A/N: Yah-hoo! Finally! Prepare for the final chapter of My Little Star! Yes, tis the last chapter. I'm really dreadfully sorry to keep you waiting. Blame school. (sigh) Since one of my classes is Creative Writing, it's gonna be tough to write stuff there and here and blah blah. Eeh… But, I'll try to update my stories every weekend. How does that sound? (smile)

Thank you so much for reviewing, everyone! You guys inspired me to keep going! I hope you enjoy this last chapter!

Disclaimer: NOTHING! NO! NAHDAH! ZIPPO! MEH.

My Little Star
Chapter Eleven

Final Chapter

Bright Stars and Feathers

The sun was already setting… and still… Damian hadn't arrived. I kept telling myself over and over that he was definitely coming. But somehow, the more I thought about it… the more I felt sick to my stomach. This feeling was much different than whenever Papa left me behind. I felt… empty.

I peeked over my shoulder and spotted Tran playing with his friends. He had been acting very strangely. Whenever I brought up Damian, he would always change the subject. I began to wonder if what he said to me was true; that… Damian really wasn't going to come…? I shook the thought out from my head. There was still plenty of time for Damian to show up! It was only six in the evening.

"Watch out, Marlene!"

Just then, a (luckily…) soft volleyball hit right into my face. I just blinked and looked around with a confused face on. That was when I realized I was playing catch with Cloud, Tifa, and Uncle Cid. Tifa slowly made her way through the water and kneeled in front of me.

"Are you alright, Marlene?" she asked me.

I nodded. "Y-Yeah."

"This is the third time Cid hit you in the face," Tifa made a face at that. "Are you sure nothing is bothering you?"

(the ball hit me three times? Where have I been…?) I looked away and patted the water. "I… think the water's just too cold for me," I lied. It was actually quite warm. I ran towards the shore and turned to Tifa and the others. "I'm gonna change!" I yelled to them before I made my way to the Inn. I think I had enough fun outside for now.

As I made my way past the bridge, I noticed a dark figure staring outside the Inn window. I squinted my eyes, finally realizing that it was Uncle Vincent. He looked a little disturbed. His dark red eyes shimmered so brightly, as if he had been crying (of course he wasn't). He turned away and began talking to himself. I perked my head up as I heard another voice respond. It sounded like Nanaki. I wondered what they were talking about? I knew it was wrong to eavesdrop, but they sounded really serious. I hurried inside the Inn and made my way down the hallway. I pressed my ear against the door of their room and remained silent.

"Why Tran would do such a thing is simply a mystery," Nanaki sighed. "He just doesn't have the heart to say it to anyone."

"Perhaps it was because he doesn't want to see Marlene upset?"

I blinked and stepped away. Upset? Upset about what? I leaned forward and continuing listening.

"I overheard Damian and Tran talking about Marlene, right after you guys left. And, even though Damian cares deeply for Marlene, it was his choice not to arrive to this party. Apparently, his brother and Trinity were about to prepare for their wedding outside of Cosmo Canyon. And, of course, Damian would never let them go without him being with them. Although he realizes what he had done to Marlene, his family means a lot to him. The last thing Damian said to Tran was this:

'Whatever you do, do not tell Marlene that I can't come. Even if someone kills you for not telling. I don't want Marlene to be upset at me. Do this as a favor for me.'"

I clenched my fists together and shook my head. No! That couldn't have been true! I knew that Damian really cared about his brother and Trinity… but! I backed into a wall and continued shaking my head.

"Then that means," Uncle Vincent finally answered. "…they never received Marlene's invitation."

My eyes widened. Everything… started to make sense. I delivered my invitations one day after I came back from Cosmo Canyon. And Damian left earlier. So that meant… Tran… told me the real truth about him. I guess I knew how Tran felt when Damian told him not to tell his secret to me. That took a lot of strong will power, but still… it wasn't the best choice to make. I actually wouldn't have been angry at Damian… but to Tran. He lied to me. I hung my head down and turned away from the door.

Suddenly, the it opened. Just when I was about to move out of the way, I tripped over my own feet and fell flat on my bottom (who does that?). I groaned as something fuzzy pressed against my cheek. It was Nanaki.

