Last chapter. It was really fun writing this, and I'm kinda sad to see it go. But no matter. I'll be back soon, once I get some idea of what to write. If anyone has any suggestions, feel free to PM me or review, or whatever. I might deviate from this category and try a oneshot somewhere else, but keep your eyes peeled. :P

And then came the time for teary greetings and ecstatic embraces.

Of course Alicia was glad that all her friends had made it through alive and well and that Landon was safe for now, but she couldn't shake the nagging feeling inside herself every time she saw Massie with Derrick or Blake with Layne. And worst of all, Claire and Landon were always there, silently in the background, perfectly happy together.

She thought back to the times when she would have considered seducing Landon to get what she wanted. But those times were over. She couldn't bring herself to do it.

Occasionally, she'd forget about him entirely, when the joy of the situation overwhelmed her, or when her attention was demanded elsewhere.

A quiet whispering cut into her reverie.

"Thanks, Lan."

Layne was still looking somewhat pale from her ordeal, but her eyes were sparkling with joy. She kept one hand on Landon's and Claire didn't even seem the least bit jealous.

"What did you do?" Claire asked curiously.

"He used his force field to deflect my emotion attack right back onto myself. I was still desperate to live, so…"

Layne gave a faint smile and looked down at her hands.

Their quiet conversation was interrupted by one of the new teachers.

"And so, please welcome the new Principal, Mrs. Johnson."

There was a loud roar of approval as a young, kindly-looking woman stepped onto the stage and began to speak.

"Hi, I'm Mrs. Johnson and I'm very excited about being here. Unfortunately, the last principal seemed to be…er…lacking in some aspects of her education, but rest assured that I will try my best to be fair and just to all students. I believe that children should be allowed freedom to develop and grow, and they need the members of the staff to help them, as friends and equals, not as strict teachers. I look forward to having a very happy and productive year as the principal of this school."

She gave the hall a wave as she descended the stairs of the podium, disappearing among the throng of teachers and students trying to make their way out of the hall.

"Well, she sure looks a hell of a lot nicer than old Burns," muttered Derrick.

"Yeah, well, what if she isn't?" challenged Kristen, raising her eyebrows.

"We'll take care of her," vowed Anala, her grin fierce.

Dylan grinned at the girl, linked arms with her and led her out towards the cover of trees.

"Lala, I've found the awesomest place in the woods, it's perfect. You have to come and see it…"

The redhead and her white-blonde companion disappeared into the leafy greens, and Alicia smiled to herself. Anala had been admitted as a student of the school, and of course that made everyone, especially Dylan, very happy. After what they'd gone through together, the whole group felt like a family, and no one could bear for any member to be left behind.

"Well, who's up for celebrating our victory?" asked Massie, a bit overexcitedly.

"I'm game, so long as you're there," Grinned Derrick, hugging her close.

"Why not?" chimed in Claire, tugging on Landon's hand.

"Count me in," said Kristen.

"Me too," agreed Cam.

"Yup," Layne nodded.

Even Landon smiled and nodded.

"And the two nature freaks will definitely say yes," confirmed Kristen.

There was a brief silence as Cam looked hesitantly at Alicia.

"Leesh? You coming?"

Alicia gave a short sigh.

"Maybe, Cam. Thanks, but I'm not feeling that well."

Everyone looked stunning in the moonlight. Claire was wearing a pale blue dress, with silvery bowed flats and chandelier earrings, her hair soft and waving down to her back, in sharp contrast with Landon's dark clothes and pale skin. Dylan looked positively vibrant in a short, teal, tiered skirt paired with a green, glassy necklace, a tan top and black strappy heels. Anala had on a grey off-the shoulder top and a jean miniskirt, with a pair of pearl earrings and a simple heart-shaped necklace. Massie and Derrick were wearing purple and grey, with Massie in a purple strapless dress and matching heels, and Derrick looking casual in a grey polo and jeans. Layne was wearing a rather bold printed dress, but it suited her perfectly. She looked cute hanging on Blake's arm.

Alicia jumped as a hand came down on her shoulder.

"Cam!"

"Hey, Leesh, mind if we talk for a while?"

"No, sure."

He took her hand and pulled her towards a secluded corner, then sat down on an upturned log.

"Alicia, I...um, I've liked you for quite a while now, and I never did know what to do about it," he admitted, "but I'd like to give you something tonight just to show how glad I am that we're both alive and together here. I get it if you don't like me, that's fine, but-"

He drew a tiny box out from his pocket, then opened it and took a delicate necklace out. The chain was made of tiny silver links, and the pendant was red and orange, shifting in colours like a fire flickering. Cam fastened it around her neck.

"It's beautiful, Cam. But how?"

He grinned a little shyly.

"Well, I got a little help from Landon. That's real fire inside, and it'll stay alight as long as I keep my mind on you. He just made a little - sort of case for it, I guess."

Alicia smiled at him.

"I love it. What's more, I think I love you too. Come on, let's get back to the party."

She pulled him up and danced back into the circle of her friends, a smile on her lips. As they passed by, a vine arch bloomed out of the ground, creating a flowery canopy over them and spreading farther and wider, as more and more flowers bloomed.

"I love you, Massie," murmured Derrick, stroking her cheek as they waltzed under the arches.

Claire flicked her fingers and sent snowflakes fluttering down from the heavens, while the moonlight streamed in through the gaps in the vines, creating dappled shadows under the canopy.

"I love you, Alicia," whispered Cam, wrapping his arms around her.

The stars and constellations twinkled in the cold night sky, shining like beacons of hope.

"I love you, Layne," said Blake, twirling his partner around.

"I love you, Claire," Landon smiled and pressed his lips to Claire's.

Cam created a few fireballs, throwing them high up into the air, and they all watched as millions of fireworks exploded in the skies. A last, magnificent comet shot through the air, finally exploding and leaving a lingering shower of sparkles that spelt out a glittering word in the heavens.

"Forever."

I'm not even going to ask for a review. It's the end. You all know if you want to.