiei's enraged energy started to fill the atmosphere. Not wasting time, they hurried down the stairs and were out the front door in less than a minute. Just as they entered the grassy ground in front of the castle, a loud explosion set off in one of the top rooms causing not only the roof to blow off, but the whole castle to crumble and shake.
"Hiei!" Botan cried just as a large stone fell violently at their feet.
Nero narrowed his eyes. "Come on, we need to get to a safer distance," he said shortly, starting to leave, followed closely by Kuwabara. Kurama started to leave as well, but stopped when Botan grabbed his wrist, staring worriedly at the collapsing castle.
"Hiei..."
"Botan come on! He can take care of himself," Kurama exclaimed in exasperation, tugging on Botan's arm.
"We can't leave him!"
"Botan!"
Botan ripped angrily out of his grasp. "Well I can't leave him," she snapped, turning and running into the crumbling building.
"Botan!"
Not hearing Kurama's cry, Botan ran through the main hall, rushing up the stairs as fast as her aching legs would allow her. She reached the same room and frantically pushed open the door. She gasped as a tumbling rock almost landed on her and tried to see through the growing layer of dust and noise. She ran over to where she had been chained before, straining her eyes for any sign of Hiei.
Not paying attention she tripped over a black lump. "Ow..." she grumbled, glaring at the culprit. She gasped - the "black lump" was Hiei!
She ran over to him and shook his shoulder. Getting no response, she turned him over. He had blood trailing down his cheek and forehead, his face pale and breath shallow. "Hiei..."
More rocks and chunks of the building fell in larger numbers, the ground itself shaking, threatening to collapse at any moment. "Please get up..." she whispered, but to no avail. Hearing a loud rupture, she whipped her head up. Rock was falling right towards them rapidly, at least ten of them!
Not wanting to leave Hiei, she gripped him tightly, laying on top of him, emitting a loud scream.
Then all was black.
Botan woke to cold concrete pressing against her face. Groaning, she slowly opened her eyes, taking in her surroundings. Reality came rushing back to her like a piano crashing on one of those stupid cartoons. Gasping, she hauled her self up, only to crash into more concrete. Rubbing her sore head and making sure to keep her head lower, she glanced at the fire demon beneath her.
"Hiei?" she asked, voice trembling. She almost cried with reassurance when she saw bits of scarlet appearing beneath lids.
"Botan?" he whispered, averting his gaze to her soft face.
"I'm here," she murmured, stroking his cheek.
"What happened?"
Botan gulped. "We're caved in..." she replied. "But we're lucky to be alive."
Hiei didn't say anything, closing his eyes in solitude. In an instant, they flew back open, glaring at the ferry girl next to him. "What are you doing here?!"
Botan frowned. "You didn't think I'd leave you, did you?"
Hiei groaned, shutting his eyes again. "I'm going to kill Kurama..."
'If we see him again,' Botan thought to herself, shivering slightly - half from the cold and half from fear.
"You scared?"
Botan jumped at the deep, hoarse voice. "No..." she lied.
"That's what I thought."
Feeling coarse, strong fingers touching her own, she sighed. Hiei closed his eyes and started singing softly. It was a beautiful song, sung in a different language, but the tone and rhythm carried waves of comfort. Botan listened to him sing, his voice quiet from injury, but still polished and beautiful. She had almost started to drift into a pleasant sleep, when the singing stopped.
"Botan..."
"Yes?"
"I didn't tell you before..."
Botan blinked, gazing at the fire demon quizzically.
"But....I love you..."he whispered, a small smile tugging on the corners of his lips, before passing out.
"H-Hiei.." she croaked, hoping for a response. Not getting one, she let a few tears slip down her cheeks. She wanted to tell him, but knew his energy was slipping as it was, so she didn't try to wake him. Swallowing the rest of her tears that were pushing on her eyes, she drifted into a disturbed slumber...
Botan awoke comfortably, a soft pillow caressing her cheek. She sighed contentedly and buried herself further into the silk sheets. She paused - silk sheets? That must mean she was in her own bed. But that means...
She bolted upright and jumped out of bed. Throwing on her robe, she dashed out into the halls of the Spirit World palace, bursting into Koenma's office. A surprised Koenma, Yusuke, Kurama, Kuwabara and Nero stared at her.
"Botan, I'm so glad you're up. Are you alr "
"Where's Hiei?! Is he alright?!"
Koenma raised an eyebrow. "He's fine. You've been asleep for 2 days. He healed in that time."
She sighed in slight relief before glaring at her friends again."Well where is he?!"
"Um...I believe he was just headed to the Ningenkai portal back to Makai Botan?"
Botan didn't even hear the last part of Koenma's statement as she flew out of the room, summoning her oar as she ran. Where was he going?! Didn't he at least want to say good-bye?!
Hopping on her oar, she soared towards Ningenkai as fast as she could. Racing in between buildings and trees, she flew towards the portal. As it came into view, she saw a figure that could only be Hiei about to step into it. "Hiei!"
He paused and turned to look at her, surprise etched across his features. Without even bothering to land her oar, she jumped off, unceremoniously landing on him. Instinctively, he caught her and set her down, giving her the same shocked look, however a slight nervous edge now laced his face as well. "What are you doing here Botan?" he stammered.
Panting slightly, she clutched his arms for support. "Wh-Where are you - going?" she gasped.
He looked at the ground. "Makai."
"Where in Makai?"
"I don't know."
"But how will I "
"You won't be able to contact me."
She gaped at him with wide eyes. "But..."
"I want it this way onna," he replied, lightly shoving out of her grip stepping towards the portal again.
Angrily Botan ran into his path, clutching his shoulders. "Wait Hiei!" she cried, a lump forming in her throat.
"Botan "
"I love you Hiei."
He stared at her a moment in shock, his features softening with sadness. Sighing he placed a hand on her cheek, forcing her to look up at him. "I love you too, Botan, and I probably always will," he paused, his jaw tightening, "But this proposes a problem. You, even myself, almost lost our lives because of....love," he paused again, an eyebrow raising, "Besides, if I'm remembering correctl- "
Botan interrupted, knowing where this was going. "I thought you could tell - that was part of Tiluka's plan. I didn't mean a word," she said lightly, her gaze lingering on his lips.
"Thought so..." he murmured, but relief was clearly evident in his tone. He glanced up, becoming more and more aware how close Botan's lips were getting. Taking a breath, he placed a finger on Botan's lips, stopping her in mid-motion. Tears stinging at his eyes, he grabbed her in a tight hug.
"For your safety and well-being," he whispered into her hair, "please don't try to find me."
Botan clutched him tightly, as if... if she held on tight enough, she might be able to keep him here. "Please don't leave me..."
Hiei clutched his eyes tight, but a tear slipped through despite his efforts. Botan started when she heard a soft clink on the ground next to her. Peering down, she saw a midnight black gem on the ground by her feet. Curious, she bent down to pick it up, but Hiei got there first. Holding it close to his face, he smiled. "I always wondered what they would look like..."
Gently, he placed it in Botan's trembling hand and kissed her forehead lightly. "I love you onna."
Botan went to hug his warm form one last time, but a cold wind greeted her instead. She clutched the gem tightly in her hand, vainly looking around with her eyes. Falling softly to her knees, she started crying.
He was gone.
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THE END
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You have to review before going on to the epilogue! (Well not really, but it would be nice )