First of all, I want to thank these guys for their reviews and motivation:

sweet tinkle: Aw, I like Eru the most. I think he understands the heroine better than anyone else in the story (I sounded like I didn't made him, lol!). Thanks for the constant reviews. I really appreciate them. They kept me motivated to continue the story. Thanks a bunch. (=^.^=)

ivy and ayaka: Sorry for the wait. I planned to post the last chapter on Nov. 4 but I didn't expect it to be this long. Thanks for all your reviews.

Writer's corner:

Okay, so this is the final chapter *sob*.

This might be a bit long, the longest so far compared with the previous chapters.

Just to share with you guys, here are the original plans for the story (even before I started writing the first chapter), which were revised/deleted while I was writing the story:

The heroine should have been engaged with Eru (Hube's son)

I planned to introduce the heroine's mother making the story more complicated. This might make the story twice longer.

Disclaimer: I wish I own the characters of Kyo Kara Maoh

Mizuki and Eru followed the sound. They found themselves going to the direction of the back garden of the manse.

Everyone else was there. In the middle of the crowd, Wolfram and Saralegui are having a duel, swords at hand. The girl ran to stop the two but then, a hand blocked her way. When she looked up, she saw Conrad shaking his head.

"Mizuki," Eru placed a hand on her shoulder, "let them fight." Eru wore a serious expression as he spoke.

"But they might get seriously hurt..."

Eru didn't reply as he continued to watch the duel.

Mizuki was confused at everyone's reactions. Even Berias was just watching the fight.

Her eyes trailed back to Wolfram and Sara. She knew that look. It's no use stopping those two. The determination in their eyes told her that the fight will only end until one of them gets defeated. She watched silently as the fight continued to take place in front of her eyes.

"To think it will get into this." Conrad thought to himself.

Flashback

As soon as Eru and Mizuki left, an awkward silent aired in the room.

Wolfram stood up and went to Sara's seat. He was about to pull his sword however, he froze when he felt something cold pressed against his throat. It was Berias who, as if reading Wolfram's thought, acted on instinct. Conrad, Gwendal and Yozak, stayed on alert should Berias do anything more than necessary to restrain Wolfram. On the other hand, Sara calmly sipped his tea as if he didn't notice the commotion beside him.

"You! How dare you show your face as if you did nothing wrong!?" Wolfram exclaimed pointing a finger at Sara.

"Wolfram, calm down." Yuri ordered in a stern voice.

Sara put down his cup and signaled Berias to sheath his weapon back before Sara spoke. "I simply accompanied Mizuki here. It is not my intention to cause any trouble." Sara said without looking at Wolfram. "If you ask me, I also don't want to see your face nor be in the same room with you," Sara added as he smiled at the other lad, "but, it was her request after all and I'm only granting that request."

"Is that so?" a smile formed on Wolfram's lips, "since the feeling is mutual, why don't we settle this outside?" Having said the words, Wolfram shoved the cutleries on the nearby table and the silverwares fell to the floor.

Sara raised an eyebrow at Wolfram's action. "Are you challenging me?"

Wolfram's smile widen, "so you know the custom in our land. You're not so ignorant after all."

Sara smirked, "you're too confident for your own good." He stood up and picked the fork closest to his feet, "you think you can beat me?" He slammed the fork on the table as he glared at Wolfram. Sparks fly as their eyes met.

"I guess we don't need to wait for tomorrow." Wolfram said before he turned his back to leave the room. Sara followed after him. No one else in the room said a word. One by one, they followed the two.

Wolfram led Sara in the back garden of the manse. The peaceful view of the garden is the exact opposite to the aura the two emit. The two face each without uttering a word.

It was Yozak who acted as the mediator of the fight. He said a few instructions which did not reach the two as they continue to glare at each other. Yozak heave a sigh at the realization and signaled them to start. Almost immediately, two swords come clashing with each other.

End of flashback

Conrad shifted his gaze to the girl standing beside him who was watching intently at the fight unfolding in front of her. "Does she have any idea what they are fighting about?"

Exchange of attacks continued for some time. When other attacks, the other answered back with the same amount of strength. No one wanted to lose to the other. Wolfram and Sara were already breathing hard but no one wanted to surrender. It was a close fight.

Mizuki had a worried look in her face. The longer the fight gets, the more serious it becomes. She's scared that they might hurt each other or worse. Her reaction didn't escape a certain lad's watchful eyes.

"It's almost time," Eru said, almost inaudible.

"Eru?" Mizuki looked at Eru when she heard his words. The lad looked at her and smiled mischievously. He moved closer to Mizuki and whispered something in her ear.

"Whatever happens here, remember that everything will be alright." Eru said soft enough for only the girl can hear.

