.::||::.

            Last time we saw Sekira, Taiiko, Jae, Misaki and Ariake, they were all in five different positions, places and had different feelings. Ariake, especially, met two people she would have never thought she would meet, and at the end, she met someone new. What’s going to happen to all of them … in this final installment of Misora: Beautiful Sky? Please witness with all your heart, the power of friendship, family ties, and true love.

Loads of Love,

MiNt*

.::||::.

Final Destinations

.::||::.

            “What do you mean? Are they alright?” Misaki demanded of the petite lady behind the counter. He slammed his hand on the counter, his heart pounding. It couldn’t be. Ariake …  Blood suddenly drained out her face, and she turned pale.

            “Sir …” she stammered, “I’m afraid, you have to be prepared for the worst news.”

            “What?” Misaki asked, afraid of the answer.

            “The latest news just came in. We can’t even detect them on our computer. We’ve lost all contact with them.”

            She looked up just in time to see Misaki gasp in horror. “It’s like they’ve simply vanished.”

.::||::.

            “Pass me the gloves, quick.” Bryan Windsor, the new 24-year-old medical graduate told Ariake. She nodded for there was nothing she could say. Ariake opened the black case and took out a pair of surgical gloves and handed them to Bryan. [A/N: I have to say I know nothing about giving birth, medicine, biology etc. I don’t even take bio in school! So, I’m just basing this in an episode of Ezra giving birth in Vandread Stage 2. ^^]

            “Now hold her hand.” Bryan instructed Ariake. The plane jerked violently and the woman grabbed hold of Ariake’s hand very, very tightly. She started to take short breaths. Bryan nodded, mentally taking note of something. “It’s coming. Time her.”

            “Her what?”

            “The time in between she takes breaths. It’ll help to determine whether the baby is coming.” By now, many people had already gotten up from their seats and started to crowd around the pregnant lady. “Please stay away, the lady needs air.” The people moved away and quickly sat down. Ariake felt a surge of respect for this man, whom she was quickly falling for.

            Falling in love … with him? “What’s the contraction span?”

            “Er … around 20 seconds.” She silently reprimanded herself for dreaming when something so important was going on.

            “She’s ready.” [A/N: Again, I don’t really know about giving birth!!! Heck, just read on. ^^]

            Bryan pushed the sleeves of his shirt up and loosened his tie. He spoke in a calm and collected manner. “Madam, please do not worry. I am a qualified doctor, and don’t panic, your child will be all right.” The lady choked out a “Yes” and had another contraction. The air stewardess came by the three of them.

            “Do you need anything?”

            Bryan mulled over the question. “I need some clean cloth, water.” The air stewardess scurried off to grab the materials. Bryan turned to Ariake and held her hand, then smiled. “We’re going to be okay.”

            Out of a sudden, the lights on the plane went out. Screams could be heard, and there were cries of both young and old.  “It’s coming!” Bryan took out a torchlight and asked the person behind him to hold it up high. Through the dim light, Ariake could see the fear behind his calm and collected face. It was then she realised that he had never delivered a child before. Bryan spread her legs as wide as he could and tried to calm her down. “It’s coming. Madam, take long breaths and push.”

            Ariake held the woman’s hand tightly and urged her to do the same thing. The lady managed a weak nod, then took long breaths. “The baby’s coming out!” Bryan smiled and placed a hand on the child’s head.

            “Push, madam! Just a bit more! I can see its head.” The lady gave a ‘hrmp’ and pushed.

            “Take long breaths! Don’t panic!”

            Finally it was over. A cry could be heard over the plane, and suddenly, as though a miracle had happened, the lights came on. The plane stopped shaking, and a message sounded over the plane.

            “We’re back on course everyone! Please take a seat, and we will be shortly arriving in Osaka Terminal Airport.” Bryan grinned at the newborn child and handed her to her mother. The air stewardess came by with the materials, but Bryan shook his head. “We’re done.” He smiled happily at the mother and newborn child, who had suddenly fallen asleep. Bryan took the towel from the air stewardess and handed it to the mother, then started packing his supplies.

