Ebony: We finally have a speaking role, Pearl!"

*Pearl does wing gestures*

Ebony: Where's Miss Skyress? Well... *Turns around* *SS is sobbing in corner*

Ebony: She's...busy. *pulls out paper* Here's the script. Storm Skyress would like to thank Black Rose for reviewing and Cpage47 please don't think too hard, it irks her. Storm Skyress is apologizes for any mistakes and for basing this chapter from Kobato, which is why she's in depression mode.

Pearl uses telepathy: Tsukiyomi-kun has 3 secrets. 1-he holds the Negative Wing. 2-he's Hydrin's minister 3-...well read on

Pearl & Ebony: Everything goes to the rightful owner, CLAMP

Wish Upon A Wing

The Last Secret

"Eh? She made these for us? They're such sweet offerings."

A transparent woman who had flowing orange hair gazed at the box of chocolates. She wore a pure white dress with white ribbons wounding around her arms. It was Kitsune, in her spirit form.

Yuki nodded. "Hinamori-san made them for both of you," he said.

Kitsune looked around the hut. "Now that I noticed, where is Ryuu?" she asked.

Amrita swung her legs back and forth. "He's on the roof," she smiled.

Kitsune blinked, "What's he doing up there?"

Amrita's smile deepened. "He's watching the town where the one he loves is," she said softly.

Kitsune and Yuki fell silent.

Amrita had a far away look in her eyes. "He may be watching over me, his little sister but he also watches over the person he loves, Amu-chan," she whispered.

They all looked up at the ceiling. Ryuu sat on the tiled roof. His pure white shirt and pants billowed around him. In his hands, Ryuu held a chocolate dragon. His gaze was lingering at the village. Suddenly a wind blew from behind.

Ryuu looked up.

"A spring breeze," he muttered, "spring is back."

Amu furiously jotted down notes. She can hear her pen scribbling down the words as diligently as it could.

The last sentence…

Amu chewed her lips.

Come on…

Suddenly she lifted her pen and blotch down the final full stop.

Done!

"Time's up!" announced the teacher, "Pens down!"

Amu let out a sigh of relief. The teacher went around, collecting test papers. Amu had just completed an in-class essay about the Ruins. And of course, she had a lot to say since she had experience lots of things there. Amu looked out of the window. Buds were starting to open up on the branches.

"Did you finish it?" Tadase asked from behind.

Amu turned to face him. "Yep!" she replied, "But only this close."

She held her fingers and drew them close together to show Tadase what she meant. He laughed.

Ding-dong.

"That's the bell," said the teacher, "Off you go, kids."

Amu and Tadase got up. Nagi and Rima joined them.

"My hand feels like it's going to fall off," Rima groaned.

Nagi held up his hand. "Want mine if that happens?" he joked.

Rima rolled her eyes but there was smile on her face. They sat down at their sitting spot and waited for the others. Yaya and Kairi came next.

"And the princess and the prince lived happily ever after!" sang Yaya.

"But it was meant to be a non-fiction piece of writing!" Kairi exclaimed.

Yaya pouted, "Can't teachers mark people on their creativity skills?"

"Hi Yaya! Hi Kairi!" Amu greeted.

Kukai walked up, holding paper airplanes.

"What are those?" Tadase asked.

"My exam papers!" he grinned.

"I don't understand how Kukai could be a senior," Yaya snickered.

"I can hear you," he warned.

The friends laughed. Amu smiled up at the sky.

A whole year has passed…

Ikuto extended his hand out and a single sakura petal landed on his palm. He was sitting on a grassy hill in the park. The sakura trees here have already bloomed. He stared at the petal then clenched his fist together. Ikuto then got up on his feet.

Meanwhile, Utau knelt down before Mia. "Please allow him more time!" she begged.

Mia stared down at the young blonde woman. "What are you saying?" Mia said.

"Give my brother more time!" cried Utau as she lifted her head up.

"I can't," Mia replied bluntly, "Four seasons, a year, is the only time limit for him."

"But he can't take the Positive Wing off Amu!" Utau objected, "If he did she'll-"

"I don't care!" Mia snapped, "That's part of his mission! There's nothing I can do!"

