I have nothing to say... I can't believe I finished.

Epilogue

Misaki sprinted along the top of the skyscraper. The shadows before her fled onto the next roof. Misaki whipped out her hook that was attached to a harness already on her and swung the hook in a circle above her head and then at a horizontal pole. The hook wrapped around and clamped on. Misaki sprinted harder and leapt off the platform.

She didn't dare look down but she knew the cars below her looked just like ants. This wasn't the time to fear. Misaki had bigger things to worry about.

Misaki gracefully landed on the roof and retracted the hook. She looked around and noticed the three shadows who were quickly disappearing.

"Not so fast..." Misaki thought to herself as she pushed her legs to move faster.

Beside the loud city traffic, Misaki could only hear her own panting and quick footsteps. She skidded to a stop at the railing. Looking down, she saw them escaping down the fire escape. Misaki clamped the hook onto the railing and let herself fall backwards. She pulled the gun out of her belt and held it ready. The rope pulled her to a halt but didn't hurt her.

"Hands up!" Misaki ordered, pointing the gun at them.

The three men looked surprised to see her. Misaki was hanging in the air by a rope with a gun in hand which wasn't a common sight. They slowly lifted up their hands. Misaki cautiously slid a leg over the railing and firmly planted her feet on the edge.

"Hand it over," she said, slowly.

Silence...

"You're all under arrest," Misaki said. "Cooperate and there will be a road to life."

"You'll be the one dead!" one man snapped. With a flick of the wrist, he cut the rope with a flying knife.

Misaki fell back but didn't plummet. Her one leg over the railing was able to support her. The three men saw their chance and ran. Misaki growled and swung her other leg over. She fired a few shots down but the bullets didn't reach their target. There was too much metal in the way.

The three men bolted into a hotel. Misaki knew they were heading up to the roof. According to IA sources, a helicopter was suppose to pick them up and then fly out of the United States... Like that would stop the IA though... Come on, they were the International Affairs for a reason.

Misaki slipped on a pair of grippy gloves and sprayed her shoes with traction spray. To finish, she strapped two thick metal needles in her hands.

Misaki stabbed a hole into the side of the hotel and climbed up. She yanked out the needle and continued to stab up. Misaki gritted her teeth and pulled herself up. Her shoes kept her firmly against the wall.

Misaki was sweating... This was making her arms BURN! The hotel wasn't short either...

Misaki let a breath of relief when she reached half way. There was a window sill with a wide platform. Misaki gingerly sat down and returned the needles to her belt.

That one man ruined her first hook but a good spy always came with a back up, especially when she was going up and down skyscrapers all night. As she adjusted her harness, she looked down and saw the line of holes she made on the building. She reminded herself to get the IA to pay the hotel for repairs.

Misaki picked open the window, hoping this wasn't anyone's room at the moment. She slowly turned around and slid her legs inside. Now she was properly sitting on the window sill.

Misaki tied the rope to her harness and threw it up. It caught onto the railing and Misaki was able to climb up. She literally walked up the side of the wall with the rope tightly in her hands. She crawled over the railing and collapsed onto the roof top. She was exhausted...

Misaki managed to compose herself just in time for those three goons to burst through the metal door.

"What took so long...?" Misaki taunted. She had a gun in each hand and she was pointing them at her opponents. "Hands behind your head, on your knees," Misaki ordered.

Her orders meant nothing to them and they began to circle her like predators capturing their prey. Misaki always felt amused when people surrounded her. It didn't intimate her, it just got her more fired up. She was nobody's prey.

Misaki grabbed one man's arm and threw him into another. She front handspringed forward and hit the third guy in the back head with her gun. Of course, that wasn't enough to knock out anyone. They quickly recovered and turned on her. Misaki sunk into her ready stance, ready to take them on.

