Hi everyone, and if you're reading this, thank you so much for making it this far! It means a lot to me!

My main goal was to try to wrap up the story with a neat bow, and I believe I did a good job with that! I can't believe this story is finally finished. I've been working on and off with it since 2014... not including the countless editing sessions it has undergone since, over the years. It's kind of sad that it's over now. But the spirit of Rosa x N, the OTP I hold close to my heart, will remain strong!

Forgive the sap in this chapter, by the way... I tried to do it so it wasn't cheesy, but this is my first time writing romance, so...

This is a little longer than my other chapters, but that's mostly because I want to be conclusive in wrapping things up.

Please enjoy the very last segment of Rosa's adventure! And stay tuned for any updates!

~Rosa950

—————————————————————————————————————————————

After our emotional moment, Hilda decides to fly back to Aspertia on her Braviary. She says she wants to figure out what she should do next with her life, and how she can further her relationship with Hugh. This leaves N and I to decide how I should finish my journey. Despite the fact we're almost at the Elite Four, I insist on going back to the beginning of Victory Road, and starting over from there.

"I want to battle all of the Trainers to get my Pokémon back into the swing of things!" I plead to N. "I feel like it's not fair that I can just happen to get a free pass up to the Elite Four. I want to earn this fair and square." And maybe then you can see how I battle, and observe the bond we forge because of it.

"Well, I am still uncomfortable watching Trainer battles, sometimes," he admits candidly. "But I understand where you are coming from. This is your journey, and you're free to choose which path you want to go. Besides... I enjoy seeing how much your Pokémon trust you."

A huge smile grows on my face. "We've had a long journey together," I remark dreamily. "I owe it to both them and myself to finish all of what we've started. Thank you so much, N!" Beaming, I give him a huge hug, with which he returns with an eager laugh.

"I'm so happy to see you enthusiastic again, just like that day at the Chasm," he remarks when we part. He gestures to the steep cliffs before us. "Some people try to slide down these to reach the bottom. Think you're up to it?"

"Um, hell no!" I burst out nervously. My palms immediately grew clammy at the sight of such a dizzying drop. "Maybe if I wasn't still recovering. But the last thing I want to do is tumble head first and ruin all of the progress I've made." Instead, I put my arm around him.

"Why don't we enjoy a nice stroll down to the bottom together, N?"

"That sounds nice," he agrees, accepting my offer. And so the two of us descend, discussing the road ahead as my face refuses to lose hold of its grin.

We spend the rest of the day conquering Victory Road from the ground-up. Forgetting the burdens of the somewhat recent past, I eagerly engage in battle after battle with other Trainers. My Pokémon and I are so happy to be active again. For the first time since that dreadful day, I truly feel like myself. N looks on to all of the action eagerly, and gives encouragement to my Pokémon when needed. He is also extremely generous, healing my Pokémon after a particularly rough bout.

By the time we return to the uppermost plateau, it's dark enough that it's difficult to see without a light. So we decide to call it a day and rent a room in the Center for the night. We fall asleep content in each other's arms. I couldn't remember the last time I felt so... happy.

I awake much earlier in the morning than usual, as the sun began its birth anew. The sky awash with beautiful blends of orange and pink, I simply relax and enjoy the stellar view. But soon enough, I become jittery and high-strung, my restlessness waking N from his slumber. After a hearty breakfast, I stock up on loads of all kinds of Potions and status healers at the mart. I can't decide if I feel ready to explode from excitement or nervousness. I let out my Pokémon before we leave the Center, and I give each of them a ruffle on the head and an encouraging word. They seem just as determined as I to surmount this challenge. N appears amused by my fuss over our impending battles.

As we walk up to the open entrance of the marvelous structure, we are halted by the guard for the routine badge-checking procedure. Normally, this wouldn't have been an issue, but...

"Yes, Miss Rosa, it appears that you have all of the acceptable badges. Remember that the Elite Four and Champion must be battled consecutively. You cannot leave for any reason whatsoever, until you have lost or successfully defeated the Champion. In the case of an emergency..."

He rattles on and on about the procedures with a hint of monotone blandness, probably produced by having to say the same old speech over and over again. I'm about to wave him off and be like, "Yeah, I know, just let me in now, will you?" when he says something else that makes me stop short.

"Is that a friend of yours? Sorry, pal. No spectators are allowed. This is a challenge meant for the sole individual. And even if you did have the proper number of badges, you would have to wait until after Rosa completed her challenge."