            “Thank you, sir. You’re a life-saver.” The mother of the child said gratefully, with tears in her eyes.

            “With all due respect, madam. It’s my profession. Of course, I couldn’t do it without the help of this lovely lady here.” Ariake felt herself go red and tried to think of a comeback.

            “It’s nothing, seriously. Without you, this wouldn’t be possible.”

            Bryan glanced at the mother and child. “If not for this, I wouldn’t have met you.”

            Ariake blushed deeply. “Well, all’s well end well … the start of a new life … who knew? A start of new lives for all of us.”

            A cheer arose. “Hip, hip, hurray!” Bryan grabbed hold of her hand and raised it up together with his. A tear fell from her face, and she hugged Bryan. A start of a new life … She had never felt so glad before…

***

            Sekira glanced at her reflection in the mirror located at the backstage. It was almost two hours before their concert, but she wanted to stay here for a while and relieve the memories of the past. The backstage door swung open to reveal Taiiko and Jae.

            “Taiiko! Jae!” She stood up, startled.

            “Hey. We’re here to do some warm-ups.” Liar, Sekira grinned. “Ok. I’ll leave you guys to it.” She walked out into the stage and looked around. God. She would really miss this place. The first time she heard her voice on stage was here, and the first time she received applause was here. Without realizing it, a drop of tear fell from her eyes. Startled, Sekira quickly lifted her hand and wiped away the tear. She tried to keep herself busy and started messing around with the mike. A sudden screech appeared within the hall and Taiiko and Jae came out, their faces flustered, each covering his own ears.

            “What the hell was that?”

            She mumbled an apology. “The mike.” Jae walked over and took a look at the mike. “Shit …”

            “What?”

            “The sound system is spoilt. We can’t have our last concert here. Somehow the wires got burnt up … and unless we don’t need any mikes, we can’t do it here.” [A/N: I don’t know if this makes sense … but … well … ^^]

            Taiiko cupped his chin and thought hard. Sekira looked around nervously. Not have it here? “I could arrange something … by tonight. I’ll pick you up later ok?”

            “Yeah. Ok.” Sekira replied, her mind lost in a daze.

***

            Misaki paced the hallway in front of the Arrival Gate anxiously. Will she be all right? Suddenly, as though God had answered his prayers, he saw someone with long blonde hair walking out. Who looked suspiciously like Ariake.

            “Aria-chan!” Misaki yelled, oblivious to the quiet surroundings. A few people turned around and glared at him. He saw the girl squint at him at a distance, then her expression changed into one of pure happiness. She waved at him.

            Misaki waved back. It was as if his worries came to an end. He was pretty relieved, to be honest. More than relieved … just simply too happy for words. The automatic doors slid open and a blurry of yellow rushed towards him, then grabbed him in a friendly hug.

            “Misaki-chan!” Ariake grinned, then ruffled his hair. Misaki grinned back and hugged her even harder. Finally, his best-friend was here.

            “Ahem.”

            “Oh!” A squeal came from Ariake and her cheeks reddened. “Misaki, this is Bryan, whom I met on the plane. Bryan, this is Misaki, my best friend (at this it was Misaki’s turn to blush) in the world. He’s the reason I came out to Osaka today …” Misaki politely shook the blonde’s hand. He wondered what had happened on the plane, to cause Ariake to blush that bad.

            Bryan flashed a quick smile at Misaki, then looked at Ariake. “Ariake … I’ve got to go … this is my name card. Come visit me when you’re free.” She quickly pocketed the name card and waved to a leaving Bryan, who was on his way out of the airport.

            “Who’s that?”

            “Someone I met on the plane. I helped deliver a baby! Misaki, you should have been there. I was so amazing!” Ariake rattled on, her hands in many gestures.

            “Look, I heard there’s a new café that sells apple strudel! I loved that in Canada! You must bring me there …”

            “Yeah right. You probably delivered the baby with what-his-name help. And no whatever apple strudel.”

            “It’s Bryan.” Ariake said in exasperation. She beamed at him and tried to hail a taxi.