"Are you alright, Marlene?" he asked in a worried tone. "Did we startle you?"

I shook my head really fast. "N-Nope! I was just… running through the hallways and I fell over... ehehe."

Uncle Vincent lifted an eyebrow at that. "I never heard anyone run through here."

"U-Uh… I was… quietly running…?"

He sighed and kneeled in front of me. "Marlene, were you listening to our conversa-"

"N-No I wasn't! I… was just… u-uhm-!" At that moment, I just wanted to run away, but Papa always said not to run away from problems. I stepped away from Uncle Vincent and fidgeted around. The next thing I knew, Tran was making his way towards me. I didn't even bother to turn around. Somehow, I knew it was him.

"Marlene!" he said. "It's time to eat cake and open presents!" he tugged my arm but I pulled away from him.

"L-Leave me alone!" I yelled, finally turning to face him. "Just go away!"

"Marlene!" Nanaki growled. "What's happened to you?"

Tran stepped back. "M-Marlene?"

I felt slight teardrops rolling down my face. I gasped and immediately brushed past Tran to my room. I just wanted to be alone for a while.

After I changed into my regular clothes, I stared out my window and watched everyone enter the bar (for about ten minutes or so…). To be honest, I never really meant what I said to Tran before. I mean, I was upset about him lying to me, but I felt so guilty about my attitude. I guess I was obsessing more about Damian than having fun with the people at my party. But, I still feel a little empty without him.

I clenched my fists and hopped away from the window. "Alrighty, then!" I said with a grin. "I'm gonna go down and have some fun! But first… I need to talk toTran." Before I could even move, I heard a soft knock on my door. I quickly rushed over and opened it. It was none other than… Uncle Vincent and Nanaki. I stepped back and let them enter. I really hoped they weren't too angry about what I said to Tran (even though, they deserved to be…). Nanaki swung his fire-lit tail around and sat on the ground.

"Marlene, we both know you've been listening to our conversation before," I was actually expecting him to be angry, but he looked worried when he said that. "Exactly… how much have you heard into it?"

I tapped the tip of my foot against the ground. "Just the part about… Damian's reasons for not coming…" he frowned. "Why didn't you tell me before when you called about my party?"

"I'm sorry, but Damian didn't want you to feel sad. But, I think he made you a little worried about him, right?"

I nodded. "More than worried," I sat on my bed next to Uncle Vincent. "Can you tell me what's been going on with Damian?"

Nanaki nodded and turned to face me. "Ever since Damian came back from Wutai, his brother and Trinity agreed that they would never lose sight of each other. A huge bond began to form that day. The day you guys came to Cosmo Canyon, the couple had already decided about planning their wedding outside of their home. Of course, Damian wanted to come, but after he heard about your party, he had to come up with one choice. And… it's obvious that he chose family over your party."

I looked away. "I… see."

"He understands how you will feel if you found out about it. Tran was only trying to protect you. But… I guess the situation grew worse."

I smiled at that thought. Tran must have cared about me as much as Damian. I guess… I should give him some credit. Still, if he told me sooner, I wouldn't have been in this stinky mess. Everything would have turned out differently. I nodded and hopped off of my bed. Uncle Vincent patted my shoulder and asked,

"What are you going to do now?"

I turned and smiled to him. "I have something to say to Tran."

The bar was completely packed! I hadn't realized how much guests I invited! There were hundreds of food selections and even live entertainers! Papa showed me where I was supposed to sit (I was sitting with him, Tifa, Cloud, Uncle Cid, and Uncle Vincent). The food was really great! I had some tasty Okonomiyaki and… a little sushi (I think I was starting to like it…). So much commotion in one place, I think my eardrums exploded a long time ago! It was so much fun! (not the exploding part…)

Actually, the reason why I came inside the bar was to find Tran. I couldn't find him anywhere. I asked his friends, but they had no idea where he was either. I was starting to worry a lot. It was getting dark and Costa del Sol was practically pitch black outside. Papa said that we were going to eat some cake outside when the stars glowed brightly (sounded so romantic actually… besides, he said it was way too hot in the bar… my cake might melt!)