"What?!" I exclaim, my voice nearly cracking as my heart sinks. "What do you mean he's not allowed in? Do you even know who we are?!"

It isn't like me to become self-righteous in order to gain certain privileges, but I decide it wouldn't hurt to use our newfound fame to our advantage. After all, I want N to be there with me! Not only as a source of support, but also so we can spend this very important day together— whether this goes well or not.

The guard squints at us, evaluating our appearance. "Ah, yes. You two helped to save the region recently from the uprising of Plasma, no?" My head bounces up and down, praying that he would take the hint.

"Unfortunately, recent heroes or not, I have rules that need to be kept. Ever so sorry that this does not meet to your satisfaction."

Damn it! Of course I get the stickler for rules.

"Rosa, it's fine, I can wait," N whispers, putting a hand on my shoulder. "I don't want to cause any unnecessary trouble."

I went wide eyed. "Are you sure? I just really wanted you there with me..."

He nods in response. "I know, love. But I could use this time to check back in on my cabin, and make sure my friends are all right. Call me when you're done?" He then gives me his Xtransceiver contact info— something he lends out to basically no one. I accept this precious gift for what it is, thankful I can now reach him whenever I want to.

"All right," I comply quietly, wrapping my arms around him in an unrelenting embrace.

"Good luck, Rosa. Even if you don't win, you're still one of the best out there, and don't you forget it." I smile as I step through the gate and turn around, waving to him as it slams shut.

"See you on the other side!" N calls with a smile fit to make the world shine.

*                      *                    *

Arceus, was that intense, I thought, trying to keep my shaky, exhausted legs in check. I descend the ancient stone staircase, flicking off a bright red scrap of confetti as its rainbow compatriots rained down.

I don't even feel like the Champion yet. I just feel like the same old me. Did that really just happen...?

I won... How had I won?! I always thought myself a decent Trainer, but this is beyond my wildest dreams! My head is spinning just thinking about it. And yet the fact that I'm victorious hasn't really hit me yet.

Registering my team in the Hall of Fame and accepting the title of Champion seemed to go by in a haze. There was some sort of speech about how recording the names of my Pokémon and I here allowed the bond between us to become "an eternal treasure" or something. But I was too shocked to focus on the words. This couldn't be real. I mean, it was my greatest hope, and the ultimate objective of my journey as a Trainer. But to have it actually happen... And on my very first try, no less!

I couldn't stop my head from replaying the intense and adrenaline-filled moments of all five battles. I was allowed to choose whichever order I wanted, and so I ended up challenging Grimsley, Marshal, Shauntal and Caitlin. Each battle seemed more difficult than the last, and by the time I was fighting Caitlin, I was starting to feel utterly worn out. My body was just drenched with sweat and fatigue. But I tried to dig deep within me to find that zealous spirit I was known so well for.

I had to get through this. I just had to. If I could get through being almost frozen to death, fighting the mutant abomination of Black Kyurem, and clashing against Ghetsis himself, then surely, surely I could get through this. And even beyond that, my results, whether good or bad, would be the accumulation of all of the blood, sweat, and tears that I've shed as a Trainer. To give up would be unthinkable.

Going through the chambers of each of the Elites was certainly an interesting experience. I loved the creativity of Caitlin's dream-like bedroom, and the ghost-like books in Shauntal's place were a very nice touch. Each member of the Four seemed to recognize me instantly, either using wise musings or witty repartee to acknowledge my strength in coming this far. But that didn't stop them from challenging me with all of their might.

Every battle was more intense than the last, testing our skill and stamina. But ultimately— partly through power, talent, and pure, dumb luck— we finally made our way to the Champion. It turned out to be Iris, which surprised me. I had run into her a few times before, helping me find Plasma in Castelia city or informing me about Drayden's DNA Splicers. But I didn't exactly know she was Champion. You'd think this would be common knowledge for the average Trainer, too. I guess I just hadn't been paying too much attention, always more focused on the journey rather than the destination.

Iris was wearing with a flowing, gorgeous white and pink dress (complete with bows and frills), and on her violet hair she adorned a gold tiara with emerald green jewels. She looked absolutely stunning.

"Ah, Rosa! Welcome! Please, come in. I've been waiting for you!" She spread her arms out as I nervously made my way over, clutching the Poké Ball that housed my Serperior. I had no idea what kind of team she had, though I heard once that she was well known as "The Dragon Master." My heart cringed at the very thought, my breaths shallow and panicked.

