Last Disclaimer: Kingdom Hearts, characters, and original plot are not mine. I just wrote the fic.

Okay, you guys... This is it. The Final Chapter. And yes, I almost cried when I wrote the ending. Just because... it's over... Don't worry you guys, it's happy. Sap warning?

Thank you all for reading, reviewing, favoriting, alerting, and spending your time with this story. I'm so glad I could make so many of you happy! This story has been a great achievement for me, and I'm really glad I could share it with so many of you! Months of working, edits and my little beta, Eyes-of-Crimson, and now I'm finally finished. This story has given me the highest amount of hits, chapters, alerts, reviews, and favorites, and now I have a new ring of friends and fans. I'm so glad, it was great hearing all of your comments and looking at my list of ninjas. Thank you so much!

Personal Thanks, one last time...
...sesshomaruhasafluffytail: Aww, you're so cute! Definitely getting glomped when I find you!
...AnimeDragonofFire: Yesh! Dun we love them hairy balls! I'm sorry... Just, um... reread something? Or watch LK, cuz he makes the world smile!
...Riceball the Second: Teehee, pain is just fun. But here here, have an ending! lol.
...Metal Chocobo: I was expecting to write a long hostage situation, then decided to declare that it would just end quickly so Zexy wouldn't be too mentally scarred... but so much for that! -giggle- Sorry, never explained the gun thing, but just know that Saix is a bad person sometimes.
...Ranchdressing: Yay, thankies! I'm glad the sap isn't depreciating...
...hanakitsunechan7: Yum, caaaake. -eats cake- I've never read Boogie Pop, though. Love Beauty Pop and D.Gray-man, though... can't wait for all dem bookstores.
...Ovrlord Crys: Yay for pain! -giggle-
...Lunaa: Aww, I sowwy, but as everyone says, all things must come to an end! And, well... yeah...
...benji's lover iz a cowfree: Yeah, bad men need jail time. And thanks! Can't wait for my diploma!
...blackkeyblade: Yeah, Saix completely pissed me off in the game, but I have faith that he had a reason. Plus, he's ded sezzy and "Saix on a Plane" is one funny lj-icon.
...Shattered Sanctuary: Yesh! Read mentaru and Eyes-of-Crimson cuz they have good stories, and Dualism and ShadowAili and The Writer you fools. And JereduLevenin cuz she needs love.
...iamsosmrt: Yesh, charry death reserved for tragedies. And har har! Yeah, I know what you mean. Go read another fanfic to fill the void!
...Silva-trees: I had to use Wikipedia to find someone, and it ended up being between Kuja and Seymour who looked like Zexy, and, well... Seymour's strange. Kuja was good enough, and I paired him with Beatrix, who never really had a purpose or even a name... so ya. Yay for sap!
...SeventhSenses: Yay! Happiness is great.
...Dearie: Maybe, who knows... oh wait, I do! And you shall too! -giggle-
...Incapable D' Amour: Hyper is good! Dun worry, am glad you liked! Ninja...
...Hikari Aiyano: Teehee, suspense is yummy...
...Broken TWiLiGHT Lullaby: Niiiice. We all love Cid, though! But I shant ever understand Valenwind, so... hook up with a chick and have some kids, Ciddy! -giggle-
...Eyes-of-Crimson: I LURVLES YOU SO MUCH, OKAY?
...Launch shinra: Psychos and classical music just seem to go hand in hand... I don't know how that works, but it's so creepy!
...Honto.Kawaii.Neko-chan: Teehee, aren't you just adorable. -large grin- I'm just a tricky little person here...

And for you all...

The Last Chapter.

Thank you!

Whispered Melody
.xxvi.
Smiling Underwater
..conclusion..

"They have news!" Aerith answered, turning to the Highwind children.

The entire evening had been a waiting game for them. There wasn't much they could do besides sit and try not to panic, watching the television coverage. Three police officers had shown up and asked questions, and they stayed around in case they received any information. All three hand-held communication devices erupted together.

"Suspect spotted on East 53rd street," a man's voice said through the mechanical static. "Gunfire, someone might be injured, hostage situtation..."

Demyx gasped and sat up quickly, looking over at them. "Is he okay? Do they know, is he okay?"

One of the officers shook his head after listening for a few seconds. "No word yet on the actions inside, but they have a location."

He rose to his feet quickly. "Then let's go get him!"

