AN: This is dedicated to Shinomu. Last chapter, then an epilogue. Thanks for reading this fic all through out. I really appreciate your reviews and everything. I don't know when, but I think I'll be posting two of my fics. One of those was already finished, but I think I'll be making some typos and everything. The other one, well, I'm still working on it. Anyway, the bottom line is, I'm inviting you to read it too once its posted. And…I wanted to write something that's PG13. Hehehe…

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Magic Knight Rayearth. All compliments should go to CLAMP. But this story's mine. So compliment about this fic should go to me. Hehehe…

Chapter 8: CONFESSIONS AND GOODBYES

- UPPERWORLD, ANGEL LANTIS' PERSONAL QUARTERS-

Angel Lantis sat down on his makeshift couch tiredly. He massaged his temple to ease out the knotted muscles on his head. Then he tipped his head and let it rest at the head of the couch to relax some more.

He just came back from an important mission on Earth, in Cuzco, Peru, to help an important Inca Empire tribe chief in escaping death and escaping his captors as well. It was too tiring because on the side of the captors, a devil appeared, and told one of the captors that he was helping the Inca chief and the captors decided to give him a fight, with the devil helping them. It was a good thing that he came out of that ordeal unharmed, and was still able to help the Inca chief escape. After that, he was sent next to Paris, France to help a distressed Prince in making the biggest decision in his life: accepting the proposition from his father of marrying the Princes of Luxembourg and getting the throne after the marriage, or his disownment to the family in order to be with the American au pair that he loves. Then he went to three more countries to give help over health problems and to guide misguided souls too. After that, he was finally able to return to Heaven and rest for the day until he was called again for another mission.

The day that he came back to Heaven after his mission with Shidou Hikaru, he immediately reported to Pluto-sama and told him of the developments on the redhead. Pluto-sama was pleased with him that's why he assigned him as Shidou Hikaru's guardian angel from then on. Then he requested to Pluto-sama that he be given assignments immediately to help other people. When Pluto-sama asked him why, he said that he was thrilled with helping other people that's why he wanted to help others too. Pluto-sama then looked him in the eye, sifting through the very depths of his soul, and after that, Pluto-sama nodded at him and immediately gave him a new mission in the United States. He knew that Pluto-sama knew the true reason, but it was a good thing that Pluto-sama did not asked anymore questions, after all he really did wanted to help others, it's just that that's not the only reason. There was another.

He wanted less time thinking about Hikaru and more time thinking about others and about his missions.

After that, Pluto-sama kept him busy with all the missions back on Earth and around Heaven. He was sent to talk to Jupiter-sama, Mars-sama and Mercury-sama, and was already one of the very few angels who was able to see the goddess of beauty Venus-sama, but he was unfazed by the goddess' beauty, for it was still the Japanese redhead that he considers as the most beautiful creature that God has created.

Pluto-sama helped him discreetly in getting over his feelings for the redhead, and he cooperated willingly, but they both failed. It was proven when he visited the redhead while he was en route to the Philippines to help save the President when a group of armed men attempted to kill her. He decided to check on the redhead and see if she was already a changed person. He went to Tokyo University, at Lab 16, and found her in front of the class, explaining something about her and Fuu's research paper. He was taken aback as the familiar warm feeling coursed through his body and all over his system. To his dismay, and relief as well, he discovered that he still loves the redhead as much as he loved her from before, maybe even stronger. And he was taken aback by the simplicity of her beauty and her charm. With her eyes alone, she can captivate the attention of people and people who look on her red, ruby orbs will find themselves sinking deeper in the spell of Shidou Hikaru. With her smile, she can gain the respect and trust of her fellow students and professors. Her cheery disposition can drive your bad mood away, and once you get too close with the redhead, you will be infected with her happiness and genkiness.

After seeing Hikaru perform a very outstanding report, one in which her professor clapped his hands in satisfaction and her classmates cheered on her for a well-researched and well-explained report, Hikaru bowed in front of them and went back to her seat beside her friend Fuu. After that, he followed her as she went through her activities for the whole day, and even took note that Fuu and that Ferio guy were very sweet on one another, while that girl Umi and a new guy Ascot were very sweet as well. That left Hikaru without a partner, but that's fine with the redhead. He noticed also that Umi and Ferio were changed persons as well, because they no longer boss around and they never picked fights again with anybody. In fact they were very friendly and greeted every person they pass on the hall. With one last satisfied look, he finally went to the Philippines to accomplish his mission.