Don't get nervous, Rosa. They're just stupid dragons. You won't let them stop you after all of this hard work, will you? It's just one. more. battle!"

Iris smiled at me. "Know what? I really look forward to having serious battles with strong Trainers like you! I mean, come on! The Trainers who make it here are Trainers who desire victory with every fiber of their being! And they are battling alongside Pokémon that have been through countless difficult battles! If I battle with people like that, not only will I get stronger, but my Pokémon will, too! And we'll get to know each other even better! Okay! Brace yourself! I'm Iris, the Pokémon League Champion, and I'm going to defeat you!"

Our subsequent battle was so passionate that it blew the ones I had with the Elite Four out of the water. That's saying something, considering that the battles with the Four were already epic and heart-racing in their own right. We both gave it our all, screaming commands to our partners as they dealt elemental-based blows. I just... I can't even express in words how moving it all was. How satisfying it all was. The intensity elicited loads of stress upon me, but for once it was the good kind of stress.

There was, however, one (and only one) moment I was not proud of.

She ended up having three Dragons (which, I must admit, their limited numbers proved more comforting than I was expecting): Druddigon, Haxorus, and Hydreigon. When she released the first two, I visibly flinched while an uncomfortable burst of panic burst within me. But I forced it down with gritted teeth, even as it left a bitter taste in my throat. I had to remember that not all Dragons were bad; that not all Dragons were out to hurt me.

Out of context, it sounds rather silly, and even cowardly. Considering what had happened to me, though, those words were my only source of comfort. The only reason Hydreigon and Black Kyurem had tried to destroy me was because they were being abused and twisted by a malignant person. It wasn't their fault, nor the fault of their species. To assume otherwise through a blanket statement was just simply untrue and unfair.

Anyways, my attempts at conciliation seemed to work in the moment. That was, until I had to actually face the pinnacle of that fear one on one. It was when Iris had called out her last remaining Dragon.

"Head on out, Hydreigon!"

That name made me instantly freeze in place. Before I knew it, the red eyes of the Brutal Pokémon seemed, to me, to be staring not at my Swanna, but at myself instead. The gaze that resembled the heartlessness of Ghetsis pierced into my soul and shook me to my very core.

Involuntarily, I began to shake. The hand that had pointed out commands with such vigor started to tremble in place. This small observation was, surprisingly, enough to make everyone in the room stop. My Swanna, who was flapping her wings in the air to stay in place, sensed something was wrong and cocked her head back, letting out a concerned cry.

"Um, Rosa? Are you okay? Is it the exhaustion of the consecutive battles? We could have a quick break, you know, just for you," Iris asked me concerned, being awfully understanding considering the circumstances. All of her previous thunder from a mere moment ago had completely melted into a calm and approachable demeanor.

"N-no...Well, you s-see, I..." The words seemed to struggle coming out of my mouth, my heart screaming at me to just stop and run away as far as I possibly could. But with all of the willpower I had left, I forced my feet to remain anchored, and my thoughts out through chattering teeth.

"When I fought against Ghetsis... He had a Hydreigon. H-he almost killed me... T-tried to freeze me alive..."

"Ghetsis did what?!" Iris exclaimed furiously, her expression growing dark as she beckoned Hydreigon to step back. Part of me desperately wished to further elaborate on my broken-up gibberish, but I was afraid of exposing what had become my weakness... and my fear. I had said enough to tip her off, however, and for now that was good enough.

"Well, that explains the attempted homicide charge I heard about!" she muttered in disgrace, shaking her head. "It'd be just like him, though, to try to take someone's life for his own purposes!" She shook her head again, throwing a curled fist into her open hand.

"You're saying his Hydreigon tried to kill you?! And I thought even he couldn't go any lower!"

"Um, well, sort of— no, I mean, it was Kyurem under the control of Ghetsis that tried to, but..." I was trying to form coherent sentences, but I kept stumbling over my words. Also, the fact that her Hydreigon wouldn't stop staring at me intently didn't help.

"I don't want to generalize, I really don't, b-but it's just.... seeing a Hydreigon, or any Dragon type... or even an Ice type, I guess... Do you understand? It just instantly recreates the terror I felt in the moment, and..."

"Oh, honey! Why didn't you say something?!" Iris gasped in sympathy. "If I had known, I wouldn't have sent him out." She started to raise her Poké Ball to summon her Brutal Pokémon back.