Thee officers exchanged looks for a second, unsure if it would be the best thing to bring him along. In case he saw something disturbing. Aerith soon nodded and volunteered to head out with him; Larxene would stay behind with a third officer as a precaution. The young doctor and the younger musician climbed into the back of one of the police squad cars, and Demyx sighed softly, looking at her.

"Y'know... I never really thought of my first time being in a squad car to go get someone..." he muttered, then glanced out of the window. "I guess it beats being arrested, though..."

Aerith's eyes widened, but she kept quiet.

.vi...ix.

Grease, gas, gunpowder...

The police had arrived rather quickly. Zexion hadn't expected for them to come charging into the room, guns drawn, aimed at them. He stared in shock as Saix held his arms up, then slowly leaned forward and placed his gun on the ground. Zexion, rather fearful, set his gun down in the same manner, then stared at the cops.

"Wow..."

"Zexion?" one of the officers asked.

Guns were still drawn and pointed, and another officer advanced into the room. Two pounced on Kuja and began to place him in handcuffs, as yet another began to collect the guns. Once the suspect was in their hands, the remaining four officers lowered their weapons.

He nodded quickly. "That's me... and Saix, my brother..."

The first officer smiled at him as he approached. "You're safe now..." Frowning, he looked at both of them, then spoke into his communication device on his shoulder. "The two are here, both injured."

"Dispatching an ambulance," the man in the device spoke.

The officer soon extended an arm. "Now, if you'll both come with me... there are a few things we need to as--"

"Can it wait a minute?" Saix interrupted, glaring at the officer. "I mean, c'mon, I've been standing for a while, I think I'm good. Plus, I kinda need to talk to my Booger face."

Zexion's eyes narrowed in annoyance, though he couldn't help but blush at the nickname. "Saix..."

"Make it quick." The officer rolled his eyes. "You are bleeding on the crime scene." He turned and headed towards the door slowly.

Once the officer had moved, Saix turned to Zexion and stretched out his arm. "Here." He held a cell phone, flipped open with a title blinking on the screen.

Baby bro.

"Don't just stand there, put your number in it."

"He took my cell phone," Zexion said softly. "Before the plane... but take Demyx's number--he has a tendency of keeping me attached."

Saix smirked. "So you're gay too, huh?"

Zexion's eyes narrowed. "Bi. There's a difference."

His brother laughed, and he ignored him, quickly punching in Demyx's cell phone number. He handed the phone back, and Saix smiled slowly. Almost kindly, if it weren't for his naturally feral look.

"I'll leave my number in a message--"

"Bunny!"

Both boys paused at the call to find the mullet-haired blond running in their direction. Demyx, for certain. Saix blinked and smirked in amusement, long enough for Zexion to catch the look and narrow his eyes before lifted in the air by the musician. With a slight nod, the scar-faced man took his leave, and Zexion shuddered slightly.

"Uh, Demyx--"

"Zexy, are you okay?" Demyx asked quickly, letting go. "You're so... bloodied, omigosh, Zexy!" Quickly, he tilted his head to the side and began to look at his face, shoving hair out of the way to get a better view.

"Dem--De--Stop that!" Zexion flapped his arms for a few seconds, enough for Demyx to stop moving and frown very deeply. Zexion merely fixed his hair, then quickly rushed over and hugged Demyx tightly. "I'm so glad I could come back to you."

With a soft sigh, Demyx gently hugged him back. "Zexy... I don't like your dad..." he said softly.

Zexion had to laugh softly, and although Demyx was glad he was in some good spirits, he insisted that Zexion get himself looked at by one of the paramedics outside--he could hear the ambulances screeching. The two slowly made their way towards the exit just as paramedics rushed in with a stretcher, staring at the two as they tried to figure out who had been injured most--Demyx's shirt had been smudged with blood from the hug and Zexion had to be urged forward to the ambulance.

It took him only half an hour to realize why he hated hospitals. He had already created list as to why.

One: they wouldn't let Demyx ride in the ambulance.

Two: They kept insisting on drawing blood from Zexion's arm, when, clearly, they could've taken some from the bleeding cut on his temple.

Three: They kept insisting on keeping Demyx out of the room, though Zexion forced them to let him in before they chose to give him stitches. Thirty seven to his forehead...

He was semi-drugged, exhausted, and in slight, dull pain when Aerith came in with files. Files meant talking. Talking was bad.