Eru slowly moved away and ruffled her hair. Mizuki stared blankly at him, confused at his remark.

Eru's gesture did not escape Sara's eyes. However, the former's actions was pictured differently in Sara's mind. Sara froze for a second. Wolfram saw his chance and in a brief moment, a sword came flying above and fell to the ground several meters from its owner.

Sara was surprised by the fast turn of events. He found himself lying at the ground with Wolfram's sword pointing between his eyes.

"It looks like... the battle's... over," Wolfram said while catching his breath.

Sara's eyes narrowed but then it was replaced by a smile.

"Not quite." A glint of light shone in Sara's eye.

Wolfram felt he was unable to move his fingers. The sword fell from his hand. Wolfram was surprised how his body doesn't follow what his mind command but then, he felt something in his throat. Both his hands grasp his neck trying to dispel whatever it is inside. Wolfram rolled to the ground for lack of air. Sara watched him as if it was natural scene. Conrad was about to draw his sword when Berias stood in front of them, swords held in both hands, signaling them not to interfere.

"Sara, stop it this instant!" Mizuki's voice echoed as she ran beside Wolfram. Sara was called back to his senses when he heard her voice calling his name. "Sara, please..." Mizuki was already in the verge of crying as Wolfram turn blue due to lack of air. He felt a prick of pain in his chest as he saw her pleading eyes looking at him.

"Sara, please, let him go." Mizuki clasp Sara's hands in hers.

"Why do you care so much about him!?" the girl was shocked as Sara's voice roared in front of her.

"That's... I..." Mizuki averted her gaze as she found herself unable to answer.

"M-Miz... ki..." Wolfram forced himself to speak. The girl's eyes widen in surprise and rushed beside Wolfram's side.

Sara doesn't need to hear Mizuki's answer. He already knows. Though she would not admit it, the way she looks at him gave her away. Sara already loss even before the battle starts.

Little by little, Wolfram's color returned to normal. He coughed as he catch his breath. Mizuki help him get on his feet.

Sara sighed in defeat as he looked at the scene in front of him. If that girl did not interfere, he may have killed his opponent. However, he cannot get himself be angry towards her, but rather, he feels angry at himself for making her make that face. He turned his back and walked away. Berias followed after him.

As Sara take a step back inside his carriage, a familiar voice called out his name.

"S-Sara, where are you going?" Sara turned to see Mizuki still trying to catch her breath.

"Back to the castle, where else?" Sara answered as if it was the most obvious thing.

"We are leaving already?"

Sara patted her head lightly and lowered his head to her level.

"Not 'we'," Sara smiled, "you will stay here."

Mizuki looked surprised, "but..."

"Mizuki, listen," Sara cupped her cheeks in his hands, "it is not I who should be by your side. You know who I'm talking about, right?" Mizuki blushed as a face of a certain blond cross her mind. Sara was amused at her reaction. "Just promise me one thing," Mizuki looked at him intently as he continued, "be happy with him, alright?" The girl smiled and nodded at his words. Sara took a glance at Wolfram and made sure he will hear his next words, "and if he ever makes you cry, I will waste no time and make you mine instead."

Wolfram glared at Sara not knowing the meaning of his look a moment ago.

"I guess it will take a long time before I see your face again." Sara planted a soft kiss on the girl's forehead, "see you then."

The girl watched the carriage getting smaller at a distant until it disappeared out of sight.

That night, dinner has been very lively as they sail back to Shin Makoku. It's as if a great weight was lifted from everyone's shoulder upon Mizuki's return. Everyone was all smiles as Eru, Murata and Yozak shared funny stories.

In the middle of the night, as almost everyone else drifted to sleep, a certain girl walked to the deck and watched the waves as they splash at the side of the ship. She cross her arms as the cold wind blew around her.

"Can't sleep?" The girl was startled as someone placed a blanket over her shoulders.

"Yuri? What are you doing here?"

Yuri looked at her with a questioning eyes.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

Yuri scratched his head, "well, I thought you'll start calling me 'father' instead of 'Yuri'."

"Oh come on. You're not even close to him yet." Mizuki covered her mouth after realizing what she said.

"Really?" Yuri asked as he lean at the side of the deck beside the girl, "tell me about it."

Mizuki sighed, "well, in terms of appearance, Father looks more like the present Uncle Shori but your demeanor is very different. And your eyes-" she paused as she looked at Yuri straight in the eye, "your eyes are still the same. They seemed to see through people- very honest and straightforward."

"Just like your eyes."

"My eyes are?"

"Like you said, very honest and straightforward. Maybe you got it from me, though they don't seem to be sharing the same color." Yuri laughed weakly. "They tell me how troubled you are feeling right now."