"Then allow him to stay here!" Utau continued to plead, "Please let him-"

"Utau, enough," said a voice.

She turned to see Ikuto walking up.

"Ikuto!" she gasped.

Ikuto bravely looked up at Mia.

"I fulfil my mission in my own way," he said gravely.

Mia narrowed her eyes at him. "There's only one day left for you," she said.

"I know," Ikuto replied.

A lone bird craws as the sun sets. Tadase waited for Amu as she quickly packed her things.

"Today's the first day of spring," he remarks.

Amu nodded as she stood up. "So many things have happened last year," she smiled.

"It was the first time you met Ikuto-kun, wasn't it?" asked Tadase.

Amu nodded again, "It seems like it was yesterday."

She looked at Tadase carefully. "Do you still hate him?" she asked quietly.

Tadase stared at her then smiled. "No, not anymore," he replied.

Amu beamed. They walked outside the school building. When they neared the gates, Tadase and Amu slowed to a stop.

Ikuto was waiting there. He looked up when he heard the two approaching. Tadase took Amu by the waist and lead her closer to the gates. He nodded at Ikuto, who nodded back.

"See you Tadase!" Amu waved.

"See you," he waved.

Tadase watched as Ikuto walked off with Amu running to catch up. He could feel happiness swell in his heart yet a tinge of sadness as well.

"Your brother told me to pick you up," Ikuto explained.

Amu laughed. "And when he doesn't ask you, you still pick me up," she chuckled.

Ikuto coughed and Amu laughed harder.

"So do you want to take the short cuts?" Ikuto smirked.

Amu stiffened. If her memory serves her right, the few times they took Ikuto's 'short cuts' it involved scaling, crossing and jumping off walls.

"No way!" she cried.

Ikuto chuckled. The two walked in silence for a bit.

Ikuto then broke the silence, "Amu?" he called.

Amu turned to face him, "Yes?"

"Are you available tomorrow?" he asked.

Amu placed her finger on her chin. "I think so," she replied, "I mean I don't have any plans yet."

"Can you wait for me at the fountain in the park?" Ikuto asked.

Amu blinked at him. "Um, sure," she said slowly.

Ikuto gave her a funny expression. "You say that like I'm going to kidnap you or something," he joked.

"What?! No!" Amu cried, "I wasn't thinking that?!"

Ikuto raised his eyebrow, "Really?"

"Really!" she insisted.

Secretly, Amu felt happy. Her heart soared in her chest. She placed her hand on her chest. She could feel her lock underneath her maroon uniform. Also she could feel her heartbeats.

Why do I feel this way?

Night soon descended down upon the kingdom. In a modern-looking household, Utau was sitting her bed. She wore a nightgown. In her hands, Utau clutched a fluffy pillow in her hand tightly. Tears shone in her violet eyes. Utau quickly buried her face in the pillow.

"Ikuto," she sniffed, "I don't want you to leave."

Ikuto was lying on the futon, watching the moon.

"It's amazing how time flies by," he whispered.

He then pulled out his key. It glistened in the moonlight.

He suddenly remembered Ryuu's words; "The Tsubasas are made for each other, isn't that right?"

"Don't you love her as well?"

He placed the key on the side and pulled the covers over his head. Ikuto clawed his head trying to get the image of Amu after she had her nightmare.

"You... you won't leave...us, would you?"

He sat up and ran his hand through his midnight blue hair.

Ikuto sighed, "One last task, one last day."

Amu looked at her reflection. She wore a white blouse with a light black jumper over it. A loose purple tie hung around her neck. She also wore an extremely pale purple skirt with silver belts on her hips. Amu had also attached a heart-shaped brooch; Tadase had once upon a time given to her.

(A/N: *groan* I personally hate describing clothes because I'm terrible at it. You guys, can google image some of Amu's clothes and take a look yourself. I chose the outfit she wore on the cover of Shugo Chara Doki on disc 14.)

She quickly slipped on some long dark blue socks and hurried down-stairs. As she hurried down, Amu quickly tied her hair into a side ponytail.

Shigeru stared at her when she came into the kitchen for lunch. "Wow," he breathed, "The Monster doesn't look like a monster, for once."