She smiled so gently when she approached and pat his shoulder. "Feeling a little better, Zexion?" she asked.

Zexion grumbled. Demyx, sitting on the bed next to him, chose to answer with a cheerful nod. "Yeah, he's better. They gave him a lot of painkillers, but they're not working on his mood..."

"Of course they're not," Zexion muttered. "They're not anti-depressants..."

That comment had Demyx staring in confusion and Aerith looking worried. She sighed softly and set down her clipboard.

"Zexion... your father's confessed to everything, so your record's clear. But with your previous record... it might be best if we continue our sessions?"

Zexion's pale eyes widened at that, and he struggled to sit up completely. He was going to decline immediately, refuse and declare himself sane--or at least insanely normal. He didn't plan on attending any more therapy with Aerith, ever. It bothered him so much, sitting in that room, letting her talk to him and tell him he'd be okay when he clearly wasn't. He didn't believe her at all--he didn't want therapy, he didn't like it. He disagreed with the idea that he'd allow some woman to weedle her way through his emotions and his past and talk to him about things she didn't know about. He hated it...

Even if it did keep him from thinking about killing himself in the past...

Even if she was nice...

"He'll go," Demyx said.

Zexion looked up immediately, eyes widened. "No, I wo--"

"Aerith, you're the only person he really talks to," Demyx interrupted, placing a hand on Zexion's chest. Slowly, he moved his boyfriend to lay back down. "Make them mandatory or something. I'll make sure he goes, okay?"

"Demyx..." Zexion whined loudly.

The doctor smiled. "It's okay, Zexion... it'll be less... troublesome next time," she assured. "We'll work more at your pace, okay? It will be a lot easier on you, since we know what happened. No police, no guards..."

With a loud sigh, Zexion rubbed his bandaged head. "Fine..." he muttered.

Demyx grinned brightly. "Yay! Zexy, you'll be just fine, oka--" One Winged Angel began to blear, causing both boys to jump. He turned away and fishedhis phone from his pocket, flipping it open. "Hello?"

A few seconds of silence passed, filled only with "Uh-huh" and "Yes, sir" from Demyx. He soon hung up, almost squealing as he said "Thank you." He hung up and grinned.

"We got a deal!" he shrieked. Zexion knew he could be mistaken for a woman in his high-pitched voice.

"What is it, Demyx?" Aerith questioned.

"Uh... oh, um, nothing... just a contract with some guys... about a poster," he said quickly, shoving his phone in his pocket. "'Cuse me a moment, I... gotta make a call." He ran out of the room before anyone could object.

Zexion turned to Aerith and shook his head slowly. "He's being strange," he said calmly. "Don't worry about it."

She nodded slowly, then picked up her clipboard. "You're certain you don't mind continuing our therapy? I want to make sure this doesn't leave any long-lasting emotional effects," she inquired. "You don't cope well on your own..."

"I'm fully aware of that," he muttered bitterly. "Don't you have... things to do, or something?"

"No, not really..." she said, smiling sheepishly. "Actually, you're my only cause of excitement today. Perhaps I should wait until you're feeling a bit better before we schedule anything?"

"Yeah..." He sighed, shutting his eyes. "That's... probably a good idea."

She nodded. "Feel better, Zexion,"she wished him, then headed to the door.

"Hey, Doc!" Zexion called quickly, waiting until she stopped before he spoke again. "If you see Demyx..." He glanced down. "Um... tell him to... uh... hurry back."

She smiled at him. "No problem. Get some rest." And with that, she was gone, leaving Zexion to the silence of the hospital room.

Demyx bounced in to disrupt the silence, bursting into song the moment he arrived.

"Guess who's goin' to the top!
Gonna see the bright lights of the stars above!
Soarin' like an eagle with the grace of a dove,
I'm aimin' high and I'm goin' up!"

"What in the hell is that?" Zexion asked, eyes narrowed.

Demyx dropped his arms--one had been pointing at the ceiling, the other out to his side, holding his cell phone. He seemed almost dejected, but his smile appeared quickly. "Come on... you can sleep in the car, okay? I'll explain when you're happier."

Zexion's eyes narrowed into small slits. "What makes you think I'll be happier if you kidnap me?" he asked.

"I'm not gonna kidnap you, silly!" Demyx leaned forward, waving a finger at him. "You're gonna come voluntarily. You ever been to Hollow Bastion?"