Mizuki looked to the ground averting Yuri's gaze. Yuri placed his hand on her shoulder.

"I may not be as great as your father now but I'm your friend. You can tell me anything."

Mizuki stayed silent. After a moment, she heaved a deep sigh.

"I guess I'm afraid." She paused. "Once we arrived in Shin Makoku, I will be returning back in my time. Though I know I will be seeing the same people there, I'm not sure if they will be the same people I meet here."

Yuri held her hand. Mizuki looked straight at him waiting for him to speak.

"There's only one advice I can give you," Yuri gave her a warm smile, "you just need to trust them."

"Trust them?" The girl looked surprise at his words. Yuri nodded energetically. Mizuki stared blankly at him. But then, the girl's shoulder started to shake while trying to contain her laughter. But then, she can't help but laugh really hard.

"Did I say something wrong?"

"No... no, of course not." Mizuki looked softly at Yuri. Suddenly, two arms wrapped around Yuri as the girl rest her head on his chest. "Yuri, thank you so much."

Yuri patted the girl's head "hey, it's nothing. I really didn't do anything."

However, the two got interrupted as brisk footsteps walked towards them. Mizuki looked up to see Wolfram with a green face leaned at the side of the ship.

"Eh? Wolfram, what are you doing?"

"Ah, you don't know it yet, but Wolfram gets like that every time he board a ship."

"Really?" Mizuki pulled away from Yuri. She walked beside Wolfram and rubbed his back. Wolfram tried to say something but then, he felt something coming from his throat that he have to lean again towards the sea.

"Um, Wolfram, forgive me if this will hurt you a little." Suddenly, Wolfram felt a huge pain on his back as Mizuki pinned her fingers.

"What was that for!?" But then, Wolfram realized that his nausea was gone.

"A simple 'thank you' would be nice," the girl commented. However, Wolfram flushed as he realized who he was talking to.

"... thank you..." Wolfram whispered before he turned away.

Mizuki was about to say something but Wolfram was already walking away.

Greta ran at the castle entrance as soon as she heard Yuri's arrival. She was very happy to see the brown-haired girl with them.

"Aya-nee-chan! I'm so glad to see you again!" Greta greeted as she hugged Mizuki.

"Me too, I'm so glad to see you too." Mizuki stoop down to Greta's level. However, Greta's face became red as she tried to hide behind her. When Mizuki followed Greta's gaze, she was staring at Eru who seemed to have no idea how he affect Greta. "Oh, I before I forgot," Mizuki stood up and pulled Eru by her side, "this is Eru by the way."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Princess." Eru knelt down and kiss the little girl's hand.

Greta's face became red up to her ears as if smoke came out of them. Eru, on the other hand, was oblivious at Greta's reaction and continued to smile at her.

"Mizuki, can I talk to you for a moment?" Wolfram asked her without looking at her. She followed after him. When they turned in the corner, Wolfram's hand pulled her and they entered a room nearby.

As the door closed, Mizuki felt Wolfram's arm wrapped around her.

"Wolfram?"

"I heard what you said last night... about returning back to your time." His arms tighten around Mizuki.

"I-It's not as if we will not see each other anymore right?" Mizuki tried to be as cheerful as she can.

"... I love you..." Mizuki froze. Wolfram became worried when he didn't get a reply. "Hey, did you not hear what I said?" Wolfram asked as he peered at the girl's face. He was surprised to see her crying. He panicked. "What's the matter? Why are you crying?" His fingers wiped away her tears as he cupped her face with his hands. The girl shook her head slowly.

"I'm just so happy. It's the first time you said that to me. But..." her voice trailed and she averted her eyes, "it will be unfair to you if I make you wait for a very long time."

"I'm willing to wait. Just trust me, okay?"

Mizuki's eyes looked straight at him. She knew that he was telling his honest feelings. She felt something warm in her heart as she looked at him. She gave him a sweet smile and nodded.

Suddenly, Mizuki heard a faint voice calling her name. She pulled herself away from Wolfram but then, he locked her in his embrace.

"Where do you think you're going?" Wolfram asked mischievously.

"But they are already looking for us."

"Let them be. Do you think I will let you go that easily? I still have not heard your answer from what I said earlier, you know."

The girl flushed as she realized what Wolfram was referring to.

"Well, I-" Mizuki struggled to get the words out of her as she struggled to calm her heart.

"I can't hear you." Wolfram found her reaction really cute and teased her a little more.

"I-I... I l-love you to-" but Mizuki found herself unable to continue as the blond lad claimed her lips in his. She felt his tongue intertwine with hers as he pushed her back on the wall. She cling her arms around his neck as she felt her strength leaving her. She felt his hand pushed her head making the kiss deeper. He took her breath away as he continue to kiss her passionately.