Misaki smiled. At least one thing was right in his life now.

***

            ‘Misaki? Taiiko here. We’re changing our concert venue, to the Esplanade. I know, it’s a bit big, but the manager has allowed letting us perform on account of the fact we were talent scouted. Please give me a call when you get this! Time’s the same.’

            Taiiko kept his cell phone and did a final checking of the stage at the Esplanade. The Esplanade was indeed worthy of his praise, he thought as he glanced around. It was amazing, and the more unbelievable fact was that Misora, a high school band was coming here to perform. He drew his breath and let it out quickly.

            Sekira was as usual, moping around the stage. She hadn’t stopped to think that something like that would happen, and now as she stood on the stage of the Esplanade, her worries increased. The experience was somewhat like her first time on stage, and she hoped she would be able to smoothen over her worries once this was over. Once this is over, I’ll be on the plane to Tokyo …

            People started filling into the hall. Sekira’s hand gave a nervous twitch and she dropped the mike out of anxiousness. “Don’t do it again. Those things cost a bomb.” Jae warned.

            She started searching the crowd for Misaki. She knew it was a stupid thing to do, and she didn’t think that he would appear, after all that had happened. But she knew that deep down in her heart she wanted the guy to appear.

            “There are real people out there. God knows what possessed them to come and see us.” Taiiko spoke in a low voice to Jae. Jae merely gave a nod. “Yeah.”

            Jae took a glance at his watch. Thirty minutes to show time. He decided to let the others know. “Guys, thirty minutes to show time. Buckle up!”

            Sekira paled.

***

            Kyoshi sat down in the hospital as he watched the rising and falling of Jennifer’s chest. He stared hard at the results of the test they both took; not wanting to believe it was real. “She’s pregnant … my child …” His eyes rested upon her stomach instinctively. He knew he had to accept the truth one day. Slowly, but surely, he would accept the fact that it was his child.

            And it was with this realization; that he knew it was useless to pine for Sekira anymore. He had a child to father, a woman to love. He would not let his child go without a father. And in soon time to come, he was sure he could learn to love Jennifer again like he did before, despite what had happened.

            The words of that girl Ariake came back to memory. He remembered sitting in the hospital cafeteria with her, having a solemn talk.

            “Face it, Kyoshi. You don’t love Sekira. You do love Jennifer, even though she’s not what she was before. If you really did love Sekira now, you would be in Osaka with her, wouldn’t you?”

            Her words had cut into him. It’s true … Kyoshi forced himself to look at Jennifer and was surprised at what he saw. For the expression on Jennifer’s face … the look of pure innocence … and the sweet angelic smile made him realise one thing: he might have loved Sekira, but now, the one he love(d?) was Jennifer. He was sure of that. It was about time he said goodbye to his past, and welcome in his future. With a smile on his face, he quickly pictured his future child waving to him.

            He took out a pen, a piece of writing paper and began to pen a letter to Sekira.

***

            Sekira took a deep breath and mentally squished her fears. She held the mike and spoke into it. “Thanks for waiting. And now, Misora presents … ‘Final Destinations’ …” Loud clapping ensued.

            She looked once more into the audience, trying to find Misaki. It was crazy, trying to find one person in such dim light, but she had to try. Seeing that he wasn’t here, she held back her tears and started to sing …

***

            “Oh my god! The concert!” Misaki stood up and accidentally tilted the table, spilling Coke on Ariake’s periwinkle blue dress. She got up and started to dab her skirt [A/N: Ne, Ariake’s dress always gets stains … hehe  ^^], but Misaki was quicker and grabbed her hand. “Let’s go!”

            The two of them hailed a cab to Satoshi High and rushed to the hall, but was surprised it was empty.

            “Check your phone …” Misaki nodded and pulled out his cell phone, then checked for messages. ‘VoiceMail – You Have One Message!’ Worried, he dialed the number for VoiceMail. His heart sank when the familiar voice of Taiiko came.

            “They are at the Esplanade.”

            “How long is their concert? How much time do we have left?”

            Misaki quickly calculated. “If we rush there, we might be able to catch their last two songs.”