"W-Wait!" I yelled suddenly as I threw my hand out, still shaking as I felt the panic crash within me like a continuous wave. Was I really about to say this? Was I ready to say this? More importantly, why was I crazy enough to want to say this?

"It's true that I'm beyond scared right now. And that Ghetsis indirectly scarred me for life against these two i-innocent Pokémon types, whether I like it or not. Sadly, it will probably always be that way... But I want to fight this out to the very bitter end! I want to win this battle fairly! I want to give it my all, and defeat every last member of your team! And I need to live through my fear and conquer it, even though I'm not even sure that I want to!"

With each word, I felt this hidden spirit of determination slowly start to grow. Each syllable felt like a spray from the fountain of truth that scattered its water droplets of declaration onto the world.

"And in order for me to do both of these things... I need to fight this damned— no, I'm sorry, this cherished— Hydreigon!" I finished with clenched fists and a raised tone of voice. Swanna threw her head back and trilled me her own words of support.

Iris nodded slowly after a moment. "That is a very brave decision Rosa, and not an easy one to make. For that, I commend you." She thrust her hand up.

"So then, in that case, let's continue on with this battle!"

And so, I forced myself to stand my ground and fight on. I can't tell you how difficult it felt to endure that choice. My overwhelming conscious urged me to run as far away as humanly possible, and to never look back at any Dragon type ever again. But somehow, against those screaming primal instincts, I never backed down, and I never surrendered.

Now, here I am, the new Champion of the Unova region. I'm standing right outside the gates as the sun makes the sky flare with the same brilliant colors from this morning. Every muscle in my body feels utterly burned out and exhausted. Yet my spirit is rising with a sense of elation unlike any other. Iris departed long ago, waving me goodbye as I left the League building. Smiling and donning a pair of glassy eyes, I tremble in excitement as my fingers swipe furiously across the screen of my Xtransceiver. N answers after the second ring, his face smiling a greeting from the room I had woken up in all those days ago.

"Hey Rosa! How did it..." He breaks off when he sees the tears on my face. His Audino (I'm pretty sure the same one who gave me the berry juice) is by his side, and she gazes onto the screen with wide and fascinated eyes.

"Oh, you must have... I'm so sorry," N starts sorrowfully, but I hush him with whispered words.

"No, N. I won. These tears... are ones of joy."

*                      *                    *

With a little bit of direction from N, Swanna and I soon arrive in front of his isolated cabin. As I dismount her, the most incredible thing happens: she envelopes me with her snow white wings and chirps a cheery song.

"Thank you so much, girl. I'm proud of you, too," I murmur, cupping my hand on her face. "This means a lot to the both of us. Soon we'll have everyone out to celebrate."

"There she is," rang out a voice I've come to love. "The Champion of the heart and mind of Unova." Swanna releases me, allowing me to spin around in delight.

"Well, I wouldn't go that far, but... Thank you!!" I squeal, immediately running to meet him. He isn't alone, accompanied by a myriad of Pokémon that cry out gleefully. I stifle my gasps of delight as we embrace. God, I could just stay in this wonderful moment forever.

"I knew you could do it, Rosa. I hardly expected any less," N glows. "You and your Pokémon can truly accomplish anything together." He gives me the sweetest kiss on the cheek, causing me to nearly melt.

"Well, it's all thanks to you, you know," I whisper gratefully. "Or I wouldn't be here right now."

He squeezes his hand around my waist. "Come, let's not dwell on that now. Tonight is a night to celebrate."

"You're right," I concede, as Minccinos and Patrats urge us to come inside. "Besides, I have so much to tell you! I want you to know every single little detail!"

Once settled, I call Mom on the Xtransciever, babbling on in an excited rush. Meanwhile, N and his Pokémon are preparing a berry feast for later. My mom expresses how proud she is for me, but she also stresses that I should calm down a little before I explode. Next on the chat list is Hugh; Hilda also pops her face into the call.

"Yo, Rosa, of course you became the Champion! Do you really think I would assume otherwise?!" Hugh declares with a devilish gleam in his eyes, while Hilda gives a sheepish grin.

"Rosa, girl, congrats! It looks like I've now handed down the title to you. Well... informally, anyways."

"Huh? What do you mean?" I ask, twirling some of my hair in between my fingers. I had let my Pokémon out for the celebration dinner. Delcatty is propped onto my lap, cooing comfortably.