Although he was very busy with all the missions that Pluto-sama gave him, he was till able to have a free time. And during those free times, all he did was to think about Hikaru and everything about her. All he would do was to close his eyes and he can see Hikaru's smiling face again. Not just her face but also her will that drew him to her and caught his attention and in the process, his heart as well. She was a very determined soul, and would do anything that she was told to do or she thought to do. Even in a simple chore as cleaning her room, she would put so much energy that her boring chore would turn out to be interesting and fun. He doesn't know how she does it, but she was able to turn every bad thing into good, the perfect example was herself. Hikaru changed herself for her love ones and he was happy because she was on the good side once again. All he wished was he was given an extra time to be with her and not just this, occasional time to see her and be with her.

He was disrupted from his reverie when he heard a soft knock on the door. Although the knock was gentle, he was still startled.

He stood up and opened the door, and found Angel Sally outside, Pluto-sama's personal messenger. "Yes, Angel Sally? You wanted something from me?" he asked politely, smiling at her co-angel.

Angel Sally smiled back, "Yes. Pluto-sama wish to see you," she answered.

Angel Lantis was taken aback, but followed Angel Sally. When they reached Pluto-sama's room, Angel Sally knocked on the door and left. He entered the room and went straight to Pluto-sama's throne.

He bowed down before the Lord of the Dead. Pluto-sama looked tenderly at him and pointed him to a chair. He followed.

"I wanted you to go back to Earth," Pluto-sama started.

He nodded, "For a mission again, Pluto-sama?" he asked.

To his amazement, Pluto-sama shook his head. "No. I wanted you to go back to Earth, specifically to Tokyo, and speak with that redhead Shidou Hikaru,"

A few hours after Pluto-sama ordered him to go to Earth and talk to Hikaru, Angel Lantis was standing in front of Tokyo University, his wings and powers stripped off him. Pluto-sama told him that he will be powerless on Earth and his 'angelness' would only return once he resolve his problems and talk with Hikaru. Sighing, he entered the gates of Tokyo University. He was in normal clothes: blue sports shirt and white crisp pants. He had on a pair of rubber shoes and a baseball cap. Pluto-sama arranged everything so he would look like a normal person when he went down on Earth.

He went to the cafeteria of the school and searched for Hikaru. He spotted her at a table near the corner of the big room, with Umi and Fuu. He walked to their table and stopped when he was in front of them.

The three quickly stopped in their conversation and looked at him strangely. It was Fuu who spoke to him. "Yes, Mister?"

He smiled at them and pulled down his cap. Hikaru gasped while Umi and Fuu narrowed their eyes at him. "Angel Lantis?!" Hikaru asked. Recognition came into Umi and Fuu's eyes, and they smiled at him and Umi even patted the free chair at Hikaru's side.

"Onegai, have a seat. Gomen, but we weren't able to recognize you immediately," Umi said, looking apologetically at him.

He offered the three girls a small smile before sitting on the chair. "Don't give it another thought. I understand you," he said, then he turned his eyes to Hikaru and smiled at the redhead, "But I guess Hikaru here hasn't forgotten everything about me, not about how I look, I think," he continued.

Hikaru nodded slowly as a blush crept up on her cheeks, "Hai. How could I forget the face of my savior?" she answered.

He nodded. Umi caught his attention when the latter coughed, "Gomen to ask, but why are you here, Angel Lantis? We thought that you wouldn't be going back here again,"

Angel Lantis only smiled at them again, " I thought so too. I thought after I guide Hikaru back to the light, Pluto-sama, my Lord, would get me other missions and I won't be seeing you again. But then…" he stopped and looked meaningfully at the redhead.

"But then…?" Fuu pressed, taking note of Angel Lantis' glance at Hikaru. She caught Umi's eyes and a silent message passed through them.

Because he was robbed off his powers, Angel Lantis was unable to feel the feelings on his surroundings, as his senses were brought down to their lowest. "But then…Pluto-sama finally called it enough when even after months since I came back to Heaven, I was still distracted…" he finished.

Hikaru looked at him, and their eyes locked. They continued to stare at each other as if they were the only beings left on Earth. It was then that Umi and Fuu decided to give Hikaru and Angel Lantis a little privacy.

"Uhm, we're sorry but we have to get to the library for some unfinished assignments," Fuu said, standing up. Hikaru and Angel Lantis did not even lift her heads for a nod or waved goodbye or said something. They just stared at each other as silent took on them. It was Hikaru who broke the spell first.

"Angel Lantis…"

"Lantis would be fine," he intercepted.

Hikaru smiled, and her eyes twinkled. "So Lantis it is. What…what made you come back…?" she asked.

Angel Lantis sighed, and then he looked around the room and looked back at Hikaru. "When will your next class be?" he asked instead.

Hikaru glanced at her watch, "Not in the next one hour, you wanted us to talk on a more private place?" she asked hopefully.

Angel Lantis nodded. With that, they went out the cafeteria and out into the football field, where Hikaru's room was closest.

"Is this private enough?" she asked as they settled down on a bleacher.