Both of their faces are of the same shade of red after they pulled away. Their foreheads touched each other as both tried to catch their breath. A smile formed on their lips as they left the room, hand in hand.

Evening came, everyone gathered in Shinou's temple as they bid farewell to Mizuki and Eru as both waited for the portal to open.

Eru hugged Hube and Nicola one last time before standing next to the portal Ulrike prepared for them. The couple was very surprise to meet their grown-up son. They couldn't believe at first but it was Gwendal who confirm it to them.

Mizuki bade everyone goodbye. When it was Yuri's turn to say goodbye, he placed something in her hand- it was the blue necklace with a scratch in the middle. Mizuki hugged him.

"Thank you very much." Mizuki is trying her best not to let her tears fall.

"I should be the one thanking you. You did everything for your father. I'm certain that he is so proud of you. I'm looking forward to see you in the future."

As Mizuki turned to Wolfram, she cannot find the words to say. She just continued to stare at him. Wolfram pulled her closer. She heard how fast his heartbeat is at that moment.

"Don't make me wait too long." Wolfram whispered in her ear.

Eru and Mizuki disappeared as the light from the portal enveloped them. Mizuki tightly closed her eyes.

"What kind of face is that?" slowly, Mizuki opened her eyes as she heard a very familiar voice. Right in front of her stood the lad she was talking with earlier. However, his appearance changed a little.

"I didn't know you will grow so tall, Wolfram."

"How long do you think I've been waiting for you?"

"Sorry."

"You have to take responsibility."

"What!?" Mizuki exclaimed as Wolfram carried her in his arms, "wait, Wolfram! Where are you taking me!?"

In the next room they entered, a loud "welcome back!" echoed. All of her friends in Shin Makoku were there.

Mizuki scanned everyone in the room. She is so happy to see everyone, although everyone seemed a bit older than the last time she saw them a moment ago.

Wolfram put her down gently and whispered in her ear something.

"I'm so glad to see you again. I missed you." Mizuki flushed at his words.

The party went merrily. Wolfram did not leave her side as they greet one person after another.

In a small group composed of Yuri, Murata, Conrad and Eru, Eru asked a certain question that surprised everyone.

"Oh, Uncle Wolfram, have you told Mizuki already?"

"Told me what?"

"He haven' t told you? He's getting married."

Everyone in the group, including Wolfram, had a shocked expression at Eru's remark. Mizuki felt as if a cold water was splashed on her.

"Wolfram, is this true?"

"Well..."

"Eru, how could you tell her that? Wolfram should be the one to let her know." Murata commented.

"Sorry. I thought she already know since they have been with together since we came."

Mizuki felt that she can't hear anything anymore as Eru's words crossed her mind. She excused herself and went outside to get some air. She didn't notice Wolfram followed her.

"Mizuki." Wolfram called out as he reach for her.

"Don't touch me."

"Let me explain." Wolfram embrace her to prevent her from running away. Mizuki fight back to break free. She succeeded but then...

Slap

She slapped Wolfram's left cheek. Wolfram calmly looked at her as she speak.

"How could you? I trusted you."

"You don't have to be so angry. I haven't asked her yet." Wolfram spoke.

Mizuki was shocked at how calmly he took everything. She must look very childish to him now. So what if he have not ask her hand yet? He's already planning to ask someone without her knowing. She can't blame him. How many years had passed since they last met?

"Do you have any idea what you have done?" the girl was startled at the question.

"I don't know what you mean. I haven't done anything wrong."

Wolfram pointed his red cheek, "do you recognize this?" The girl stared blankly at him then her eyes widen in realization. "You just proposed to me." Wolfram's words struck her like lightning.

"I-I'm sorry. I didn't mean..."

"You have to take responsibility," this is the first time she heard Wolfram's very serious tone.

"But what about your proposal..."

"Huh? You still don't get it, do you?"

"I don't get what?"

"You know, you can be an airhead when it comes to these things." Wolfram sigh, "the girl I'm about to ask for her hand and the girl Eru is referring to is you."

"Me!?"

"Who else would it be?" Mizuki stared at him dumbfounded, "I think I've waited long enough to ask for your hand, but it was you who proposed to me first, so you should take responsibility."

"Even if you say that, I don't know how to...eh!?" Mizuki was startled when she found Wolfram's face so close to hers that she has to move away but his arm was wrapped behind her that she can't even make a step backward.

"Then why don't you start acting like my wife rather than my fiancée." Wolfram said as he carried her inside her room.

The End

(=^.^=)