A/N: Ah, well the one-year mark has been hit today. Oct. 25, 2004 is when I first posted this story up. Oh man, that was so long ago. And I can say this is my baby. I've had some good times, some bad times, and some ugly times.. –glares at computer- lol But all and all, I'm proud of it and I'm glad I can finally put it to sleep. I can't believe I finished something, I never do! Thank you all for staying with the story and keeping me wanting to update! You reviewers rock! I had this epilogue written up like three day after I posted the last chapter. But I waited til the one-year mark so it was more meaningful! Well, this is a really short chapter, it was only about 3, 4 pages… but it's good so read and enjoy.
Disclaimer: I don't own, Evanescence, Barbara Streisand , or FF, if I did well I'd have a lot more poptarts than I do now –pouts- I want poptarts! Lol –weird-
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Epilogue
A few years had passed since the death of her father and Kerri was just returning from a meeting she had to attend in Bevelle. On the way home, she decided to stop off at the city of the Guado, Guadosalam. She slipped into the city unnoticed and walked up to the Farplane. The blue-eyed woman smiled at the guado guard as she walked past him and up the staircase to the farplane. She fidgeted nervously as the pyreflies formed in the image of her father. This was the first chance she had actually gotten to take the time to come up here. She sighed relieved, as a smiling image came up. "Sorry I haven't been to see you, been busy as you know already."
"It's been a while," she started as she ran her hand through her hair, "Five years to be exact. So many things have changed. I've grown in so many ways, in the spiritual, mental," she laughed softly as she ran a hand over her slightly swelled stomach, "and physical way."
She paused momentarily, looking at the image of her father. He looked exactly like she remembered him. She smiled before looking at herself. She had changed slightly since he had passed on. Her hair was slightly shorter, but she still had her side bangs and angles. Her eyes weren't as youthful looking as they were five years ago, but seemed to have the knowledge of years hidden in them.
"I should probably tell you about how every else is fairing. Well the entire gang is dispersed all throughout Spira. Tidus is in Zanarkand with Yuna." She smiled brightly, "He's going to propose to her soon. He told me all about it. During the half time of one of his games he's going to have the scoreboard spell out the phrase 'Yuna, Will You Marry Me?'" She moved her hand excitedly, "Which reminds me, he got recruited for the Zanarkand Abes! I knew he would, and to be quite honest, he's the backbone of that team, without him, they're nothing." She laughed to herself. "Not that I would tell him that…"
"Yuna, she's the top white mage in Zanarkand. Owns her own Hospital and everything. She moved up quickly in that field, we were so surprised when she told us about it. She looks good too; she grew her hair a little longer and angled it. Shesh, between her and Tidus they must make more money than everyone in the group together." She shook her head with a smile on her face. "But I'm happy for them, they deserve it."
She paused momentarily, before she started talking again. "Wakka and Lulu stayed on Besaid. Wakka became the captain for the Besaid Aurochs, which was a blessing for the team. They definitely needed him. Lulu, she had a baby! It's a boy, and he looks like his father," she shook her head. "Poor kid," she added in with a sense of humor. "His name is Vidina. He's only a year old, and in case you didn't realize it, Wakka and Lulu are married. They pretty much married right out of high school," she sighed, "It's really sweet."
"Lulu is also teaching a defense class with Black Magic. I'm convinced she is the top Black Mage in all of Spira and that she could make a ton of money off it, but she wants a simple life, not to mention Wakka's Blitz ball team keeps them occupied enough as it is."
"And you will never have guessed this," she said with a smirk, "Paine, just recently became Mrs. Paine Crowley. She and Baralai got married. Wild huh? She says she doesn't want kids, but I think that'll change soon enough," she smirked. "Well, they moved out to Bevelle, where Baralai took the position of Praetor for Yevon. " She smirked again and in a sarcastic manner she said, "And you'll never guess this one… Paine is teaching a Warrior Training Class, for older men!" she laughed again. "I must say, these guys are quite surprised when they find they can't keep up with her sparring lessons."