            Ariake nodded. “Let’s go!”

***

            He’s not coming … Don’t deceive yourself … Tears fell quickly as Sekira sang. [A/N: The following songs are as goes: Manatsu no Eve (Tenchi Muyo, Movie 2) and Alone (Saiyuki). Two of my other favourite songs ^^]

            “Sekira!” A hiss came from behind her.

            She fumbled with the mike as applause came. “Yeah, and our second last song of this set. We hope you like it.”

‘ … On a hill lined with sunflowers,

Today we walked backwards together,

In the mist of the children's voices,

I'd sad for reproaching you

With the slightest hesitation, our love began

But when summer ends, we'll lead our separate lives.

We no longer need goodbyes

Because we can't wait for winter,

This is our own Christmas Eve, just the two of us.

The warm sunlight is illumination

It's alright if our love becomes painful,  hold me tight

Sleepless night talking by the seashore,

We both pointed at each's swollen eyes and laughed

Every time we're together until the morning comes,

A room for one has become scary

We no longer need goodbyes

Please grant my promised Christmas Eve, here and now.

A kiss with a sigh is our celebration

Hold onto the meaning of pain with our smile

I want to stay like this forever

Hold onto the feelings we can't express, so that they don't end

I won't forget our midsummer's Eve.

I won't forget you.

I won't forget the Eve that the two of us spent together.

I won't forget you …’

            What Sekira saw next broke her heart again. As if it was predestined, Misaki and Ariake chose to walk into the auditorium at this moment, both flustered and holding hands. Misaki stopped in shock. Our song … He watched helplessly as a steady stream of tears flowed, the glow from the stage lights illuminating her grave face. What had he done wrong?

            Ariake suddenly dropped his hand like a hot potato. A wave of guilt came over him. So that’s what it was … he noticed Sekira staring intently at the both of them, especially at Misaki. She seemed to hold his gaze for a long time, and then she finally broke it and looked away. “Our last song of this set … I hope everyone enjoys it. After tonight, we will be in Tokyo … I hope that you would continue to give us the fullest support till we come back. Thanks.”

‘ … A dry breeze is blowing

The city is getting cold

I wonder how many seasons have passed

Without even a sound?

All of the people coming and going

Bear heavy burdens,

Searching for tomorrow

Within the heat haze wavering in the distance.

Feelings like sand

Falling through my hands...

Back then, the words that pierced my heart

Suddenly started to throb with pain, but...

I've searched for pieces of myself,

Counting the endless nights all the while.

These feelings are becoming so certain

I almost lose myself.

Right now, without fail, I will walk forward, however far.

I wonder, why is the sky

So vast?

Even though I tried to yell, my voice didn't come

And the tears poured out.

I wonder where the birds are flying off to,

As they freely slice through the wind?

One can't return to the same place

As it once was in days gone by.

Even if I give up my dream like this,

I won't suppress my soaring heartbeat.

Someday, I want to reach

As high as the clouds.

I'll spread wide the wings in my heart and journey once again

I will reach it, without fail.

I've searched for pieces of myself,

Counting the endless nights all the while.

These feelings are becoming so certain

I almost lose myself.

Right now, without fail, I will walk forward, however far…’

            One person stood up. Then another. The whole audience stood up, one by one, giving Misora a standing ovation. “Encore!” A yell came from the back of the audience. Sekira hid her fast-coming tears by bowing to the crowd, then quickly taking her leave. “Sekira!”

***

            He called me, didn’t he?

            No, it’s just my wishful thinking. Didn’t I see what happened? I’m such a stupid, useless, naïve fool.

            Sekira stuffed the last of her belongings into an overly packed suitcase, which was bulging at its sides. “Stupid, stupid, stupid.” The doorbell rang and Sekira found herself in a mess. She hastily shoved the rest of the rubbish to a side and lugged her bags to the door. Wait. Sekira ran into a corner of the room and squat down, then pulled at one of the loose boards. She took a cross choker gingerly out of the dust and put it around her neck. Dad. Fingering the choker tugged at her heartstrings. There. She was ready to leave …

            “Sekira! We’re going to miss the damn flight if you don’t hurry up!” Taiiko called out. Sekira rubbed her eyes and yawned. It was almost 11pm. She was exhausted, after that concert, but she knew that they had to catch the flight.