Suddenly, a helicopter approached them. Misaki swore under her breath. She couldn't let them get away. The men all exchanged looks with each other and smirked. The helicopter landed on the top of the building. The propellers whipped Misaki's white cargo jacket and hair around. The whooshing of the wind drowned out the voices of the men yelling for the helicopter to open it. The three men ran to the helicopter but they were surprised when Usui threw the door open with a gun pointed at them.

"I'd give up if I were you…" Usui said, smiling.

The three men knew it was over and dropped to their knees as Usui handcuffed them.

"Took you long enough," Misaki accused. "I thought you ditched!"

"Me?" Usui asked, innocently. "You should be thanking me. I'm the hero of the day-"

Misaki glared at him. "You're the hero?! You weren't even around! You just hijacked a helicopter!"

"The lady does have a point-"

Misaki punched him unconscious. She didn't need help from the enemy.

"You took forever too! We're going to be late now!"

"We're not going to be late…"

Misaki stormed over and searched each man over. She roughly yanked out the computer chip and pocketed it.

"Everest said we can leave them. The IA will pick them up," Usui explained.

"Let's get going. If we're late...I'll kill you," Misaki warned.

Usui checked his watch. "We still have time…"

Misaki and Usui tied them all to a pole with chains. Usui jogged over and held open the door for her. Misaki leapt into the helicopter and pulled her seatbelt on.

Usui slid into his seat. "Ready?" he asked.

Misaki nodded and pulled on her headset. "This is chopper 4, Misaki Ayuzawa speaking. Targets contained and locked down, ready for pick up. Chopper 4 pulling out of scene. Over."

"IA base here. Message received. Pick up already on the way. Over."

"Mission accomplished," Misaki said.

Usui nodded. His eyes were straight ahead but a smile touched his face.

"What?" Misaki asked.

"Its hot when you get rough," he said, whistling.

Misaki felt her cheeks redden. "Please just fly the chopper," she muttered.

"Roger that," Usui said.

Misaki checked her watch. "We are so going to be late…" she said, crossing her arms.

"I promise to get us there in time," Usui reassured her. "And I'm sorry for going after the helicopter instead."

Misaki sighed. "I guess it worked out…" she said, looking away. "You did okay… for a male at least."

Usui chuckled. "Such high praise… I'm blushing…" he teased.

"Shut up, you perverted alien!"

The helicopter landed on the top of a familiar building. Misaki threw open her door and jumped to the ground. Her boots made short tapping sounds as she walked inside the building.

It had been a long time since she'd last been here but the best thing was how her home never changed. Portraits of famous Grace Marshall women still lined the walls. The classrooms were still filled with girls in uniforms. The air of pride still felt strong.

Misaki was home. Misaki was back at Grace Marshall's Academy for Prestigious Young Girls.

Usui quietly walked beside her as Misaki proudly walked through the halls. They approached a classroom door where Misaki knocked and then walked inside.

Twenty girls sat at their desks with curious looks. Misaki couldn't help but smile. She use to sit in this class, second row, third chair to the right.

"Misaki, Takumi," Minako greeted.

Minako's hair was in a bun and she wore a cheerful yellow shirt. Her face lit up in a smile too and Misaki saw life in her mom's eyes. Over the years, Minako's hollow cheeks filled out and her smile came back.

"Welcome to Co Ops 101," Minako added. "Sophomores, say hello to Misaki Ayuzawa, the top Co Ops spy in the field right now and her partner Takumi Usui."

The girls' jaw all dropped as they stared at Misaki. Misaki waved at them. She knew how they felt, that day Morgan Bates threw open the door of the Co Ops classroom, the awe and hero worship Misaki felt.

"Misaki is here to answer any questions you might have about Co Ops," Minako explained. "Don't be shy."

No one was shy. Please… a Grace Marshall girl? All hands shot up.

Misaki pointed to a girl with short blonde hair.

"What's the most dangerous mission you've ever been on?" she asked.

"They're all dangerous," Misaki replied. "But… I would have to say… many years ago when I was just starting Co Ops, the Guise Atomic Bomb Retrieval Mission. It was the hardest mission I ever had but it also was the mission who made me who I was today."