Angel Lantis nodded and smiled at her. "Yes, this is fine enough for a serious talk. Thank you,"

Hikaru smiled back then glanced back the field. "I missed you," she said suddenly.

Angel Lantis was taken aback, but nevertheless he looked tenderly at the redhead and smiled at her, one of the rare smiles that could be seen painted on his face, "I missed you as well, and I couldn't stop thinking about you ever since I went back to Heaven," he said. There! I finally said it! He exclaimed to himself, proud that he was able to tell her how he's been feeling.

Hikaru's smiled widened, and she returned her eyes back at him, "I know what you feel. I haven't stopped thinking about you ever since…that night that you saved me from Nova's hands…"

Silence took them. It felt wonderful to have Hikaru by his side, even better than all the praises that he got whenever he accomplishes an important mission. This feeling was even better than that exultant feeling that he gets whenever he accomplishes a mission and saves another soul. In fact, this feeling was even better than what he felt when he finally got Hikaru out of Nova's schemes. There is not a single word that could explain how he feels right now, how happy and contented he is by just being with the redhead. All he knows is that he must be in cloud nine right now, and they weren't even talking!

But then, he knew that he needed to do something, to let out from his chest the feelings that he has been feeling for the redhead even during his mission.

So summoning all his courage, he turned to Hikaru and found her staring at him. Instead of dropping her gaze, Hikaru just continued on staring at him. "You're so beautiful…" he heard her murmur. And as if watching him was not enough, she raised one hand and traced the outline of his face with her fingertips, barely touching his skin. A delicious warmth coursed through Angel Lantis, and despite his difficulty in breathing, he did not moved a muscle nor uttered a single word to stop her. He let Hikaru linger her fingers on his face. Through closed eyes he reached for her and touched her face as well.

"And you're very beautiful too, Hikaru…" he breathed. He touched her forehead, her cheekbones, her chin, her nose, then her lips. He cupped her face with one hand and with his index finger; he traced her lips delicately, almost as if he was holding an expensive china.

And then, he didn't knew who moved what or leaned, but the next moment he found himself kissing Hikaru with all the intensity and feelings that he bottled up inside him. He kissed her as if he never kissed anyone before. He kissed her as if it was the only thing that he could do, that he ought to do. He kissed her as if kissing her was like drinking water from heaven, as if kissing her was the only right thing to do.

Gradually, the kiss slowed, and he rested his forehead on hers, their hands intertwined. He then noticed that she was seating on his lap, when and how he didn't know. All he knows was that it felt so good and so right to kiss her and hold her like this. He breathed in her scent and smiled. She smelled like vanilla and cream, and it was very intoxicating. He tightened his hold on her hand as his other arm tightened around her hips. He couldn't ask for more than anything else. Holding Hikaru like this was like a dream come true. No, scratch that. It is a dream come true. And he was very happy indeed.

Hikaru, on the other hand, still has her eyes closed as she pressed her cheek on Angel Lantis' broad chest. She listened as his heart beat every second, sometimes on rhythm, other times not. She took a deep breath and in so doing, she smelled his scent. He smelled of peppermint, cigar smoke and faint perfume, and she found his smell just right and perfect.

Ever since he went out of her life permanently, she anticipated every morning to hear his voice, or if she was about to decide on what to do, but none came. She let it pass, sometimes with a shrug of her shoulder, sometimes with a smile. But deep inside, she was disappointed, because ever since she laid her eyes on the Angel, she knew she fell for the heavenly creature hopelessly. She dreamed about him every night, whenever she wakes up he was the first one that comes inside her head, and the last one to leave her thoughts as she lay down on her bed.

Even Umi and Fuu noticed her restlessness, and she confessed to them that she has fallen in love with the Angel who saved her life not just once, but many times already. Her best friends accepted this without another word, just comforting hugs and consoling pats on the back. After all, they all now that her love would never be returned, as Lantis is already an angel. But now… after the kiss that they shared and this intimate hug…she could tell that Angel Lantis feels something for her as well…

After the comfortable silence that engulfed them, Hikaru pulled slowly away from Angel Lantis to look him in the eye. "Do you feel something for me too?" she asked softly.

Angel Lantis nodded, not breaking off with the eye contact. He licked his lips and smiled a little, before placing a hand on Hikaru's arm that was wrapped around his neck. "Yes. I don't know how or why or what happened, but I just found myself loving you and caring for you the way I haven't cared for anybody else. I love you with all my heart, with all my being, Hikaru, and I don't know what to do about it," he answered passionately.

Hikaru smiled as well, her eyes sparkling in both happiness and loneliness. "Hai, we both don't know what to do about it. I'm human, you're an angel. Surely, there is some kind of law in Heaven that says Angels can't be with the mortals, unless if it's for a mission, right?"