            “Coming!” She dashed out and her attention was caught by a blinking red light on her answering machine. Misaki. Her cell phone rang simultaneously. Must be some rubbish apology. Forget it.

            I will give up on him, if it’s the last thing I do. She opened the door and greeted Taiiko.

***

            “Where is she?” Misaki glanced around the airport, anxious. This was even worse than waiting for Ariake. Ariake grabbed his hand tightly. “Don’t worry, Misaki-chan. She’ll be here …”

            “What do I do when I see her?”

            “Apologise, nothing’s going to happen if we tell her the truth. I’ll tell her I’m down to see their last concert …”

            “But what -- ” Misaki was cut off by long black hair [A/N: I can’t remember Sekira’s hair colour. Sorry. ^^] being flung into his face. He stepped back instantly. “Watch where you’re going!”

            “I will. And it’s not your way.” A voice replied coldly. Misaki stared at the crimson eyes of Sekira, then saw her gaze travel from him to Ariake, who was still holding his hand. Damn. Twice in a row! “Looks like you’re together again, right? All the best to you.”

            He reached out for her hand while Taiiko nodded approvingly. “Sekira …”

            “Just let me go. Don’t stand in my way of my career.”

            “Sekira, you’ve got it all wrong. I don’t like Misaki! I’m dating Bryan Windsor, a guy I met.” She paused and looked around the airport, then gave a little wave. Bryan stood up and came over. “See, Bryan? Bryan, tell Sekira I’m dating you. Right?”

            “Yea – Look, I don’t know who you are, but I’m dating Ariake.”

            “Save your breath. I didn’t come here to be stopped by you people. Let’s go.” With that, she turned her back on the three of them and walked into the Departure Gate. “Sekira!” Misaki called out, but never once did she turn back to look at him. Suddenly a thought hit her. Dad. She had forgotten to tell him that their flight had changed … Two losses in day.

            Taiiko hugged a stricken Misaki, whose eyes held tears. “Don’t worry about it. We’ll be back. I’m sure she loves you still. Just give her time … and some space. Till then …” He tipped his baseball cap and walked into the Departure Hall with Jae.

            Ariake held on tight to Bryan as she watched her two best friends’ lives fall apart. “Bryan …” she whispered, not knowing what to do. Bryan gave her a reassuring hug. “Don’t worry …”

            “Misaki … she’ll be back. I know Sekira … too well … She still loves you. Just hold in there.”

            A single tear fell onto the cold floor. I love her. I love her too much. I’ll love her … till the day when I hear her say she doesn’t love me, till the day the words come out from her mouth. I love you, Sekira.

***

            Sekira sat on the plane and shifted uncomfortably, her head lost in thoughts as well. I love him … don’t I? Why is it always so hard for me? Taiiko clasped her hand tightly. “Don’t fret. He loves you. You do too…”

            Sekira smiled at him as a sign of ‘thanks’. “Yukiema Sekira?”

            “I am.”

            “This is for you.” The air stewardess smiled at her and handed her a thick wad of letter. She tore the envelope open out of curiosity, then hesitated. What was inside?

            “Curiosity does kill the cat, you know.” Taiiko spoke in a faraway voice.

            She nodded and took the documents out. It seemed to be a letter. With a glance she recognised the handwriting that had became all too familiar to her.

Dear Sekira …

            I’m a dad. Kyoshi’s a dad. Bet you would never have thought of it, would it?

            I met your friend Ariake over here. She’s a great person, she helped me clear my thoughts, and realise that I truly do love Jennifer, and it’s not because she’s just bearing my child. It’s the little things she does that makes me truly happy. True, she was a horrible bitch, but I can see why she acted that way. I was wrong, for thinking I loved you and deserting her. She’s always been there for me, ever since I came over from Osaka. I fell for her, head-over-heels. But you don’t need to know that, do you?