"What's the coolest gadget you ever used?"

"Marshall contacts 3.0," Misaki said, immediately.

The old Marshall contacts were already amazing with its camera, video taping, heat detection and night vision but the 2.0 added eye color changing, high definition zooming, now the newest features had mild x ray vision and live feed. Misaki never went on a mission without a pair.

"Are you good at flying planes?"

"Yes," Misaki said. "When you girls are upperclassman, definitely take the flying elective. It will be worth it in your future."

A girl with short jagged black hair stood up. "What's the point of all this?" she demanded. "Its not like anyone really cares about us. Our hard work isn't even recognized by anyone." She crossed her arms over her chest and Misaki could see a fire in that little girl.

"What's your name?" Misaki asked.

"Francis,"

"Well Francis…" Misaki said. "Co Ops isn't as glamorous as your textbook makes it but its not as bland as you think of it. We may not be recognized by the world," Misaki agreed. "But we are recognized among the entire International Affairs. Did you know with the last graduating class last year, the International Affairs had reached one million? One million people will recognize the deeds you do. Another million people in the future generations will too. Our program has gotten so big, Asia opened a Grace Marshall's academy, so did Australia… We use to be a few girls in a parlor school but look at us now. We're the most renowned academy in the world."

Misaki paused to take a breath. "Maybe no one does care," Misaki said with a shrug. "But we care. 'We' as in the millions before us and the millions that will come in the future. When I graduated, Morgan Bates, Co Ops spy, spoke. She was the super spy of my day," Misaki said with a small laugh. "Each and every one of you makes a difference," Misaki began to quote. "If the naive world could one day open up his blind eyes, he'd thank you. He'd thank every one of you sitting right here, he'd thank everyone in the IA, he'd thank all those women laid down their lives for him. On his behalf, I thank you." Misaki recited to them. "I too thank you because all those pointless organizations from the government don't make a difference. Who makes a difference?" Misaki asked. "Us."

The girls began to clap. Francis seemed to digest the information.

"I want to make a difference," she finally said.

Misaki nodded. "You will," she promised.

"Last question," Minako said.

Misaki chose a girl with long braids.

"If we choose, Co Ops does that mean we can't do anything else?" she asked. "What if I accidently fall in love?"

Misaki smiled. "Great question," she said. "I too thought love would drag me down and distract me for all my life," she explained. "But through so many near death experiences, I realized love isn't the taboo its thought of as. Love doesn't hold you down but drives you forward. Love doesn't distract you but keeps you focused on what really matters to you. Love isn't your weakness but your strength."

"So, are you going to marry Takumi?" a girl giggled.

The girls laughed and Misaki sighed. "No…" Misaki said. She glanced over at Usui who was leaning against the teacher's desk. "But he'll wait for me…" she said, smiling at him.

Usui winked at her. "We got time," he added.

Several girls sighed when Takumi said that but Misaki rolled her eyes at him. Minako told them class was dismissed and they all reluctantly left for their next class.

"How are you?" Minako asked.

"Good," Misaki said, hugging her mom. "We're setting off for South Korea tomorrow," she told her. "I'll call you when I'm back."

Minako nodded. "Be safe…" she said.

"Always," Misaki said, slipping her hand into Usui's. They walked out back onto the roof of the academy together.

"You seem sad to leave," Usui commented.

"Well, I do have a few feelings for this place," Misaki teased.

"What other feelings do you have?"

Misaki smiled and wrapped her arms around Usui. "I might possibly have a few feelings to spare for you…" she said, looking up at him.

"Misaki Ayuzawa…" Usui chuckled. "You are a sly woman. Making you mine forever will be my greatest mission."

"How are you going to do that?" Misaki asked.

"With this…" Usui said, capturing her mouth with his.