"What's in Hollow Bastion?" Zexion asked. "What does it matter if I've been there or not?"

"So you haven't," Demyx figured. "You'll have fun. They have theme parks and stuff... and it's not too far, so we can drive this time... but we have to leave tonight."

Zexion blinked in confusion as he sat up. He let Demyx hurry to grab his shoes and bring them to him, even letting the older blond pull them on his feet as he continued his inquiry. "What are you talking about, Demyx?" he questioned. "Why are we going to Hollow Bastion? And what's the rush? Half of our luggage remains on the island, in case you've forgotten..."

"Who cares!" Demyx said loudly, then hushed and quickly apologized. "Okay, look... Zexy, I got a big deal, and I want you to come with me to talk it through. You understand stuff better than me, you can read me the contracts."

"Contracts?"

Demyx picked him up. "Come on! I'll sneak you out the back way..."

Blinking, Zexion ended up waiting until they neared the doorway before he roughly smacked Demyx in the arm. "Let go! I can walk just fine, jeez!"

Turns out, he could... for a little, until a wave of medicated exhaustion washed over him and he stumbled on his own feet; Demyx gave him a piggy-back ride across the parking lot, and they headed to Zexion's apartment for a few minutes, grabbing random articles of clothing and shoving them into backpacks. Along with a few snacks, a blanket and pillow, and a case of CDs. They stopped at an ATM for cash, then quickly headed out.

.vi...ix.

Wednesday.

Grass, pollution, laundry, sugar, and the Ocean that was Demyx.

A phone was ringing. The sound was masked by Demyx's singing along with the radio and Zexion's fourth failed attempt to catch a nap. It seemed almost impossible now, after he slept for twelve hours straight--Demyx admitted to driving for six and sleeping for the other six in an apartment parking lot--to return to sleeping now that they had already started. The medication had all worked its way from his system, he guessed. But Demyx was happy. He was happy. They were good.

The phone was still ringing.

The music took a slow turn and the volume silenced, and Demyx gasped loudly. "Phone, Cuddle bunny! Who's phone is it? Who's calling?" he asked quickly, tearing his eyes away from the road for a brief second.

Zexion leaned forward from his curled spot on the back seat to reach for the bags on the floor below. He pulled out the blue cell and flipped it open, moving it to his ear. "What do you want, Axel?" he asked.

"Zexion?! Where are you? Where's Demyx? Aerith's worried sick and Larxene's threatening me to find you!" Axel's voice practically yelled into the phone.

Zexion held it away from his ear, then sighed softly. "Axel, do you mind? I'm not very... joyous right now and I don't really care. Demyx is busy and you're interrupting my nap--"

"Nobody cares about your goddamn nap!" Larxene yelled. She must've snatched the phone away. "Where's my brother?!"

"Busy. Larxene, we'll be back in a few days, okay?" Zexion spoke. "Don't worry..."

She grumbled, but soon muttered, "Fine... just make sure he's not hurt, okay?"

"I'll be more hurt than he will, trust me. Bye, Larxene."

Larxene hung up on him, and he had to smile slightly, dropping the phone in the bag.

"What was all that about?" Demyx inquired.

Zexion had to smile. "Your sister loves and misses you. And Axel says hi," he replied. This was great; he and Demyx were far from Twilight Town, driving to Demyx's interview. He was going to conference with a producer about their band, play a demo or two, and negotiate a contract.

This was, of course, helping him skip out on extensive amounts of therapy. Aerith wanted four sessions a week, at least for the first week, to make sure he was stable. He had been kidnapped and beaten by his dad only yesterday, almost been killed, and he found out that his father had killed his mother, not him. That was a very overwhelming thing to deal with, but Zexion came up with his old philosophy: just don't deal with it.

Of course, this was called Repressing. This was called keeping everything in and not telling anyone until he self-combusted. But that was how he dealt with his problems.

Or didn't deal with them, whichever was more appropriate.

He didn't mind so much. He had called Saix around ten minutes ago to give a phone number and ask a question. Saix answered somewhat drunkenly--but it was tiredness and two sleep-aids which had accounted to the slurring--and explained how he had heard the report and had watched the news. He could remember the warehouse his father had taken them to and figured it was a shady enough place to work. Kuja had never been the most creative of criminals.

