And here is the final chapter…enjoy!

Epilogue: Paper Lantern Night

Nearly a week had passed since the downfall of the Radicals and there was still no sign of either Kumiko or Tala. The Dark Shadows kept a close eye on police reports and were surprised and slightly relieved that they had no found either of their bodies in the debris along with Kadin's. The fall of the Radicals was worldwide since as the other locations had been successful in their part as well. The group was fortunate that they were on their spring break but they weren't enjoying it as they should.

Kai and Hotaru was the doing the worst amongst the group. Both hardly left the rooms of solace, which were the rooms of their significant other. Some of the members still had hope but others were sketchy in the return of their leaders. Ryo piled himself with work, not wanting to have the time to worry about his lost daughter and surrogate son. He believed that they would return, it was only a matter of time.

The group was now currently getting ready to go to the annual cherry blossom festival that their school held every year. To them, the set up seemed the same as last year in which Kumiko organized the festival for the town. The theme this year was The Eternal Red Thread. The group had to admit though, the theme had a nice deep meaning to it. They had decided to attend the festival to help get their minds off of unpleasant things and enjoy it as best as they could.

"We should head out now before there are no more parking spots," Mariam said logically. Everyone nodded in agreement and made their way toward the garage. They separated into three SUVs and headed out. In no time at all, they arrived at the festival and began walking around, taking in the sights.

"They did a pretty good job," Midori commented looking around with a soft smile.

"Yeah, I guess they're trying to out do us," Mariah said with a shrug. They continued to walk around, occasionally stopping at a booth to play a game. The guys kept on challenging each other on the games to see who was the better one. All of them were having a good time with still a hint of sadness in their eyes but was covered up with happiness and playfulness. Unaware to the large group, they were being watched by several eyes in the shadows.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

"Looks like they're holding up pretty well," a female commented to her companion.

"They're hiding the pain behind their happy masks," a male stated calmly.

"Only you two would be able to tell that from here," a second female spoke up from behind them sarcastically. "How long do you two plan on hiding in the shadows like this?"

"Only until the others get here, which I have heard was a just a few minutes ago," the first female responded, still watching over the large group.

"Yeah, they should be approaching them in just a few seconds," the second female said looking at her watch. Just as she finished talking, the Dark Shadows were approached by a familiar group of people. The trio was able to hear the exclamations and greetings from both groups that put smiles on their faces.

"It's almost time. Let's go," the male said and gestured for them to lead the way.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

"There's too many of us to make the proper introductions, so just forget it this one time. Besides, we all know each other anyway," Ryuhei said with a grin.

"What are you all doing here?" Ozuma asked with an astonished expression.

"We were invited. Is that a problem?" Daisuke asked back with a raised eyebrow.

"Iie, just wondering who invited you all," Tyson said with a shrug but all the more curious. The Dark Shadows were surprised to see the Red Dragon's leaders, Blue Pyros' leaders along with the ever-present Araki, the Night Raiders and the two leaders of Black Chaos. The whole group began walking toward a quieter area so that they could talk. They stopped next to a rather large koi pond and some sat around on the rocks there or just stood.

"So how are you all holding up?" Shogo asked, knowing that this was a touchy subject. He glanced around through the large group of Dark Shadows and a wave of sadness went through them, more so on some than others. His gaze stopped on Kai and noticed there was anguish along with sorrow.

"We're doing all right. Still looking out for them," Sophie replied with a hopeful smile that didn't exactly reach her eyes.

"Come on you guys. They wouldn't want you guys to gloom and worry over them. They would want you to have some fun tonight," Kanna said, trying to lighten the mood.

"That's right! So no more of these sad faces, especially with me around," a voice proclaimed from somewhere nearby. Everyone turned toward where they heard the voice and had to double take who they saw there. They were slightly disappointed to see the red-eyed Kimiko rather than the onyx black eyed Kumiko. Nonetheless, they were happy to see the older Dark Shadow.

"Kimiko, long time no see," Kanna greeted to the approaching girl.

"Yeah, it's been a while," Kimiko greeted back. She turned toward her fellow Dark Shadows and gave them an assuring but slight mischievous smile. "As I said, no more sad faces and have some fun. Although they might get mad at you guys for having fun without them."

"Now that has some ring of truth to it but it's usually the other way around."

All of the Dark Shadows with the exception of Kimiko had shocked and unbelievable expressions on their faces. Everyone else had knowing smiles on their faces and was taking great joy in seeing their reactions. A minute later they were joined by two more people who they were both happy and relieved to see. Kumiko and Tala had smug smirks on their faces and were dressed for the festival without any injuries visible on them. Kai and Hotaru were the first to shoot from their spots and nearly strangled the newly arrived duo.

"Don't you ever do that to me again," Kai whispered fiercely, hugging Kumiko to him as if she would disappear if he let go.