"And Rikku has become one of the most responsible people I know! She moved out to Bikanel and took her father's place as the leader of the Al Bhed. To be honest with you, Dad, I never would have seen her doing it, though the thought of Brother leading a group of people frightens me." She folded her hands and stood on the balls of her feet. "She's done some great things for her people. It's really impressive, I wish you could see it…" she trailed off slightly and looked at the ground.
She shook her head, "I bet you are wondering how my ol' "pals" from high school are doing. Like Seymour and his little group. Well Seymour has become a Maester of Yevon, just like his father… how he got the position is well beyond me. There isn't something quite right in his head. But… whatever." She placed her hand to her chin. "If I'm not mistaken, Dona and her little boy toy, Bartello moved to Kilika, doing only God knows what and LeBlanc and her 'posse' Logos and Ormi moved to Luca and opened up a small clothing boutique."
She bit her lower lips trying to think of anyone else she needed to talk about. "I'm sure you're wondering how your old Pals Auron and Braska are doing, huh?" She smiled, "Actually, I'm going to Besaid to see Auron now. Both of them stayed there and I'm going to spend some quality time with Auron. He's very excited, I haven't been home in a really long time." She shrugged, "I've been busy. I talked to him on the phone the other night, he's going to be retiring from the school business in a short time. He says he 'can't stand the idiots he gets in his class.' Then after that statement he adds, 'And I thought having you and Tidus in the class was bad…' He has such a dry sense of humor." She laughed and shook her head. "But he's been really kind to me, so can't complain much."
She smiled and said, "And that leaves me and Gippal. Well, we got married. So I am no longer Kerri Muratore, I am Kerri Sagona and if you didn't realize," she rubbed her stomach again, "We are going to have a baby. We aren't sure what sex the baby is going to be, but we already have names picked out for each outcome. If she's a girl, then she'll be named Meva, which is Al Bhed for life and if he's a boy, then he'll be named Scott, after you, Gippal will have it no other way."
"We're very happy together. The Wedding was beautiful; Auron walked me down the aisle… I wish you were there to see it. It was really something else." She sighed, "But anyway… we moved to Djose. Gippal is the head of the Machine Faction, and let me tell you, the irresponsible, carefree jerk has become the most serious, no-nonsense kind of guy you will ever meet. Well, while working anyway. But, don't think I got off easily, being the leader's wife, is not an easy task. I've become quite the mechanic actually. But I don't only work with the machina, I've also go to a handful of meetings in Gippal's place. Which, actually, I'm just coming back from one now… " She smiled. "We're not just a married couple; we're a team. Everything we do we share, I'm really happy, Dad."
Her smile broadened, "I lived life for you, Dad. And I'll continue to do so. So far life has been a huge adventure for me! Before actually settling down with the Machine faction, Gippal and I traveled Spira. It was so exciting. I got to experience all the cultures first hand. And I rode a chocobo! I also met the elder Ronso on Mt. Gagazet, Kimahri. It been great." She stole a glance at the watch on her wrist, "Well, I should be going… I have a while to go before I reach Djose again and then from there I have to take the airship to Besaid. I miss you, Dad… but I know that even if I feel alone, you're always with me." She smiled softly, "I love ya, Dad."
With that she turned her back to the image and it dispersed into numerous amounts of lighted flies. She sighed and walked out of the farplane. She walked out towards the path to the moonflow where she had left her car. 'I'm glad I finally came, it wasn't so bad… actually, it was kinda nice…' She opened the door and got into the car. She turned on the radio and prepped herself for the 2hour drive she had back home. She rolled down the windows and listened contently to the song that played on the way home:
"When you walk
through a storm
hold your head up high
and don't be afraid
of the dark
at the end of the storm
is a golden sky
and the sweet silver song of a lark
walk on through the wind
walk on through the rain
though your dreams be tossed
and blown
walk on
walk on
with hope in your heart
and you'll never walk alone
you'll never walk alone
you'll never walk alone"
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A/N: That's it. This story has come to a closing. I know, it's sad. Thirty-six chapters later and I have gained such awesome reviewers, along with the 'flamers' that always gave me a laugh. I remember, last year when I first started this story I thought I'd get like five chapters out at most! However, 36 chapters later and here I am closing this story. I really have to thank the reviewers, everyone, not just the ones that I have now. The one that reviewed when the story first started out up and to and including the ones I have now. Even the occasional flamer I have to thank, because I'm spiteful and that made me want to update just to be like "Ha! I updated, in your face!"