Amu glared at him. "I beg your pardon," she growled.

Shigeru held out a plate of sandwiches. "I'm just saying," he smiled.

Amu shook her head at him then bit into the bread.

"Where are you going by the way?" Shigeru asked, still with a smile on his face.

Amu nearly choked on her sandwich. "Ikuto just asked me to meet at the park fountain!" she spluttered.

Shigeru burst out laughing, at Amu's flushed face.

"What? Is it really a date?" he teased.

"Really!" Amu cried, "I-It's not like that!"

Shigeru's laugh came down to a chuckle. "If you say so," he said, "If you say so."

Amu fidgeted with her jumper. She silently cursed that her cheeks were burning. Her head was swirling.

Ikuto won't… It's not like he… I don't like… do I?

"What the heck you doing here?!" shrieked Kaneko.

Ikuto calmly sat on the couch. Kaneko walked up to him.

"This is your last chance!" she cried.

"I know!" Ikuto snapped.

He sighed, "I was hoping for some advice…Kaneko."

Kaneko stared at him and she quickly calmed down.

"I'm sorry," she apologised.

"It's alright," Ikuto said.

Kaneko sat down.

"It must be a hard decision to make," she whispered, "To end her life or…"

"Actually it's not," Ikuto replied, "I'm just worried how Utau will deal with this."

Kaneko nodded, understanding.

Ikuto turned to a clock and stood up. "I got to go," he announced, "Amu is waiting."

Ring, ring. Ring, ring.

Shigeru hurried over and picked up the phone.

"Hello?" he spoke.

"Hinamori-san, it's been a while since I heard your voice," said a young male voice.

A smile came to Shigeru.

"Hello Hotori-kun," he greeted, "What can I do for you?"

At the other end, Tadase looked up at the true blue sky.

"Is Amu-chan there?" he asked.

"I'm sorry," Shigeru replied, "But Amu has gone out."

"With who?" questioned Tadase.

"With Tsukiyomi-kun," said Shigeru.

"Thank you," said Tadase and he hung up. He smiled to himself.

"So she finally decided," he muttered.

Amu was sitting on the bench, in front of the sparkling fountain.

Where is Ikuto?

She looked up at the sky. A few cotton-like clouds lazily drifted by. She closed her eyes, savouring the warm sunshine. Suddenly a shadow was casted over her.

Amu opened her eyes to found herself staring at Ikuto's face. She yelped and quickly backed away. Ikuto leaned back with a smirk on his face.

"D-Don't sneak up on me like that!" cried Amu.

Ikuto was wearing jeans and a white shirt with a red cross that had an inner white cross. He wore a thin blue jacket over it.

"What happened to your sword training?" Ikuto asked, "Didn't I teach you about not letting your guide down?"

"I'm not in battle or anything!" Amu protested.

Ikuto chuckled. "Anyway, where would you like to go?" he asked.

Amu blinked at him. "Huh? I thought you already had some plans."

Ikuto waved his had carelessly. "And I thought you did as well," he replied.

Amu stood up and glared at him. "So we both don't know where to go!" she exclaimed, "I can't believe it!"

Ikuto looked around. "Well, it's a warm day," he observed, "Do you want some ice-cream?"

Amu felt all her anger vanished and she looked at him.

"Okay," she said slowly.

A few minutes later, they were back on the bench with Amu licking a strawberry flavoured cone. Ikuto didn't buy himself one instead he sat next to Amu, deep in thought.

There was an awkward silence around them. Amu felt uncomfortable just licking away the sweet treat while Ikuto just sat there. He suddenly stood up, causing Amu to flinch.

"Will you be alright carrying that with you?" he asked gently.

Amu nodded, not knowing what else to do.

"Come on," beckoned Ikuto, "Let's go."

Amu hastily got up and ran up to him. "Where are we going?" she asked.

Ikuto merely smiled at her, "That's for me to know and for you to find out."

Mia rested her head on her hand. She watched the orb of light that floated in front of her. Inside the orb, a moving picture of a girl with rose pink hair and a young man with midnight blue hair.

