Okay… this is the last chapter before the epilogue… Wow! This is awesome! Well I don't wanna keep you from finishing the story… So on with the story!

PS- Since Zelda has been making me happy with awesome characters lately, I won't bother trying to steal it anymore (at least until my next story)

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The Birdie Man

Chapter 11

Final Goodbyes

Prince Komali stared out the window of the café, waiting for Arill to finish her drink.

"So…" Arill looked over to Komali, putting her glass on the table. "You're going home today?"

"Yeah… Quill's coming to pick me up soon…"

Arill stared at her empty glass… She didn't want Komali to leave.

It had been 6 months since Komali had last seen another Rito. Quill came to the island now and then to deliver mail, but Komali never saw him. Ever since they had left, the Chieftain had decided that his son could take care of himself, so he didn't send Quill to check up on him.

During that time, a lot had changed.

Noone, except maybe Maggie's father, gave Komali a hard time anymore. Everyone now considered the Rito Tribe as heroes, and Komali as one of them. He finally fit in, like he had always wanted.

Mido was probably the one who had changed the most. He was back together with Saria, and friends with Tetra again. His attitude was better, and he was a lot nicer. He also considered Komali as an acquaintance instead of his enemy. Komali knew that this was probably only because he had saved Mido's life, but he didn't mind. It was better then being bullied all the time.

Everyone had changed during those six months, Tetra, Saria, Arill… Even Komali himself had changed. He was more independent, and had a lot more courage then when he had arrived at Windfall… And he was going to leave a lot prouder of what he was then when he had first walked down the street, with everyone staring at him…

But this was the last day…

Komali sighed. He really longed to be with his own tribe again, back at Dragon Roost… But part of him wanted to stay. He had made a lot of friends here…

But he knew he had to leave. He was to be chieftain in a few years, and he had to start his training soon. He needed to go home.

But as much as it pained him to admit it… He might never have time to come back to Windfall… He might never get to see Arill for a long time! That's why he had invited Arill to lunch.

Over the days they had became best friends, maybe even more. He had wanted to do something special for her, but he only had enough rupees left for lunch. But Arill was happy, and so he didn't really mind.

Arill stood up, and looked at Komali.

"Want me to help you pack?" she asked. Komali nodded.

"Okay."

People didn't stare at Komali when he walked down the street anymore, and he liked that. He was considered normal now.

"Thanks for lunch…" Arill said. Komali smiled.

"You're welcome." He scratched his head. "I sorry, it was all I could-"

"It was fun!" Arill looked to the sky. "You didn't need to do anything special for me!" Komali shrugged.

"Well, okay…"

Komali didn't have much to pack, just some clothes, a few photos, and Din's Pearl, which he could carry on his back.

During the six months he had been there, Komali had practiced his flying. He could often be seen doing laps around the island, taking trips up to the top of the lighthouse, practicing his landings on the beach, and showing off his wings to everyone. He was really proud of them. He had practiced so much that he could now carry heavy loads long distances, even flying into the wind!

Arill helped him stack the boxes back in the corner where they had been when he had first came, and soon Lenzo came upstairs.

"Prince Komali… Quill has arrived."

Komali took one last look around the showroom that had been his home for half a year, and quickly followed Lenzo downstairs, Arill behind him.

Quill was standing at the door, smiling.

"Hello, Komali."

"Hi…" Komali mumbled.

"Are you ready to go home?" Komali shrugged.

"I guess."

Quill looked to Lenzo, and bowed.

"Thank you for taking care of the prince for us, Lenzo." He held out a bag of rupees to the photographer. Lenzo shook his head.

"Don't worry about paying me, it was volunteer work." Lenzo looked down to Komali, reached over to his desk, and held out a small wrapped present to him. "Here, Komali, this is for you." Komali took it, thanking him, and put it in his bag.

"We should get going…" Quill opened the door. "Everyone's looking forward to your return, Komali."

"Yeah…"

"Goodbye, Prince Komali!" Lenzo said. Komali smiled.

"Bye!"

And Arill taking his hand, he followed Quill down to the beach.

Waiting on the beach was Ms Marie with the students from Komali's class. Quill nodded at them, and stood by the docks, waiting for Komali to say goodbye. Komali walked up to the class.

"See ya guys…" he said. "Bye Prince Komali!" said Zelda.

"Good luck becoming chieftain!" chirped Kafei.

"We'll miss you…" sighed Saria. Komali nodded.

"I'll miss you guys too…"

After Saria gave him a hug, Komali turned to Mido, Tetra and Ivan.

"SO I guess this is goodbye, huh?" Tetra asked. Komali nodded again. Tetra smiled, and closed her eyes.

"It's been real."

"Hey, bird man," Mido smiled. "See you 'round." Komali smiled.

"Yeah."

Ivan just gave a small wave, and walked back to the group of students. Komali looked up at Ms Marie.

"Farewell, Prince," she said, taking a piece of paper out of her pocket. "Here, I want you to have this…"

"What is it?" Komali asked, putting the paper in his bag.

"It's that report I asked you to do when you first came here. I think you need it more then I do…"

Komali smiled.

"Thanks. Well, goodbye…" He thought for a second, then added: "I've learned a lot."

Ms Marie just smiled.

Komali walked over to Quill.

"I'm ready."

Quill looked to the class. "May the wind fill your wings!" He bowed, and walked out onto the dock. Komali was about to follow, when Arill grabbed his arm.

"Huh?"

"Goodbye Komali…" Arill quickly looked around, hoping noone was watching, then quickly bent forward and gave Komali a small kiss on the cheek. "I'll miss you…"

Komali's face went completely red. He cleared his throat.

"Bye… I'll miss you too…" He gave Arill a small hug, and followed Quill onto the dock. With one last look at Arill, he spread his wings, and took off to Dragon Roost, Quill right behind him. Arill ran to the end of the dock. The class started waving.

"I'LL WRITE TO YOU!" she yelled, holding back tears. Komali also felt tears coming, but he didn't turn back. He couldn't.

And with those final words, the postman and the young Rito Prince faded into the distance.

Arill rubbed her eyes, took one last look towards Dragon Roost, then turned and ran back into Windfall.

…………….

…

I'm finished…

I'M FINISHED! Wow… that felt good.

Well, yes, I am finished the story. This story was so fun to write… man I'm gonna miss it.

Well, the ending, tell me if it sounds awkward, cause it's the first story I've written that actually has an end.

Please review and tell me your thoughts on this story, like what I could've done better… I know there's lots I have to improve on.

Well, there is going to be an epilogue, I'll have it up soon, but other then that… This story is done. Hooray!

I really hope you liked the story… Oh, and in your review, tell me if I should write a sequel, cause I will if people want one!