He just smiled and said nothing, then pulled her for another hug, which Hikaru did not resisted. She then felt Lantis' lips kissing her forehead, once a while ruffling her hair and settling it back again. Then she felt his hands move up and down her back, as his one arm tightened around her. She let out a smile contentedly and buried her face in his shoulder before closing her eyes. She savored their closeness because she knew that this would be the first and last time that her Angel will be with her. She can feel it in the way that Angel Lantis holds her: as if he was desperately trying to drown the world in her arms, to forget about everything else in the world and just concentrate on their intimacy, on their closeness, on their feelings for each other. In his fierce hug, it was as if he wanted to change what was written and have her in his arms like this, forever. But they both knew that these feelings that they have, although sweetly requited, couldn't be pursued for reasons known: he was immortal, she was a mortal. Maybe they can be together, in the after life, but for how long are they going to wait?

So now that they have the chance, why not cherish the moment while it still lasts?

Hikaru pulled back from the hug and looked deep in Angel Lantis' deep purple eyes. "I know there really is no need for words, but I just wanted to tell you that I love you very much, Lantis. I love you not because you're so strong or powerful or so holy, but because you're every inch of a man that I dream to have, and you're exactly the hero that everyone wants in his or her life. Heaven might curse me for loving a holy being like you but I can't stop my own heart. And even if I will be sent down to Hell for feeling like this, I do not care and I won't regret it. I'm happy that once in my life, and probably for the rest of my life, I have loved, cared, touched and kissed an Angel who made a very big difference in my life and in the lives of my friends," Hikaru said with a tear on her eyes and a smile on her lips.

Angel Lantis looked lovingly at her and cupped her face with both his hands, "And I love you too, Hikaru. Even I can't resist your charm. And no, Heaven will not condemn you for loving an angel like me, as I am not condemned for loving a mortal like you. It's just too sad that we can't be together forever and whenever we like. And yes, we could still be together in the after life, if you still find it on your heart that you love me and only me, for I know that while in Heaven, I will only love the fiery redhead who stole my heart and wait for her to join me in Paradise," he replied.

Then he brought his lips down again on hers for a long, passionate kiss. He kissed every part of her mouth and teased her lips, asking her to open her mouth for a deeper kiss. When she opened her mouth, he slid his tongue on her mouth and explored the deep recess of her mouth. When her mouth encircled his, he rubbed her back to soothe down the growing passion that was building up on her body. Then he eased the kiss and nipped on her lips. When finally they pulled away from each other, he was satisfied to find her flushing and short of breath, passion flaring behind her ruby eyes. He could see desire embedded on her eyes, and he wanted so much to give in on that ache in his insides too, but he knew that he would be crossing the line there. So he just satisfied himself in nuzzling her neck and occasionally kissing her lips.

"I love you so much Hikaru…and I will be away from you physically only…unlike before, I will always be here by your side, ready to give you help and assist you in everything you want. Although there will be times when I will be away from you because of my other missions, I assure you that I will be back the instant that your need for me increased. Just call out my name and I will give you a sign that indicates I'm just beside you, okay? Don't hesitate to call me, okay?" he said.

Hikaru nodded he head. "Hai, Lantis. I will always remember that. When I have trouble deciding, whisper in my ear the right decision, and where I will be happy, okay? Okay?"

Angel Lantis nodded, as he felt his powers slowly return to him. Almost blindly, he looked up at the sky and saw a ray of light, directly above him and Hikaru. "It's my time to go now, Hikaru…" he said sadly, but nevertheless, there were still traces of happiness on his eyes.

Hikaru nodded, and one again tears brimmed her eyes, "I'm going to miss you like crazy, Lantis, and I will always think of you…always. And maybe even pray for you…"

Angel Lantis smiled as he moved Hikaru to the bleacher and stood up, "And I you, my dear Hikaru. I'll always miss you,"

He started to glow, then his wings sprouted from his back and flapped in the wind. This time, Hikaru was unable to control her tears as she watched her Angel transform in his true form. "I'll miss you…" she whispered once again, yearning detectable on her hoarse voice.

Angel Lantis reached down to his beloved Hikaru and flickered a wrist on her wet face, and soon her face was dry again. He smiled tenderly at her as he started to vanish. "Don't cry, Hikaru. I'm never too far away…and I love you too, just as much," and in the blink of an eye, the Angel finally was out of sight.

Hikaru stood up on wobbly knees and stared in the sky. When she saw an almost invincible wave of the hand, she smiled once again as she threw a kiss on the sky.

"Yeah…we'll see each other again…"

And with that, she climbed out of the bleachers, out of the football field, and back into the corridors of Tokyo U.

Don't forget to read and review one last time!

Peace, men!

(.)-(.)