The girl was trying to catch up with the young man while, at the same time, trying to finish a strawberry ice-cream cone.

Mia closed her eyes, "Hmph."

Amu stared in awe. A giant wheel slowly turned in the sky. Balloons flew in the air and laughter, shrieks and cries could be heard.

"This is the amusement park we went to," she said. She turned to Ikuto.

"What are we doing here?" she asked.

"I thought it'll be nice to visit it again," he replied, "Since I was only a stuffed cat, that time."

Amu smiled when she remembered that summer day.

"Shall we go in?" Ikuto asked.

Amu eagerly nodded. The place hasn't changed much. Children ran along with their families with big grins on their faces. Delicious smells wafted in the wind. Screams from people on rides could be heard much louder now.

"Amu!" Ikuto called.

He was pointing at something. Amu followed his finger and smiled. He was pointing at the teacups. She ran ahead with Ikuto following behind.

A few moments later…

Amu was bursting out in laughter. She was laughing so hard that she had tears in her eyes. The reason why she was laughing was; Ikuto. He was sitting across her but, since he had long legs, they stuck out a bit. It was a bit crammed too.

"Not so cool anymore, huh?" Amu laughed, "It doesn't suit you at all! And its kiddy size too!"

A light shade of pink dusted Ikuto's cheek.

"You're laughing too hard," he hissed.

Amu brushed away a tear. "I'm sorry," she giggled, "I can't help it."

"I wouldn't think it was this small," Ikuto sighed, "It looks so big when I was a stuffed cat…"

Finally the ride came to a stop and Ikuto hurried out of the cup with Amu, still giggling.

"Where to, now?" he asked. Amu looked around, gleefully.

"I'm not sure," she smiled, "There so many to choose from."

Suddenly Ikuto spotted something that made him smirked. He grabbed Amu's arm and dragged her in that direction.

"Hey!" cried Amu, "Where are you taking me?!"

Ikuto didn't reply.

"Answer me!" Amu demanded.

Suddenly darkness descended on them. Amu stiffened.

No, no. It can't be…

She screamed when she saw a hideous imprint of a face in the wall.

The Haunted House?!

"Let go of me!" she wailed.

"Come on," smirked Ikuto, "You faced Akumas before."

"They're different!" Amu shrieked, "Less scary and ugly!"

Amu clung to Ikuto until they got out of the dreaded place.

"They say to cure your fears, you must face them," said Ikuto.

"It doesn't work for me," Amu groaned.

They went on the rollar coaster, where Amu nearly lost her head while Ikuto didn't react at all. They played a target shooting game with water guns. But instead of aiming for the targets Ikuto aimed for Amu instead. Now, Amu wasn't as happy.

"You got me completely soaked!" she yelled.

Ikuto ruffled his wet hair. "You're not the only one," he replied.

Amu gnashed her teeth.

I'm starting to regret going out with this guy!

They sat in the sun, in order to dry off. Amu sat with her arms crossed over her chest.

First he drags me off to the Haunted House, then the rollar coaster and now he soaks me!

Ikuto and Amu sat apart from one another, giving the other some space.

"Amu," she heard Ikuto called.

"What?!" she snapped.

Ikuto didn't flinch. "Do you want go on the Ferris wheel?" he asked, "We can go after that."

Amu sighed, "Sure." She got up and followed him.

She remembered the legend that Yaya told her; "They say if a couple went on a Ferris wheel, and reached the very top, if they kiss, they'll be a happy married couple in the future!"

Amu's eyebrows twitched at the thought.

I wonder what happens if one of them punched the other when they reached the top? She thought darkly.

But soon she found herself staring out, in awe, as they rosed higher in the air. The sky was slowly turning orange and the pinkness of the sakura trees blended in.

"Spring…," muttered Ikuto, "It was the first time we met right?"

Amu turned away from him. "Yeah," she huffed, "And you gave me a heart attack when you poked your head from the roof."

The corners of Ikuto's mouth curled, "I also made that nickname for you," he smiled.

Amu froze.

"What was it again?" Ikuto asked pretending to forget, "Oh, that's right. Wasn't it 'clothes rake'?"

Arrows of shame stabbed through Amu.