After I finished eating, I snuck outside to grab me some fresh air. It was so relaxing I never even realized the bright stars in the sky. They glowed a bright silver color; perhaps it was preparing for the arrival of the Silver Chocobo feather? I smiled at that thought then decided to head over to the ocean. To my surprise, I found Tran sitting all by himself. I tilted my head and hurried over to him.

"Tran!" I called out. "I've been looking everywhere for you!"

He turned away and grunted. "You were looking for me?"

I made a face at that. "Of course I was! You had me worried!" I frowned and sat next to him. "Listen, I'm sorry about before. I was being greedy. I was thinking about Damian this and Damian that."

Tran faced me. "You shouldn't be the one to say sorry. I should be the one. I lied to you… and I know I shouldn't have. But… Damian… he just… didn't want you to be sad."

I leaned forward and smiled. "But, I wasn't going to be sad even if you told me. If you told me he just wanted to be with his family, I would have understood. Besides, I'm just glad you even showed up."

Tran blushed and stood up. "Yeah well… we're just your 'entertainers', a'ight?"

I giggled. "Yes, yes," I stood up and tugged Tran's arm. "C'mon! There's still a party going on!"

The evening part of my party was so much fun! The stars were glowing so brightly, we didn't even need any other source of light. It was so pretty. Papa and the Turks brought out my yummy ice cream cake! It had pink and white frosting, and of course, different flavors of ice cream in the inside! (I just wanted to sink my head in there…). Soon, everyone began to sing the 'Happy Birthday' song. Uncle Cid was having so much fun, he kept repeating the song over and over until Tifa finally whacked him with a party favor.

"Quickly!" Yuffie called out. "Make a wish before you blow your candles!"

I nodded and closed my eyes for a moment. Finally, I took a deep breath and blew out my six candles (the sixth candle was for good luck!). After I helped Papa hand everyone a slice, it was finally my turn to have one! Strawberry and vanilla goodness! I spotted Uncle Vincent in the back and ran up to him. I tilted my head. He didn't have a piece of my cake. (did I forget him…?). I smiled and lifted my slice to him. He just blinked and shook his head.

"No, thank you."

I frowned. "Aww… why not? It's so yummy!" I paused for a while then grinned. I tugged his cape. Uncle Vincent sighed then crouched down in front of me.

"Yes?"

"Waa-!" I shoved a small piece of my cake right inside his mouth! The look on his face was so funny! (it was all scrunchy!) Uncle Vincent stood up and swallowed the ice cream in one gulp. He took a deep breath, placing his hand on his chest. I smiled and nuzzled against his soft cape.

"See? It's really yummy, right?"

He patted my head. "…yes."

"Hey, oh!" Cait happily called out. "Time for the birthday girl to open her presents! Ah! Open mine first!"

I smiled nervously as Cait tugged me away. "U-Uhm…"

"Hey!" Papa growled as he lifted Cait up. "She ain't gonna open yours first! …it's gonna be mine!"

"Waa-! Not fair, old man!"

"WHAT!"

(after a few minutes of arguing…) Papa gestured me to sit in the middle of a group of people. It was present time! I smiled as Papa handed his gift to me. His wrapping paper was one of my favorites! It had penguins dancing and singing around. I carefully ripped the wrapper off and pulled out new outfits! They were so cute! So much different than the clothes I usually get. I hugged Papa and thanked him a bajillion times.

"Since you are such a big girl, you deserve some big girl outfits. Oh, I just couldn't decide what outfits to get… they were all so pretty…"

I smiled nervously as Uncle Cid began to laugh at that. (ehe…) The next gift was from Tifa and Cloud. They got me a stuffed chocobo named Choco! (when you squeeze its beak, it 'kwees' at you.) I thanked Cloud and Tifa with a hug. One gift after the other, I got stuffed toys, cute outfits, sweets, a… materia holder, (…Yuffie), a toy megaphone from Cait, and a toy model of Uncle Cid's Highwind. The last gift I opened was from Tran. He got me a really pretty blue crystal that shone so brightly! It had a chain wrapped around it so I could wear it as a necklace. I smiled and thanked him. Tran just nodded then gestured for me to follow him. (everyone was busy talking so, I quickly snuck away.)