"Gomen ne Hotaru," Tala whispered gently to his now crying girlfriend. He rubbed her back and began rocking gently to assure that he was there and not some kind of illusion. Before long, Kumiko and Tala were engulfed into a huge hug by their friends, all needing to make sure that they were there. Soon after, they were fired at with endless questions. Kumiko and Tala gave each other a sheepish smile as they waited for everyone to vent out their anger and irritation on them. Kumiko and Tala glanced at the other gang leaders and gave them an annoyed look when they saw that the others were taking great amusement in all this. After what seemed like hours, Kumiko and Tala were able to have some fresh air and recount what had happened to them. When they were done, everyone had surprised looks on their faces.

"So he helped you two get out?" Ozuma asked incredulously. Kumiko and Tala nodded sheepishly. "So where is he now?"

"Not sure. He didn't want to tell us. He just said that we'd most likely never hear from him again," Kumiko responded with a shrug.

"Alright enough talking. We're here wasting the night away. Let's go have some fun!" Kimiko exclaimed, brightening the mood. Everyone followed her lead and began to truly enjoy the festival. Even though they all stuck close to Kumiko and Tala, especially Kai and Hotaru, they were able to make the most of the night having fun.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Three years later...

"I can't believe I'm getting cold feet," Hotaru commented, as she looked at herself in the full-length mirror.

"You and me both. I guess everyone goes through the cold feet, no matter who they are," Kumiko said, standing right next to Hotaru. Both of them had decided to have a joint wedding. Things had actually quieted down after the worldwide down fall of the Radicals. Although there were still minor squabbles, the Dark Shadows were able to lead relatively normal lives. Now four of them were about to make the final commitment. Only family and the closest of friends were invited, since the wedding was private.

"You guys have no reason to be nervous. It's only us and a few others. We know everyone here," Mariah claimed, trying to help the brides relax.

"Yeah well I'd like to see you calm if it were you in a wedding dress just a few minutes away from tying the knot," Kumiko joked dryly to the pink haired girl.

"I hope the guys are just as nervous," Hotaru mumbled, putting her veil over her face. Kumiko nodded in agreement as she did the same. Mariah just shook her head in amusement.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

"You two should really stop pacing," Ozuma said in an annoyed tone to the two grooms. Although they had been though hell and back, they were nervous as hell in going through this wedding.

"Put yourself in our shoes and see if your nervous or not," Tala snapped to his long time friend.

"He will be in the very near future," Kai commented lightly, still pacing. The two grooms didn't even look up when there was a knock on the door. A second later Rei and Kane appeared at the doorway with smirks on their faces at seeing the condition of the two grooms.

"Hey, if it's any assurance, Mariah just told me that your wives-to-be are nervous too," Rei informed with a grin. Both pacing males stopped in their tracks and stared at the Chinese male.

"We didn't come here to tell you that though. It's about time to start so let's go," Kane said the three guys. Kai and Tala both made a mental check-up to make sure they didn't forget anything. When everything looked all right, they left the room and made their way toward the priest who was doing the celebration. Kai and Tala stood at the end of the aisle, waiting for their brides to come.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

Kumiko and Hotaru looked at the door when a knock came to it. Ryo stood at the doorway with a soft smile on his face at seeing the two most beautiful brides. He was honored to be able to give away both of the brides.

"It's time," Ryo simply said to them. Both of them grabbed their bouquet on the way out and walked out toward the rest of their lives. They stopped behind the closed curtains and waited for the traditional bridal march. Kari was nominated tot he flower girl and Tala's younger cousin who looked almost like him for the exception of his blonde hair, Mystel, was the honored ring bearer.

The ceremony itself was outside under the twilight sky. There were lamps emitting soft light to enhance the setting. The main colors were baby blue, lavender silver and white with cherry blossoms scattered all over the place. The brides themselves matched the theme with Kumiko wearing a baby blue and silver dress and Hotaru with a lavender and white dress.

All eyes turned toward the back when the traditional bridal march played. Everyone waited in anticipation to see the brides, especially Kai and Tala since they followed old tradition and have not seen them in days. The anxiety was short lived when the curtains were pulled back and Ryo with a bride on each arm came through. They slowly made their way toward the grooms with an air of anxiousness.

Kai and Tala sucked in their breath at seeing how beautiful their brides were. Soon they were joined with their respectful brides and the priest began the ceremony. All was going well with no objections from the audience and soon it was time for the exchanging of vows.

"It was that paper lantern night, whether it was fate or just plan coincidence, that we met each other. Ever since the moment our eyes met, I've been drawn to you. You gave me reason to keep on coming back, just like that time three years ago. The usual vow couples give is until death do us part, but I believe differently. I don't believe that death will ever part us," Kumiko proclaimed with love and sincerity in her eyes. No more words were needed to be spoken between them as they exchanged bands and waited for Tala and Hotaru.

"Regardless of what people may think, I'm not that smooth with the ladies, especially if I've taken a deep, personal liking to them. That's how I felt about you when I met you all those years ago. Tongue-tied and unbelievably shy, it was actually difficult for me to approach you. It took a kick in the pants, literally, and a small science project that got me to open up to you. Since then, we've been inseparable, through the good and bad, and it will continue on like that til the end of time," Tala proclaimed passionately with a loving smile. They too exchanged bands when Hotaru was at a loss for words.