International Affairs Retirement Discharge

Name: Misaki Ayuzawa

ID: 123084678

Age: 32

Field: Covert Operations

Discharge Rank: Full honors and Recognition

Pension Awarded: 100,000 US dollars

Missions completed: 54

Years Patrolled: 5

Date signed: March 10, 2027 Signature x Misaki Ayuzawa

International Affairs Retirement Discharge

Name: Takumi Usui

ID: 33425032

Age: 32

Field: Covert Operations

Discharge Rank: Full honors and Recognition

Pension Awarded: 100,000 US dollars

Missions completed: 54

Years Patrolled: 5

Date signed: March 10, 2027 Signature x Takumi Usui

Certificate of Marriage

This certifies the marriage of

USUI TAKUMI and AYUZAWA MISAKI

who were married the day of JUNE 10, 2027

in TOKYO, JAPAN

by witness of all their friends and family.

"Mom...you can go now," a little girl said, crossing her arms.

Her shoulder length raven hair was in a high ponytail and her green eyes with gold flecks scanned the crowd for her friends.

"Well, aren't you all grown up now," Usui said, patting her head.

"Daddy..." she whined. "I'm ten already!"

"So you are," Usui said, smiling. "Just let us carry all these suitcases for you then we'll leave," he promised.

"Chloe Usui!" another girl shrieked, sprinting over.

The girls hugged tightly and laughed.

"Hello Mr and Mrs. Usui," the girl greeted. Her dimples showed as she smiled.

"Hello Misaki..." Misaki said.

Chloe's friend was a ball of energy...just like her mother, Sakura.

Misaki thought it was so strange that they named their daughter after her. She wasn't use to calling other people "Misaki."

Sakura happily appeared behind her with Kuuga carrying all the suitcases. Kuuga didn't seem to mind and kept in step with Sakura.

"Wow, Chloe got taller," Sakura said, spinning Chloe around. "You're so big now!"

Chloe beamed. "I grew two inches," she said, proudly.

"Misaki, great to see you," Sakura squealed, hugging Misaki.

"Yeah, it's that time of year again..." Misaki agreed.

The campus of Grace Marshall's academy for Prestigious Young Girls didn't look any different. Everything was still arranged to perfection and Misaki saw the fields she trained on and the classrooms she sat in. The memories always made her smile.

Misaki Sakurai was practically dragging Chloe to go back to their room. Her long blonde hair was done in a Dutch braid and her violet eyes were full of mischief.

"Wait wait!" Chloe said. "We have to wait for Angel! She said she was coming around this time."

"Mommy, can you call Mrs. Soutarou?" Chloe asked, tugging on Misaki's arm.

"Let's not rush them," Misaki said, gently. "I'm sure they'll come soon..."

Chloe nodded and skipped off to talk to little Misaki. They discussed which posters were going to be hung where.

"How have you guys been?" Sakura asked.

"Busy," Misaki told her. "When Chloe's home, everything's different. Takumi's always practicing something with her."

Sakura nodded. "I'm going to miss my baby so much..." she sighed.

"Our daughter will be back for thanksgiving and Christmas," Kuuga reminded her.

"But that still months away," Sakura pouted.

"Angel's here!" the girls screamed.

The three girls all hugged.

Angel had dark hair and Kanou's bright blue eyes. Her dark hair was in two pigtails decorated with white ribbons.

"Shizuko!" Sakura exclaimed, throwing herself on her friend.

"Hello Sakura," Shizuko said, patting her in the back.

"Hey Shizuko," Misaki said, hugging her friend too.

"Well, since everyone's here...let's head up," Kuuga suggested.

The girls ran to their empty room. The grow ups hurried upstairs to keep up with them.

"Where's my decoration suitcase?" Chloe asked.

"This one," Usui said, kneeling on the ground to unzip it.

Misaki opened another suitcase and pulled out the striped bed sheets. While Chloe and Usui taped posters and drawings on the wall, Misaki fixed up Chloe's bed. Chloe loved sitting on Usui's shoulders.