"You have to bring that up!" she cried.

Ikuto laughed, "Don't you like it, clothes rake?"

Steam blew out of Amu.

"Why you!"

She thrust out her fist to Ikuto but he easily dodged it. That made Amu even more fired up.

Is it even possible to be happy around this guy?! He's such a jerk!

Ikuto poke his tongue at Amu.

"Slow poke," he taunted.

"Stay still!" ordered Amu with her fist ready.

"Why would I?" Ikuto smirked.

When the Ferris wheel stopped and their carriage opened, Ikuto nimbly ran out with an angered Amu chasing him.

Amu watched as Ikuto rowed the boat they hired out in the pond. The water appeared to be golden and orange from the setting sun.

"I heard from Yuki that Ryuu and Kitsune were very thankful for your chocolates," said Ikuto softly.

Amu stared at him. "Really?" she breathed.

He nodded.

"Do you miss them?" Amu asked.

"Yes," Ikuto replied, "Ryuu was like a brother to me and Kitsune, even though we fought a lot, she still had her good points."

Amu looked at her reflection on the water's surface.

"They took such good care of me," she said sadly, "And they died for me as well."

Ikuto stopped rowing. "Ryuu was in love with you," he spoke.

Amu looked up. "H-He was?" she asked.

Amu then remembered when Ryuu kissed her on the forehead.

Ikuto nodded, "Yes, that's why he always looked out for you."

Amu hung her head. "If I wasn't there, he wouldn't have lost his life."

SPLASH!

Ikuto had used the oar to send a jet of water at Amu. She gasped as the coldness filled her body.

"Stop making that face," said Ikuto, "Ryuu's likely to be watching you and he'll be quite unhappy to see that face."

Amu gazed at him.

Ikuto suddenly smirked. "That ugly face," he corrected.

Anger marks dotted Amu's head.

"IKUTO!" she shrieked.

Amu leaned over the edge of the boat, swatted water at Ikuto. And so, a water fight began.

"Achoo!" Ryuu sneezed.

Kitsune looked up from Yuki's lap. She was in her fox form.

"I never knew ghosts could catch colds," she said.

"I'm not," replied Ryuu, "Someone was talking about me." (A/N: They say if you sneeze and you're not cold, someone is talking about you)

Kitsune laid her head back onto Yuki's lap. He smiled. Amrita was sleeping on the couch with a warm blanket draped over her.

Ryuu looked out of the window, at the village.

"Amu…," he whispered, "She's going to be alone."

The first I'm going to do when I get home is jumping into a warm bath.

Amu stomped all the way home. Her pink hair clung to her face, dripping wet. Her skin was clammy and her clothes also clung to her. Ikuto was holding his wet jacket over his shoulder.

"Can't believe you got us wet the second time," he sighed.

"You're the one who started it!" Amu snapped back.

Ikuto smiled at her. "So did you enjoy your day?" he asked.

They approached the house.

"No way!" Amu replied, "A whole day full of horrors, insults and water? No way did I like it!"

Amu was the first one to arrive at the door, fumbled with the keys.

"Come on," said Ikuto, "You did-"

He suddenly stopped when he heard a shrill. He looked up to see Redwing swiftly flying by. A red feather drifted down.

Ikuto held out his hand and the feather landed on his palm then dispersed into sparks. His smile dropped. Amu finally got the door to open. She was about to walk in when Ikuto called her.

"Amu," he said.

"What is it?" she growled.

"I…I won't be able to be with you tomorrow," he replied.

"Thank goodness!" Amu sighed loudly, "A whole day without your teasing. I'll be free!"

A small smile came to Ikuto. "If you're happy," he muttered, "Then I'm happy as well."

Amu looked at him strangely before walking inside, leaving the door open for Ikuto. Ikuto stood there, his head hanging down.

Careful Hinamori Amu.

Zina have seen everything clearly in her dreams.

Learn to appreciate what you have… before time forces you to appreciate what you had…

The next morning, Amu left early to the library. She wanted to catch up with some of the school work she missed. When Ikuto was up, she had already left the house.