I followed Tran towards the beach. He was tugging the bottom of his T-shirt a lot. I tilted my head at him and finally asked,

"What's the matter?"

He brought both of his arms out and revealed a box in front. His head was bowed down and he was shaking. I blinked and took the box from him. The tag on it said, 'To: Marlene, from: Damian. Promise me you will always keep it close to you.'

"What's… this?" I asked to Tran.

"Before Damian left, he told me to give that to you."

I smiled and gently opened the box lid. There was only a pink ribbon inside. I pulled it out and stroked my finger against it. It was so velvety and soft. "This is so cute…"

"He said that his mother gave it to him before she passed away. She told him that whenever her ribbon is worn by someone you like, an angel would always watch over you."

I blushed at that. "W-Wow… that was so sweet. I wish he was here so I can thank him properly."

Tran smiled. "I'm sure you'll see him again sometime. And that's the truth."

It was already ten at night. My party was slowly ending as my friends departed into Uncle Cid's Highwind. Of course, Shera stayed behind to fly my Papa and me back to Kalm. I took one final glance up at the dark sky. Not a single silver Chocobo feather came down to my party. I just sighed and shrugged it off. Oh well. I thought it would. I followed the rest of my friends to the Highwind as we talked about my party. I smiled and ran up to Uncle Vincent. I tugged his red cape as he turned around.

"Thank you so much for coming, Uncle Vincent!" I said happily. "That really means a lot."

"Thank you for inviting me," he paused. "But, I apologize for not giving you a gift."

I tilted my head. I never even realized he didn't give me one. I shook my head and smiled. "That's okay. Presents aren't everything."

He kneeled in front of me and took off his red headband. He placed it into my hands and smiled slightly. "You are so grown up. Please, take care of yourself and your father."

I nodded. "I promise!" I wrapped my arms around his neck and nuzzled against his cheek. "Take care, too!"

As we finally arrived back in Kalm, the festival was still going on. It was still lively as this morning! The bright torches never failed to burn out and the excitement in the air never failed to go away. I smiled as Papa and I decided to spend a little time at the festival. There were performers, music, games, anything you could think of!

Before Papa and I could enter our house, the torches surrounding Kalm suddenly died down. One of the villagers yelled out, 'It's coming! It's coming!' Did he mean the silver Chocobo feather? I tugged Papa's arm and gestured for him to follow me. This was my chance to see one at long last! A huge crowd began to form in the center of the town. I squeezed my way through, not quite sure where I was heading exactly. Suddenly, my head hit something very heard in front of me. I fell to my knees and groaned in pain.

Just then, my whole body began to glow a silver-color. A huge beam of light shone on me and… I think it on someone else too… but I couldn't see who it was. The crowds of people started to disappear as I was now surrounded by pitch black. I looked up and spotted the silver Chocobo feather fluttering down. It was so pretty! It was so sparkly and looked so magical. As soon as the feather landed on the ground, I heard a woman's voice inside my head.

'My dearest Marlene… may you live a happy life with the one person you care deeply for.'

Suddenly, the torches around Kalm burned once again. I gasped and stared at the silver Chocobo feather right in front of me. I… just wanted to see one for myself but… receiving one? I blushed and stared at the person in front of me. Our eyes met at the same exact time. We blinked and widened our eyes.

"M-Marlene?"

"D…Da…mian…?"

He smiled. "I found you."

I smiled and nodded my head. I guess… my wish came true afterall…

A/N: End of chapter eleven and MLS. (bows) I really hope you enjoyed reading my story! I might've rushed through the ending, but I thought it was cute. This part: "Uncle Cid was having so much fun, he kept repeating the song over and over." My uncle does that all the time so… I thought Cid would fit that part. Hehehe. Anyways! I was thinking of making a sequel, but nah. I think it's best to leave it like that. Makes you wonder, hm? Anywayses! I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter and story, and please tell me how you thought of it!