Zexion and Saix planned a lunch meeting next Thursday. They could talk, maybe try not to kill each other, diminish some hostility. So that part was taken care of. Kuja had been sentenced, on an account of first-degree murder and two accounts of attempted murder, to seventy-five years, and would most likely die before then, with no possibility for paroll--and Zexion didn't have to worry about seeing him anymore.

Then Demyx had gotten this deal and Zexion was dragged along, in pain and with over-the-counter medication from a convenience store, with only small fries to hold his stomach since he felt... strange.

But he was happy. Despite all that, he liked where he was. He didn't have to care here, he just had to answer phones and enjoy the ride. Demyx was going to drive the entire way to Hollow Bastion, and he was going to enjoy. He was at peace here--just him and Demyx, and the open roads in front of them.

"Zexy...?" Demyx called.

"Yeah?" He sat up slowly, looking at the blond. Their eyes connected for a brief moment through the rear-view mirror.

"Love you." Demyx smiled.

Zexion smiled in response. "Love you, too."

They drove again for a few seconds in silence until Zexion grabbed a demo CD and climbed onto the front seat. It wasn't a wise action, but on the fairly empty roads, there weren't any cops to pull them over. Zexion sat down and buckled up, then slid the CD in. He had heard most of these tracks before--Demyx sang along through the ones he had heard already.

But a fourth...

He hadn't heard Track 4.

"And I love you so much
This song will be our secret.
For your pain, a remedy,
For your heart, a melody,

Whispered in your soul,
Whispered in your ear,
Whispered when I hold you close,
Whispered when I hold you near,

Whispered all for you
Because I love you...
Love you Always..."

Zexion paused it to find Demyx grinning. "Demyx..." he said slowly.

"I like that one... I don't know if you remember it or not, but I sang it to you one night. You were sleeping, I think... or at least you looked like it. Nobody else has heard that one, though..."

With a soft smile, Zexion leaned over and kissed Demyx's cheek. "Thank you," he said softly.

Demyx's grin widened. "I had to. I knew you'd find it somehow--'cause I really didn't want to go back there and dig for it then beg you to play it and then try and convince you to listen to it a--"

"Demyx!"

"Huh, Zexy?"

"You're rambling."

The blond laughed sheepishly. "Sorry... I'm excited. It's a record deal, Zexy! Melodious Nocturne's gonna be famous! Will you be in my music video?"

"Sure."

"Can you manage my taxes?"

"Whatever."

"Will you read the contracts?"

"Already agreed to that."

"Next pit-stop, you're all mine."

"Now wait a minute!"

The car ride continued that way, but Zexion loved it. He felt so relaxed, and had Demyx keeping him in high spirits. And he couldn't help it--Demyx was an infectious personality, and Zexion felt his spirits lift each time Demyx was around. He loved it; and this didn't have to end. Demyx was accepting him for who he was, for what had happened, and he'd help. And for that, Zexion was eternally greatful. He didn't mind being dragged out of a hospital for something like this.

Especially if it meant getting out of therapy.

A cell phone rang. Reaching back, Zexion grabbed both and looked at them. His bleared "Aerith" and he sighed loudly. "I'm not answering that."

And Demyx laughed. "I don't blame you, Zexy. Not at all..."

"It's your fault."

"Wait now, how's it my fault?" Demyx asked. "I didn't force you int--oh... whoops..."

Zexion leaned back in the seat. "No sex for you."

"Whaaaaat?!" Demyx swerved slightly, and quickly righted the car. "Whaddaya mean?! I just want you to be happy, Zexy!"

With a soft laugh, Zexion grabbed his blanket and curled up in the seat. "I am happy, Demyx. I'm happy just being with you, right here... just keep driving, okay? Keep heading towards your dream, and I'll be right here with you."

Demyx smiled. "Okay. Good. Because I don't plan on leaving you behind."

"Good."

He hit play and the song resumed.

"And it's because I love you
That I'll shout this song out loud
But alone, it's just for you, It's all for you
Because I love you always...
A melody for you..

"Whispered for you always..."

The End.

afterwards...

So I considered leaving this part blank for effect and decided "naaah", cuz you guys need joy. Since it's over and all...

Keep an eye out for the sequel! Should come out in a few weeks, since it's... not even planned yet. -giggle-

And in the words of Seto Kaiba, from LK's YGOTAS...

"C'mon, Mokuba. We're going to have our own tournament. With blackjack, and hookers. In fact, forget the tournament."

See you around soon!
:Darkness Princess.