Shigeru stared at Ikuto. Ikuto had his violin case hitched over his shoulder and a small suitcase in his hand. Utau had given it to him a few days before.

"It's for the clothes she had given you," she had said.

Ikuto was wearing his usual outfit, the same outfit that Amu had saw him wearing when they first met.

"You're leaving?" Shigeru repeated.

"Yes," Ikuto nodded.

Shigeru turned to the now empty room. "I can't be it's been a year now," he murmured.

"Agree," said Ikuto, "One year, four seasons… spring, summer, autumn and winter. Although there was a few tragic events, it was quite fun."

Shigeru stared at him.

"Well, contact us when you arrive at your new place," he smiled.

Ikuto felt his heart sink. "…O-Of course," he whispered.

He then walked out. Ikuto lingered outside of the house for a bit, staring at Amu's bedroom balcony.

It's for the best.

Ikuto walked off. He walked to Dream-Coloured Café to bid Masayoshi and Chie farewell. They were shocked at the news.

"That's so sudden," said Chie.

"Yes. Thank you for what you've done for us," nodded Masayoshi.

"Contact us when you arrive," Chie and Masayoshi said in unison.

Ikuto forced a smile and nodded.

This is going to be hard.

Ikuto met Nagi and Rima and too said goodbye to them. He did the same with Yaya and Kairi. The hardest one was Utau. She was with Kukai when he approached them.

Ikuto shook hands with Kukai. "Take care of her," he smiled.

Kukai grinned at him. "I will," he promised.

Utau flung her arms around Ikuto and started to cry.

"You can't go," she cried, "Beg her for more time. What about Amu?"

"Utau," Ikuto sighed, "Don't make things harder than they are already are."

Reluctantly, Utau let go of her brother. Ikuto gave them a small wave and walked off. Kukai wrapped his arm around Utau. She buried her face in his chest.

"It's alright," Kukai reassured, "We'll visit him."

Utau sob even harder.

Tadase opened the door and was surprised to find Ikuto standing there.

"Ikuto-kun, what business do you have to come here?" Tadase asked politely.

"I'm here to say that I'll be going away," Ikuto replied.

Tadase stared at him in shock. "Really?" he asked.

Ikuto nodded.

I guess this gives him a chance to take Amu.

Suddenly Tadase held out his hand. Ikuto blinked at him.

"Don't worry," smiled Tadase, "I'll look after Amu for you until you come back." I

kuto stared at him then smiled and shook his hand warmly.

"Thank you," he said.

Closing a thick textbook, Amu heaved a sigh.

"I'm finally finished."

She looked out of the library's windows. The sun was long gone. She quickly packed her things and thanked the librarian for letting her stay. Amu rushed off to home. When she approached the house, she noticed the spare room's light wasn't on. Amu blinked.

Ikuto's not in? Oh, well. He's probably on the roof.

But when Amu walked in, she was shock when Shigeru told her Ikuto had left.

"What?" she gasped.

"He didn't tell you?" asked Shigeru.

"No…," Amu softly replied.

She turned to the door.

"Did…did he mention where he was going?" she asked.

"Unfortunately no," Shigeru sighed, "He only said he'll contact us-"

Suddenly Amu bolted out of the door.

"Where are you going?!" Shigeru called.

"I'm going to find Ikuto!" Amu called back.

Baka! Baka! (T/N: If you didn't know, 'baka' means 'stupid', 'fool' or 'idiot')

Ikuto walked in the empty streets. A full moon lit his way.

"A beautiful moon tonight," he whispered.

The sakura trees seem to illuminate a white light in the night. A gentle breeze rustled the branches, causing a shower of petals. Ikuto approached a park, the same park Amu had found him playing his violin. (A/N: Refer to chapter 5)

The park was empty. Silence was as quiet as the sleeping dead. He walked to the centre field. Dew glistened in the moonlight. He placed the small suitcase on the ground.

Now, to wait.

He remembered what Utau had said earlier; "What about Amu?"

He bit his lip when he also remembered how he lied to Amu; "You... you won't leave...us, would you?"

"…No."

Meanwhile, Amu was frantically running around the village. She would scan the area before running off again.

Where are you, Ikuto?!