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Well I'm going to personally thank the reviewers of the previous chapter now.
DarkFairyWarrior: I'm really glad you think so. It took me a while to get out with school and everything. It was crazy, so I'm glad you liked it. Thanks for sticking with the story, and I hope to see you around Fanfiction. Toodles!
Leah: Well, I hope that's not the last time I hear you say that, since I'm going to putting up more stories. But I'm glad you liked the chapter. Sorry it had taken me so long to write, it was just so much school work –cringes- Okies, well I'll talk to you laters, toodles!
Akiraine of Gia: lol, well, I'm glad you liked that window incident, I thought it was funny. –smiles- Yep, Dingoes Rock! –pumps fist in the air- I know, I can't wait for AC to come out –is jealous of everyone that's seen it- lol Well, see you when I update OPB!
Sly: Yea! I agree with that guy! We shouldn't be working outside of school! –pumps fist in air- yeaa! Lol Well, I'm glad you liked this story, thanks for staying with it, and I'll see you when I update OPB!
Reyavie: Climbing through the window to Auron's bedroom is like throwing yourself into a pit of hungry mongoose. Lol Not smart. Lol, yea I know. I thought it was funny, I can't stand those stupid kids who are like, I'm going to be pulling a rabbit out of a hat, so I thought hehe, let's see if anyone else shares in my dislike, I should have know you would. Lol, we're both crazy! Well, I'll talk to you later. Toodles!
Winter Sapphire: Well, I know it was almost two months –pouts- and I'm sorry! It took me forever to update that chapter! This though I had written two days after I last updated, I waited though because the 25 if its one year anniversary! Yup yup, well glad you liked this story, and I'll talk to ya later!
loveable-M: Well, I'm glad you liked the story and I hope to see you around Fanfiction again. I'll be writing more, so thanks for staying with the story, you're support was really appreciated! I'm really am happy you liked the story –smiles- And I can't wait for FF12 to come out, or FFVII AC, OR KH2! Lol okies, well toodle!
GiGgLyGaL: AP Bio is the hardest class I've ever taken in my life. It's so confusing, I'm just sitting there going, "omg , wth is going on!" I think I should have just taken Chem, I was better in that –shrugs- I'm sure you'll do fine in Bio. I took regular Bio in my freshman year too. It wasn't that bad, I mean some subject were, but my overall average at the end of the year was a 94 so not oo bad okies, well I hope to see you around Fanfiction, Toodles!
RTSGamer: Thank you so much, I'm glad you liked it. It was a lot of work this story, I put a years effort into it, and although I came to grow bored with the story I am proud of my work! And I'm glad I continued it! I hope to see you around Fanfiction sometime soon, Toodles!
Krystall Trensk: Yep, Glad you liked it! It took me forever to write and actually I made myself cry in the last chapter I was like, this is so sad –tear- but, I think my happiness muse ran away. Herby? –silence- yeah.. he's gone –sighs- damn.. lol okies, well see you when I update OPB!
Emmy: Boobahs –cringes violently- I hate those things! And don't worry, I understand completely how you feel –looks at A's in everything except AP Bio.. glares at AP Bio- oh well.. –shrugs- oh and computers I hate computers –glares at computer teacher Mr.Clark- I hate him… -shrugs- oh well…
Kalah: Well I'm glad so many of your friends liked it, and thanks for the idea, but the stories done. I'm putting this baby to sleep. And uh, -whispers- Scott died in the last chapter… Lol, it was fun while it lasted, but then I got bored and moved on to bigger and better things. Well hope to see you and your friends around Fanfiction, because I have another story out, and I'll be writing another one soon! So be on the look out for it!