"I now proclaim both couple husband and wife. You may now your bride," the priest said with a happy smile, glad to have been able to perform the ceremony for these obviously in love couples. The audience cheered wildly when the two couples kissed each other. Kai and Kumiko walked hand in hand down the aisle first and then Tala and Hotaru. The crowd followed out after them, eager to get the reception started.

The married couples got the first dance of the evening while everyone was around the dance floor. Soon the music changed to more of up beat style and everyone joined in. Unknown to the large celebrating crowd, an unseen spectator had been watching from the shadows the whole time.

"Congratulations Kumiko and Tala. From this day on, I wish you eternal happiness," the lone figure whispered into the light wind and left before anyone would notice.

The celebration went on well into the night, not even stopping when the married couples had already left or their honeymoons, with the moon and stars smiling brightly on them.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Another three years later...

"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Tala and Hotaru sweat dropped at hearing another scream come out from the delivery room. In Hotaru's arms was their two-year-old baby girl, Alexa that had Hotaru's blue-green hair but Tala's ice blue eyes. Tala held in his arms a three year old Riku Hiwatari who looked almost exactly like his father except that his hair tone and eyes were darker, most likely an influence from his mother. The said mother was currently giving birth to her second child in which the gender was unknown. They had done the same with Riku wanting to have it as a surprise. Tala cringed at hearing another scream pierce through the air followed by a colorful string of words.

"Is kaa-san going to be okay?" Riku asked with a worried look on his face to Tala.

"Don't worry Riku, she'll be just fine," Hotaru assured the concerned boy. She saw that the boy didn't look too convinced and was about to say something else when more people arrived.

"Baa-san, jii-san!" Riku exclaimed and went to go hug his grandparents. Sho and Yume Hiwatari loved being grandparents and spoiled their grandson rotten. Now they were going to have another grandchild and they were ecstatic. Kari, now sixteen, appeared after her parents with an arrangement of flowers for her sister in law and couldn't wait for the baby to be born. She personally hoped for a baby girl.

"How is my grandson doing?" Sho asked the little boy as he lifted him up in the air. Riku giggled with glee that brought a cheerful smile on Sho's face. Their attention was brought toward the delivery room when another scream emanated from it along with a curse to Kai for doing this to her again. Everyone except for Riku and Alexa chuckled at that statement.

"Sounds like the first delivery all over again," a new voice joked.

"Ryo-jiji!" Riku exclaimed and went over to his other grandfather. Ryo spoiled his grandson to the core and couldn't wait for the new arrival. He picked up his grandson, which made him giggle again.

"Nice of you to join us Ryo," Sho greeted the man with a handshake. Ryo returned the gesture with a grin on his face which soon disappeared when there was yet another scream and a few choice words.

"Maybe I should've stayed at home," Ryo responded with a sheepish look. The others laughed at Ryo's antics but were soon cut short when they heard the undeniable cry of a baby. A few seconds later, Kai came out of the room, clutching his hand but with a goofy grin on his face.

"It's a girl," Kai gasped out, his face positively glowing. The females squealed in delight at hearing that the baby was a girl and rushed in to see the mother. The males followed soon after and smiled at seeing the sight before them. Kumiko looked exhausted but was smiling happily as she held on to her baby girl. The females cooed at the new baby as the males began to crowd around the bed. Ryo set Riku down onto the bed nest to his mother, since curiosity got the best of the young boy.

"Riku, say hello to your new baby sister," Kumiko said to her son and showed him the new bundle of life. Riku looked in curiously and saw his little sister open her eyes. She giggled softly and clutched onto Riku's fingers as best she could which put a smile on Riku's face.

"So what's her name?" Kari asked quietly, not wanting to scare the baby.

"We decided on Lin. Lin Hiwatari," Kumiko responded with a smile.

"Gomen but I need to take to the nursery and Hiwatari-san needs to rest," a nurse interrupted the family. Kumiko complied and let the nurse take Lin away. It was then that she realized how tired she was. Her yawn let everyone else know that she was tired as well.

"We should let her rest. Everyone but Kai leave," Yume ordered and scooted them out.

"Riku, go ahead with Yumebaa-san and get the party ready when we come home with your baby sister," Kumiko said to her son. Riku nodded in obedience and happily went with his grandmother. After everyone left and all was quiet, Kumiko allowed herself to rest with Kai holding onto her.

"Aishiteru," Kai mumbled into her ear lovingly.

"Aishiteru Kai," Kumiko was able to get out before darkness overtook her.

Kai smiled proudly at his wife. He knew that a woman like her only came around once in a blue moon. He was glad that he was around on a night of the blue moon. That night in which he watched her dance on stage. That night that he first saw her so many years ago. That fateful paper lantern night...

Owari

Well how was it? A happy ending is you wanted hopefully…of course, I could have made it into a sad and depressing end too….oh well….Thanks to all those who read my story faithfully and I hope you weren't too disappointed….of course you can always tell me…..thanks a million and one…

Later days, kuraihoshi