Ikuto stood there in the quiet air, waiting. Suddenly his sharp ears picked up something.

"She's here," he muttered.

Orbs of light flooded out towards him. They hovered in front of him before taking form of Mia. With a burst of light, she solidifies. She had her arms held out. Taking a breath then exhaling, Mia slowly brought her arms down. She opened her emerald green eyes and looked at Ikuto.

"So have you succeeded?" she asked.

Ikuto placed his middle and index fingers on his right eye then set them apart, forming a V shape. She stared at him.

"You didn't complete your mission," she softly declared.

Suddenly Mia drew out a small dagger. A flashback came to her of the other day when Utau came to see her.

Flashback

"Remember if you don't succeed-" Mia began. "

Wait a minute!" cried Utau.

Mia and Ikuto looked at her.

"Ikuto may be selfish to himself and reckless. He may risk his own life for other people but that's not a bad thing!" Utau sobbed, "That's why… that's why, you can't…you can't erase him."

Ikuto placed a hand on his sister's shoulder.

"Don't worry Utau," he reassured, "I'll be fine."

He then gave her a smile. Utau stared at him with teary violet eyes.

End of flashback

Mia scowled to herself.

Pitiful. Just like her.

She risked her own life, and look how she ended up. (A/N: Who do you think Mia is talking about?)

"Ready?" she asked.

To answer, Ikuto was about to place his hand over his left eye when… the sound of running feet started to approach them. They froze. Mia quickly disappeared into the shadows.

Ikuto turned around. Amu was running towards him. When she was a few metres from him, she slowed to a stop and placed her hands on her knees.

"What in the world are you doing?!" Amu cried and half panted.

"Amu…," Ikuto muttered.

He let his arm fall to his sides. Amu quickly caught her breath.

"You said you're not going to leave!" she cried, "Where are you going?!"

"I'm sorry for lying to you," Ikuto replied, "To be honest, I really don't know."

Amu blinked at him then she felt more irritated.

"Don't joke with me!" she demanded, "I mean it!"

A small laugh came from Ikuto.

"I guess I teased you a bit too much," he said sadly, "Now you're quite annoyed."

"Obviously!" Amu snapped, "You just disappeared without a word!"

Ikuto gave her a sad smile.

"I'm sorry," he bowed.

Suddenly guilt filled Amu.

"I-Is this because of what I said to you?" she asked.

Ikuto quickly straightened up. "Not at all!" he replied.

"Then why?!" Amu cried.

Ikuto fell silent.

"It's because of his contract," spoke a voice.

Amu jumped, "Who's there?"

Mia stepped out of the shadows. Amu was slightly surprised.

Mia turned to Ikuto, "Show her the contact, Tsukiyomi," she ordered.

Ikuto stiffened then obeyed. He placed his hand over his left eye.

"What's going-"

Amu was cut off when Ikuto's right glowed illuminated and a cross hovered centimetres above his eye.

Amu gasped, "W-What is that?"

"He's dead," Mia replied.

Amu stared at Ikuto, gobsmacked.

"Tsukiyomi's soul doesn't belong to any world, not up there or down there," Mia continued to explained, "It merely wonders aimlessly, attached to no life. But since he made a deal with…someone, he had a chance to live life as a human once again."

"Wait a minute!" cried Amu, "What do you mean by this?!"

"But…," Mia continued with no heed to the girl, "He was more concern about spending his last, trickling moments with you than fulfilling his contact. Thus, the contact…," She pointed her dagger at the cross, "Was broken."

The dagger glowed and the cross reacted. A ripple of light was emitted from the cross and suddenly a column of transparent, multi-coloured light surrounded Ikuto.

Ikuto smiled at Amu, "That's why I have to go," he said.

"No!" Amu shrieked.

She was about to run forward when Mia thrust her hand out and a force held Amu back.

"You mustn't interfere Hinamori-san," Mia spat.

Amu struggled, "No!" Amu sobbed.

Tears had welled up in her eyes. Mia approached Ikuto. She angled her dagger so it was locked onto the cross. Amu struggled even harder. Suddenly the lock glowed and Amu broke away.

"What?!" gasped Mia as she took a step back.

