Well, here we are...the final chapter of SI. It's been an interesting ride.

If I seem a little emotional, ignore it...I can't resist...it's been a helluva year. Believe me.

I hope you aren't too let down with the way I chose to write this. It's my own little way, and don't expect it in future stories. It jsut seemed right for this one.

For those of you interested in the Piccolo and Elese date, congratulations! You spawned a fic which I wrote about a month ago and wanted to wait until this chapter was up to post, called Contents Under Pressure. SO, check it out AFTER you read (and hopefully review) this chapter.

ALSO for those who ventured a guess at which the "four words" would be, good news...

YOU WERE ALL WRONG! And it was so easy too. Well, you'll see...

As always, thanks to my reviewers and supporters! I hope you enjoy and come see me in the future!

Chapter XXXII - So the Story Says...

"'You are simply irresistible,' she said, and then she pulled his head to hers and—"

"Auntie Epica, you promised to skip those parts this time!"

Epica giggled as she closed the large book; it promptly disappeared, and she grinned at the children in front of her. "So I did, Curio."

The spunky girl nodded her appreciation at being spared and was about to suggest getting some cookies when her sister raised her hand suddenly.

"Yes, Teli?"

"Auntie, did Marron and Trunks live happily ever after?"

Epica raised an eyebrow. "Well, I wouldn't say they were completely happy after that. I mean, they did have to tell Lena what was going on. It wasn't pretty. Mortal women never mean what they say when they let a man go. And then, they decided that marriage probably wasn't the best idea for either of them, and I think Bulma gave them a pretty hard time about it when they found out that Marron was pregnant. But, she changed her tune after Trunks called her a hypocrite and Vegeta bloodied him up good. And, let's see...OH, once their kids got in college, Trunks decided that he wanted to mate Marron, and well, that just didn't go so good for him, but they resolved it in the end...I think. But aside from all that, I believe they were pretty content to spend the rest of their lives together."

"So you and Mom succeeded and got your reward?"

"Yep. I suppose everything worked out in the end."

"Wait a minute...if Marron and Trunks had it for each other the whole time, why didn't you guys just tell them that they were meant to be?"

"Because, my dear, true love is like any type of journey: getting there is half the fun; besides, Den's got that whole omnipresence thing going for him, and you just don't want to mess with that...not when playing with mortals is so much fun."

"Stop telling them that story, Epica. It's bad enough that they knocked Lookout over. Poor Korin still hasn't recovered from that little stunt."

"Hey, I didn't tell them to do it, Elese. It's not my fault they were out in the middle of nowhere, experimenting with their newfound powers and such."

"I'm sure. Aren't you supposed to be training them anyway?"

"They're learning mentally today."

"Yeah! And I get to choose the next story," Curio announced.

Elese looked at her excited daughter and sighed in defeat. "Fine. Just don't tell them the Piccolo story." She turned and headed away from the small group.

"What Piccolo story?" the twins asked after their mother was out of earshot.

Yep, that's it. Finito. On TINY section. But of course...you can kind of continue the adventure by checking out Contents Under Pressure *evil grin*...Piccolo's trying to find a mate, but he's about to get more than he bargained for...

And now TO MY REVIEWERS, who I'll miss much; hope you'll stay in touch and continue to read my stuff and hopefully write some of your own...or at least update it regularly...I don't lead by example.

Pink Rabbit - Poor Diana. Your owner's a tad loco, ehh?? No matter. Her reviews keep me entertained. And now that I have completed SI, I think it's time for me to claim Sephi!
Mirai Trunks: What's that?
Shadow: I SAID "You make the bestest brownies EVER, sweetie."
Mirai: O.o Maybe I should get a Q-tip.
Phenix: *aside* One word to him, and I tell you-know-who about a certain green guardian.

Winged Angel - Well, I don't HAVE to end it...but then it'd be 457 chapters long, and well, I'm not sure I can keep up with that. AND, Thanks much!

Raidne the Silent Siren - *raises an eyebrow at that evil smirk* Uh, hehheh... Well, at least you get details; of course, you have to go to a different story.

Reviewer 100 - As you can plainly see, the prediction was right on.

Legolas Luver - Hey, I said that I appreciatedslut that "happy birthday" that I got from youslut. Besides, how am I supposed to getslut it to the next chapterslut if they say everythingslut in the next-to-last chapter?? AND my fic ISN'T horriblyslut long. It's just not shortslut. Furthermore, I hope you've gotten ridslut of all those secondslut thoughts. *wink* Later.

aqua-illusion - And I am. To answer your question, it's for you to decide.

Asanra - Hehheh, thanks for making me feel better.

leelee - Well, you could always read it again.

Burned Vamp - (who's too lazy to a. sign in and b. update EVER) You were wrong (again). :oÞ Minagi's in the manga. Read it. It's good. And as unmushy as I prefer to stay, thanks...for everything...

Annz - Thanks very much, and I'm glad you like my style.

I'm not big on dedications, but if I HAD to dedicate this entire story, it would be to my two best friends, who should know who they are, and are most likely reading this. One gave me mountains of inspiration and has recently been gracious enough to drop her life more and more for mine when asked to just to help me get through daily life. And the other, I've not even known most of my life; I've been intrigued by her, mad at her, cried with her, and she probably doesn't even know how far she's weaseled her way into my life. Thanks you guys.

To all my reviewers and readers, this story is for you; especially those who have stuck with me through everything. To those who may stumble upon it in the future, I hope you appreciate what we've created.

And, as our last order of business for SI, I thought you guys could enjoy some yummy bread pudding, which is probably my favorite dessert. *dumps a steaming pan over your head* Byebye!

V. 2003.02.19