            Yesterday I accompanied her to the doctor, and I can see the child’s alive and kicking. It gives me a great thrill, yet brings tears to my eyes. She’s / He’s so beautiful … both Jen and I told the doctor not tell us whether it’s a boy or girl. If it’s a girl, we’re going to christen it Sekira. Hope you can make it for the baby’s christening, I know you are really busy with the progress in your career. Never would have thought that you would choose this line of career. Music has always been your passion, but I thought you would end up as one with a serious job. Sombre and solemn. It’s no wonder you’ve fallen for someone like Misaki, who in every bit sounds like me (from what I heard from Ariake). Astrology, dandelion rings … you can’t stray from that, can you?

            Jen and I are getting married in around a year’s time. I don’t know when this will reach you, or whether will it, so I’m sending this to Ariake, along with a letter for her. She and I have really gotten pretty well despite our earlier disputes. Hopefully Ariake forwards it to you, and as for you, I hope you’ll reply too. You have my address right? One year’s time, I hope to see you in the congregation, with Misaki, as well as Ariake and Bryan, and your friends Jae and Taiiko and your father, waiting for Jen to walk the aisle. I miss your dad quite a lot, send my regards to him, will you?

            Whatever it is, I wish you all the best for your future career, and to tell you I’m always behind you. Hopefully one day, we’ll see each other again, as part of a happy group. And hopefully, one year later, I’ll be able to look back and tell my kid, look, that’s Sekira, the best friend in the whole wide world that I once knew.

            Sekira felt the tears coming to her eyes again. Kyoshi … a dad? She would have never expected it. She glanced at Taiiko, who was fast asleep. She was glad that he didn’t have to see her cry. She was just about to stuff the letter into the envelope when it got stuck. Puzzled, Sekira turned the envelope upside down and shook it. Two dandelion rings fell onto her lap.

            “You can make dandelion rings?”

            “Of course. Other than astrology, I can do that too.” Misaki smiled at her, then plucked a dandelion from the ground and twisted it into a ring.

            “One for you, one for me …” He put the ring onto her hand.

            “One for you … one for me …” I love you, Misaki. And forever will.

.::||::.

:: Author’s Last Note. ::

            HiYe~ As some of you guys know, this is the last chapter, the conclusion to my first ever on-going series, Misora: Beautiful Sky. As for whether is it a real ending … hmm …? Let’s just say I’m considering writing an epilogue to please you guys. ^^ After all, I’m sure you all want to know what’s going to happen to all of them, and there are still many ‘mysteries’ unsolved … Hope the last chapter wasn’t too teary, and everyone enjoyed it. It was a pretty good ending despite me not writing about anything that happened thereafter right? It ended out totally different to what I first planned, and I’m glad about it because it’s much better. Oh, btw, sorrie for the rubbishy format. ^^

            I thank you guys out there for your reviews and support (keep em’ coming ^^), esp. thanks to all those who read my story, even though you didn’t review! It was a fun experience to write this story, I put in loads into it, and I’m glad with the result, honestly. Right here, I want to thank auryn-chan, who gave me loads of support when I started out, babyg-chan, who helped me figure out the crazy format (though you see it’s gone bonkers again ^^), and keax-chan, who also supported me through this (and of course all your reviews!!).

            I’ll work harder to bring everyone much better fics in the future, be it in this category or not. Can’t get enough of me (lol)? Check out my other concurrent on-going fic, Down On Earth! Last but not least, this is for all those who even bothered to cast my fic a passing glance, and for pinkpiggy. Sekira rocks because of you guys ^^ … (oh, btw, loads of people been comparing Sekira and the other lead, Wistaria. Hmm. I still can’t see the similarity between them … haha …)

            One last thing. Because of the seperation of fanfiction and original fiction, my fics will be solely under original fiction (drat ), which means my stories will be found on in the future. As for updates, please check out , or you can go to my biography, where I will put up info about updates. That’s all~ whew. such a long last note. n.n

With Loads Of Love … till next time …

MiNt*