"See, I accepted the Championship title at first, but one of the requirements was that I had to stay in the region. You know, so they could call me down whenever it seemed like a challenger was getting close. But then I wanted to search for N, and I wanted to stay out of the frenzy of reporters, so..." She shrugs. "I made the call out to the League, and Iris practically jumped up to take my place. She was allowed instant access only because she's Drayden's granddaughter— patronage, I guess. I'm not surprised she's held that position uncontested since then, until it was your turn."

"By the way," Hugh jumps in uninvited, "Hilda has no idea what she wants to do with her life."

She rolls her eyes in response. "We've been arguing about it all day. I can't decide if I should travel some more, battle in the Pokémon World Tournament, try getting back into Musicals, or audition for a role at PokéStar Studios..."

"Don't wanna close your options, but I'm basically the most famous star at the Studios," I couldn't help but brag with a touch of pride. "They still take the occasional newcomer, but they get overshadowed by all of the movies I've made." I had loved acting for the Studios so much that I starred in way too many films with them. Some of them were made when I first entered the business, but I took the time here and there between training to act as well.

"Well, maybe I should watch your movies then. That'll kill some time, right?" Hilda muses hopefully.

Hugh releases an exasperated huff. "Maybe a few days at best. Then you still have the rest of your boring life ahead of you." Hilda lightly punches him on the shoulder.

"Boring? It's been anything but, and you of all people should know that. Besides, I'm a little desperate right now." It looks like the two of them are about to get into a playful argument when N approaches, setting the plates down on his mahogany table.

"Is that you, Hilda and Hugh? Good to see you again!" he greets them with a wave.

"So Rosa, I hope you have more of an idea about what you're doing next?" Hugh asks me after the greetings have been exchanged, earning another exaggerated glare from Hilda.

I give a sly smile. "Oh, I'm sure I'll figure something out. You know me; I always do. But whatever I decide... I will always stick with N." I tug on his sleeve and pull him into a hug. N returns it, displaying a sheepish grin.

"Rosa, love, I'd be honored to accompany you on whatever journey you make for yourself."

*                      *                    *

Soon, the months slip by and turn into years. Ultimately, I decide I want to travel to the different regions. I just never wanted our adventures of exploration, discovery, and thrilling battles to end. So I follow in Hilda's footsteps and pass down my title— I think someone named Nate became a follow up challenger who earned that right.

But anyways, regarding the travels of N and I. Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh— it didn't matter where we went. We just did whatever would make us and our Pokémon happy.

In every endeavor we pursue— from visiting local attractions to exploring uncharted territory— we find ways to keep our romance alive. Whether it's strolling through Johto's beautiful National Park or enjoying a cruise on the S.S. Anne, we help guide each other towards an intimate and personal bliss. Truly, I feel blessed to wake up every day to his smiling face and the enthusiasm of my Pokémon.

He also never fails to comfort me if I ever have a flashback or nightmare about that horrible day. My screams would dissipate within his gentle, yet sturdy arms. Slowly but surely, thanks to both N's consistent support and my periodic exposure to Pokémon battles, my fear of Dragon and Ice types dwindles to a dull murmur. Hilda and Hugh (bless their patient souls) were willing to watch over the cabin and its Pokémon whenever we were gone. The couple seems more than content to stay within the borders of Unova

Every once in awhile, we would return to our beloved home. Sometimes, I would help film another movie at the Studios, but every time without fail I make sure to visit Mom. Hugh and Hilda would always join N and I for a happy little reunion as well.

Autumn has since rolled around once more, two years after the resurrection of Plasma and my first meeting with N. Things across the region are changing as rapidly as ever, but Aspertia looks more or less the same as when Snivy and I had first embarked on our promising future. The four of us are standing on the town's famous outlook, where I had chosen my forever Pokémon partner from Bianca. N and Hugh are off to the side, sharing in some private conversation that they didn't want us girls to hear (for whatever reason). So while they're confiding on the bench, Hilda and I are leaning on the railing, staring out onto the mountains and the quiet, twinkling stars.

I let out a sigh of contentment. "It's so beautiful here, isn't it?" I ask dreamily.

"Yeah," Hilda replies, with a similar tone. "I wish Nuvema had this kind of view. But it's just as boring as all of the other small towns with Professors' labs. I swear to Arceus, that's one of the mandatory requirements on their blueprints." I give a snort at her snarky observation— that's one part of her that only grows all the more sharper over the years.

