A\N: pardon the mild swearing.

"Well damn…" the shadowman said with a final breath, "I guess… I missed…"
And with that, the man was dead.

The entire room was swept with panic wondering why no one was watching the man when he picked up a pistol. The only ones not in a panic over the shadowman's final act were Ahiru and Fakir, who were looking over the wounded body of Jaden. In that last split second Jaden had jumped in the way, taking the bullet with him.

Ahiru was on her knees next to him, gripping his hand, while Fakir rolled himself over so he could put pressure on bullet wound.
"Come on Jaden." Fakir grunted, "You're not supposed to do this… not now!" Fakir pressed down hard trying to get some reaction out of Jaden, but all he got from the gypsy boy was desperate gasps for air.

Finally Jaden let out a bloody cough. He looked over to his friends and smiled weakly, "I… I guess… I'm the one… who rushed in… this time huh?"
"Jay, what are you saying?" Ahiru said, trying to hold back her tears.

"He wanted… to take you… with him…" Jaden tightened his grip on Ahiru's hand, "He didn't want… to die… without the one… who killed him." Jaden's breathing was getting shallow, and Fakir pressed harder. "It was… all I could do… on short notice…"

"Somebody get help!" Fakir shouted as he practically slammed fist over the bullet hole. There was a bit of commotion as someone finally ran out the door for help.

"Just hang in there, okay Jaden." Ahiru said, trying to be calm.

Jaden barely shook his head. "It may be… too late for that… "
"Stop talking like that!" Fakir snapped.
Jaden only smiled, "I'm just glad… I could redeem myself… for putting you… both… in so much danger…"

Jaden's heart began to slow. His grip on Ahiru's hand was getting lighter. Ahiru began to shake her head violently while squeezing his hand even tighter. Jaden took one last glance at Fakir, that gentle smile still beaming.
"Promise me… you'll protect… Ahiru." He turned his head back to Ahiru, "Make sure… my friend doesn't… do anything stupid… either. Okay?"

Ahiru couldn't hold back her tears anymore.
"Hey…" Jaden said is whatever voice he had left, "it'll be… okay… I will always… be with…"

It was then, that Jaden breathed his last.

It was amazing how many people actually came to Jaden's funeral. Who would have thought a gypsy would be given so much attention? Although in a twisted sort of way, Jaden's death had finally brought better attention to the suffering of the gypsies. Mostly because everyone couldn't get their stories straight.

Some people said Jaden single-handedly fought back the shadowman and his army of spirits, but could only stop him completely through his own sacrifice.

Others said he jumped the shadowman before he shot Councilman Mytho. After being shot, using whatever strength he had left, he stole the gun and shot the shadowman dead.

And still others said he was just a young boy who got caught in the crossfire between a mad man, a corrupt dictator, and his own stupid pride.

Mama Edel let the people believe what they want, they wouldn't listen to the truth anyway. And besides, the troupe leader had other problems to deal with before she could even attempt to explain what really happened.

She, along with Drosselmeyer and Mytho, had to face Makarov, the people of Earthland, and the chaotic people of Emestress to figure out where to go from here.

One of the harder parts of meeting together to give gypsies their rights, was trying to get past all the prejudices on both ends of the spectrum. It's funny how people can be so hostile towards each other simply because of one or two differences…

But through hard work, and a hell of a lot of patience, an agreement had been made. The gypsies would be given citizenship seeing as those who were 'non-gypsy' were most likely related to gypsies themselves.

Now obviously when the news of this decree hit the countries there was plenty of confusion and panic. But given time, people settled down and accepted it.

In a short while later, Mytho finally got the chance to atone for his crimes. He stepped down as councilman and served a few years in prison along with Drosselmeyer, while Rue took over in his place until he was ready to return. It wasn't a fantastic time in Mytho's life, but he didn't regret it.

It probably was a month before Fakir and Ahiru got to see each other again. Back where it all began, the Gold Crown Port.

Fakir was lost in thought. After everything that had happened, it almost seemed like nothing had changed…
That was when Ahiru snuck up behind him, and pecked his cheek. He quickly turned his head to see her after so long. Still a beautiful as ever.

She seemed to still be in mourning though. He knew how hard losing her childhood friend must have been.
He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her forehead. "I've missed you." He said with a smile. She returned his hug. "I've missed you too."

They let go of each other, but still held hands as they talked.
"Anything interesting happen?" She asked.
"Just visited my grandfather. He and his crew probably have about three years or so before they can leave."
"Well that's good to hear."

There was a pause.
Then Fakir decided to take the risk and ask, "How has the rest of the troupe been doing since… what happened?"

Ahiru was quiet for a moment. Was she still hurting?
"It's been hard. With so much treaties and amendments going on, we haven't had time to mourn Jaden…" right when it looked like she was about to cry, Fakir slid his arm over her shoulders and pulled her closer. She leaned her head into him.

"It isn't so bad. Jaden actually visited us last night."
Fakir's eyes grew wide, "Wait… how?!"
"Just because someone is dead, doesn't mean their spirit can't stay behind for a while." Ahiru said with a small smile. "He asked about you too. Making sure I keep my promise that his friend hasn't done anything stupid."

Fakir couldn't help but laugh, "Well, I hope I get to talk with him sometime then."
"I'm sure you will." She said.

And as the world began to fall back into place, Fakir and Ahiru looked up, dreaming of the bright future that would one day greet them. But for now, a simple kiss at sunset would do.

A\N: And that's that (sort of). Not the grandest of endings, but I think it's pretty good.

I'll write the alternate as soon as I can. And after that, I'll try to write the mermaid story. Unless you have a suggestion as to what I should do next!

In the meantime, I would like to give my sincerest thanks to:

Skylock for following
jennytrejo19 for favoring
fine and shade for favoring
James Birdsong for reviewing
mayuralover for reviewing and keeping me going!
I-Is-Not-Lone-Pervert for reviewing (even though I can't read what was written :( )
And you, for having read this far with me!