No Way To Say: You quit it! –jealous- I wish I could! I just couldn't do that, I like the teacher I have, she's awesome and I feel bad dropping out. Not that I have much of a life anyway….. er.. yea. Lol And I'm glad you like Operation Pay Back –feels cool- So I guess I'll be seeing you around when I update that story! Well thanks again! Toodles!
Anonymous: Thank you so much. It's a great thing to know that my hard work was appreciated! It means a lot to me, thanks!
CeE CrOw: How nice of you to catch up, Cee –mutters foul words about stupid nonreviewing friends-
pinK BuNni luVvv: Well I hope you enjoyed the story, I know I didn't lol, but that ok! Because… er.. its over! Woot! Well I hope you liked it, I worked lots on it! So0o okies, toodles!
labrat-seph: But you see this is where we differ in opinions. I'm more evil than you! Whahaha! –laughs evilly.. chokes.. dies…- lol okies well.. er.. toodles!
Now, I just want to thank the 55 people who over the course of this year, Have read it and left some inspiration words of encouragement, and yes, I even included my favorite reviewer, Lucky. My flamer –smiles- Yep, she was one of a kind, and made me want to update quickly. Lol okies, well here's a list… I compiled… last night, like 130 am… so if your name is spelt wrong, I apologize sincerely.
Thank you so much:
No Way To Say
Kalah
Emmy
Alexxya's secret
RTS Gamer
Gigglygal
Loveablem
Chaka
Reyavie
SLy
Akiraine of Gia
Leah
Darkfairywarrior
Serah
Ner
Lucky
Inuhasho
Auron's fan
Pinkbunniluvvv
Ceecrow
Soriel Degamba
Siriuslydepp
AlPal
labrat-seph
umm..noname..i wish i had one!
loserkid05
bubbly happiness
pass 3
the earth mystic
i love CHEESECAKE
Yuna-Blueo'Hara
green apples take over the world
hyperkirby
danny
feather black
stargirl2005
Arti
.crossFireSage.
Crisyah, the Angel of the Star
AJ
Dave
Bobert
Jackie Bradshaw
lenne-1000words
ayatollah
tidiku
blob62
ryu the youkai
kame-chan
rydia the dark angel
spiras.sweetest.soul
nerilka
mourning bird
seth ducane
Anonymous
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Ok, well I thank all of you again! And I thought while I'm at it, I'll give you a little 'preview' of my next story. –grins- The story is called Elemental War, It's going to be in FFX, because I like FFX –grins- and the "summary" is. "What happens when you find out you're the God of water, and in order to save the world you have to find the other elemental gods and two angels only heard of in Legends?"
"Boy, you don't know who you are interfering with," she said as she turned her attention to him. She circled around him, her long black her blowing in the wind. She gripped her blade in her hand. "Have you ever wondered what it's like to be burned from the inside out… to have your soul set ablaze?" She smirked to herself before she began to twirl her blade in an intricate pattern.
"You aren't listening to me, plea-"
"Tidus, get out of there!" Yuna called from across the rooftop.
He turned to face her, his blond hair blowing over his eyes. "Yuna, we need to do this. I'm not going to run! I have to know!"
"Well, question and answer time is over," the woman smirked again as she stopped the blade in a vertical position. The blade was pulsing with a dark aura, sending chills down Tidus' spine. "And now, it's time to die…" she smiled sweetly before she shouted out "HELL'S DAMNATION" and sending a huge wave of dark energy hurtling straight for Tidus.
Hehe, well, I'll leave you with that. And nope, that's not in the fist chapter so whahaha you'll have to read to find out! Yes! –dances- okies well, THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH and I hope to you see around sometime soon! So Toodles! –hands out radioactive fluffy blue badgers and poptarts to everyone- Take care! Toodles!