"Did you know this is where everything began for me?" I remark. I tell her all about that fateful day, remembering how I had eagerly climbed these steps to meet Bianca and pick my first partner. As I found out later from Hilda, she, too, had apparently been Hilda's traveling buddy. Still, I could remember it as clear as yesterday, that cute little Snivy who instantly stole my heart. And yet at the same time, it felt like oh-so-long ago...

"Aww, that's so cute," Hilda responds when I finish with a smile. "That must have happened during the winter months, correct? Assuming you took the average time of about a year. Almost three years ago..." She shakes her head in disbelief. "I can't believe it. Where the hell did the time go?"

"To be honest, I'm pretty sure Dialga is just messing with our heads."

"Well, I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case." We laugh at such an outlandish thought. Our reverie becomes interrupted by a tap on my shoulder. I turn around to discover it's my beloved boyfriend, giving him a star-studded smile.

"Yeeeesss?" I drawl in a singsong voice (Hey, I am in a very good mood right now). I can't help but notice that Hugh has attracted Hilda's attention in a similar manner.

"We, uh... We wanted to show you something." N appears to have a difficult time verbalizing his thoughts, but is grinning nonetheless. The look on Hugh's face is priceless. I can tell he's doing everything within his power to restrain himself from a dramatic face palm.

"What N is trying to say is," Hugh intervenes, trying to hold back his exasperation, "is that we both love you girls very much, and—"

"We want to spend the rest of our lives with you," N manages to speak up suddenly. Before my brain could process what's going on, they are both on one knee.

"No... Are you guys really...?!" I squeal in surprise, while Hilda just lets out a gasp and holds her hand over her mouth.

N and Hugh both pull out what looks like an ordinary Poké Ball at first glance. But once they open it, inside is black felt circle containing a beautiful, transparent gem atop a golden ring. On each side of this gem sits a colored heart: N's ring had green and pink, while Hugh's had red and pink.

"Rosa, will you... marry me?"

"Hilda, will you marry me?" Both questions are asked at the same time, but they honestly fly straight over my head. I feel both stunned and overwhelmed with this indescribable sense of glee. I definitely wasn't expecting something like this, and I could tell Hilda is just as shocked as I. Since N had been new to romance when we started going out, he picked up a lot of tips from Hugh. It only makes sense that he would ask him for help with a proposal, even after all of this time.

I am just...  so touched, beyond all words. For him to propose to me, in such a romantic spot like this— the stars shimmering above us, the cool, frosty air taking my breath away as the dark shadows of the distant trees are silhouetted against the night sky...?

"Oh, N... You've brought so much joy into my life! If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't even be here right now..." Tears of happiness gather in my eyes as my answer easily tumbles from my lips. "Yes! A thousand times yes! To be with you in marriage would be a dream come true!!"

N jumps up almost immediately with a look of relief on his face, while Hilda expresses her joyful approval to Hugh.

"Did I... Did I do it right?" he asks sheepishly, a blush creeping onto his face.

"Yes, N! It was perfect! Absolutely perfect!!" I gush. "But even if it wasn't, I would have said yes anyways. I love you so much." N beams with an angelic glow that only makes my heart soar all the more higher.

"Now here, darling, put the ring onto my finger," I gently urge him. He removes the ring from its casing and slipped it onto my right ring finger, securing it with a lovely kiss.

"It's just as beautiful as you are," N murmurs appreciatively. I glance over to see Hugh also putting his ring on Hilda.

"Awwww, N!!" I eagerly take him into my arms and plant a kiss on his lips. "I can't believe you did this for me. I'm so, so happy right now, and I love you more than anything."

"I love you too, my beautiful girl," he replies softly, cupping my face in his hands.

...Engaged. I am now engaged. The very notion seems rather foreign, but at the same time it makes me ecstatic. This boy I had fallen in love with two years ago would now serve as my eternal partner in life. Before I met him face to face, I could have never imagined something like this ever happening to me. The doors to our futures are held wide open, with endless possibilities swirling like mist in the air. With our hands intertwined, N and I are bound by love, and ready to forge a new life for ourselves. I feel fortunate beyond words, and I could tell he must feel the same.

I'm more than ready for this. True, the chain of events that led to our encounter have proven both a blessing and a curse. But right now, I'm beyond thankful that N made the decision to rescue me from Plasma. If it wasn't for him, I don't know where I would be right now, or if I'd even be here.

The boy with the green hair has changed my life forever. And despite all of the pain and misery the experience wrought, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat if it meant falling for the love of my life.

For him, anything is worth it.

~The end!~