"Higher! Higher!" she kept ordering.

"It looks wonderful!" Sakura said, after they finished unpacking.

"Look, it's our uniforms," Chloe said, pulling out the hanger in a plastic cover. "I hope mine still fits…"

The uniform had barely changed. The stretchy sleeveless blouse, the pleated skirt, the Grace Marshall seal... Misaki almost thought she was looking at herself when Chloe was wearing the uniform.

"You can go now," Chloe said. "I'll be fine."

"That's not a very nice good bye," Usui said. "Your mother will be sad if you don't say it nicer," he added.

Misaki elbowed him and glared.

Chloe got up and ran over. Misaki picked up her daughter and held her close. Usui and her only had this one child and this child was already so independent.

"Bye Mommy," she said, planting kisses on Misaki's face.

"Bye honey," Misaki said, kissing Chloe on the face too.

Misaki passed Chloe to Usui.

"Don't forget to send me packages and letters," she reminded Usui. "I can read really well now!"

"I know," Usui said. "You can read chapter books all by yourself."

Chloe smiled and Usui gave her a peck on the mouth.

"Alright, be safe," he said, setting her down.

"Of course," Chloe said. "A Grace Marshall girl always knows how to be safe."

Usui chuckled. "Say that again," he said.

"Why?"

"Because you sound just like your mother when you say that,"

Misaki laughed. "Does she?"

"Mhm..." Usui said, wrapping an arm around her waist. "My Grace Marshall girls..." he said, kissing Misaki on the lips.

"Ew gross!" Chloe exclaimed. "Good bye!" she announced.

Misaki took one last good look at her daughter and they all left.

"Is she going to be alright?" Misaki asked, look back.

"Yes, she'll be fine," Usui said, ushering her outside. "Stop worrying."

"I just can't help it," Misaki sighed.

"Chloe's strong," Usui reminded her.

Misaki nodded and they continued walking. Misaki studied the wedding band on her ring finger. Time passed so quickly. It felt just like yesterday when she retired from the IA. It felt like Usui and her were just married and Misaki was still sometimes amazed that they had a daughter.

"Life's been good, hasn't it?" Usui asked.

"You always know what I'm thinking..." Misaki muttered.

"We're the star crossed lovers, aren't we?" Usui teased.

"That was when we were young," Misaki said. "We're all old now."

"You're still that sixteen year old girl in my eyes," Usui said, smiling. "The one I first met in the mall."

Misaki laughed. "You're still that perverted alien," she added.

"Always," Usui said.

They returned to their house. It was quiet with Chloe gone.

Misaki set down her bag and studied the photographs on the wall. Many years had passed now. Misaki learned that young love did fade and their teenage years did pass. Life wasn't always looking for excitement but it could be just as good because love never faded.

Usui wrapped his arms around her waist. "What are you thinking about?" he murmured against her neck.

"Just reflecting back on life," Misaki said, looking at their small and cozy home.

"And...?"

"It was good," Misaki decided. "It's been a great childhood at the academy. It's been a good twenty years with the IA. It's been a beautiful twelve year marriage with you."

Usui gently caressed her neck. His fingers gently tracing her collarbone and then pulling on the cord around her neck.

Misaki turned to look in the mirror on the wall. Usui was holding her necklace. The virgin's stone Helga had given them many years ago was still kept around Misaki's neck.

Usui pulled out his half. They weren't gleaming anymore and the carvings were worn but they still fit together perfectly.

"Just like us..." Misaki said, smiling.

"Exactly," Usui said, kissing her on the lips. "I love you, Misaki Usui."

"I love you too, Takumi," Misaki said, taking his hands.

"How does a little trip sound?" Usui suggested. "Get some fresh air?"

"Where would we be going?" Misaki asked.

"Secret," Usui teased, winking.

Misaki hated secrets. Usui knew it too.

"But-"

"Trust me?" Usui asked, holding open the door.

Misaki tried to fight a smile. "I trust you."

The End