Amu ran up to the column of light and pressed her hand on its surface. Ikuto stared at Amu; her tears were running down her face. He forced himself to keep smiling.

"I…I was happy being by your side," he admitted.

Amu stared at him. Tears appeared in his eyes as well.

"Looks like I can't keep a happy face," he sniffed and he reached out and placed his hand where Amu's was, "I promised myself to say goodbye with a smile…"

Mia frowned and drew her dagger back. The cross moved to her side. She thrust it forward. The dagger plunged into the cross but didn't break it. Ikuto gasped in pain.

"Ikuto!" wailed Amu.

Ikuto looked at Amu straight in the eye.

"Amu," he whispered, "You… you were a very important person to me."

His key softly glowed. Amu bit her lip. More tears flowed down.

"I… I loved you too," she confessed.

Her lock also glowed. Both lights of the key and the lock shone brightly and the column of light shattered.

Mia stared in amazement. Amu and Ikuto looked around in disbelief. Suddenly a white feather emerged out of Amu and a black feather emerged out of Ikuto. They joined together and a blinding light was emitted. When the light faded away, in the feathers' placed was two giant ghostly wings.

"The Tsubasas," Amu breathed.

The legendary wings glowed softly against the darkness of the night sky. Ikuto turned to Amu.

"Amu," he softly called.

She turned to face him. Ikuto took Amu's hand and placed the key into her palm.

"I want you to have this," he explained, "I'll like to thank you for everything you had given me; all your joy, all your smiles and even your tears."

Amu blinked at the key then looked up to him.

"W-What are you saying?" she asked.

Yuki sipped his cup of tea. Kaneko sighed loudly.

"I feel bad for bringing you all the way out here," she said.

Yuki returned his cup to its saucer.

"It's alright," he smiled, "It does Amrita and I good."

Fang was keeping Amrita entertained yet both of them kept an ear out on the conversation. Kukoi was resting on Kaneko's lap.

"So Tsukiyomi-kun's wish really did change?" Yuki sighed.

Kaneko nodded. "But the contract cannot be changed" she explained, "He'll still go to the place he first wished to go."

Yuki exhaled. "Unfortunately," he said, "There's nothing we can do."

Amu stared at Ikuto in confusion. She didn't understand what's going on. Mia wasn't going to erase him yet Ikuto is still acting as if he's still leaving.

Ikuto suddenly leaned forward. Amu's eyes widened. Ikuto's lips were like a feather, soft and gentle. A light blush dusted Amu's cheeks. Ikuto then straightened up. That was Amu's first kiss. Amu brushed her trembling fingers across her lips.

"I-Ikuto," she whispered.

Mia's eyebrows twitched.

"Hmph," She stepped forward. "Enough is enough," she announced.

Mia swiped her hand through the air. Suddenly Ikuto's body started to glow.

"What's happening?" Amu asked.

Ikuto closed his eyes then opened them again.

"There's a place I have to go," he replied.

Amu's eyes widened. Realizing what Ikuto said, she quickly rushed forward. Amu flung her arms around Ikuto. But just as she closed them in, Ikuto dispersed into shards. Amu gasped in shock.

"Ikuto!" she screamed.

Amu reached up as the shards drifted up, in attempt to catch a piece.

"Ikuto!" she cried again, "Ikuto!"

The shards disappeared into the night. Tears flowed down her cheeks. Mia suddenly appeared in front of Amu. She swiftly reached out and placed her middle and index finger on Amu's forehead.

Amu's gasp was knocked out of her throat. It was as if electricity waves were running through her head. Suddenly her vision became blurry and her head started to spin. Amu's eyelids started to became heavy.

"That's it," Mia muttered, "Fall asleep."

Amu suddenly fell back, some of her tears trailing behind, and collapsed onto the cold ground, unconscious.

To be continued…

*Storm sobs harder*

Hydrin: *sigh* This is bothersome. *Scans paper* She's bets 1 million AIR dollars that many followers have stopped reading this... "ridiculous story" because of the Tsubasa and Kobato plot.

Zina: *turns to SS* That's a bit harsh on yourself

Mia: Review this pitiful story if you want