Epilogue

The sun was shining. The grass was green. The birds chirped a merry tune and the waters of a nearby beach danced with glistening reflections of the sunlight.

But nothing about this day was happy.

Nothing.

For now, it was Takagi's turn to weep as she knelt at Nishikata's grave. The boy she'd teased. The boy she'd studied with. Walked to school with. Talked with. Ate lunch with.

The boy who'd killed her...

And the man who'd saved her.

The man who had given the last moments of his life to protect his hometown, regardless of his personal safety. It had been five years since the fateful battle that night. But no amount of time would make this devastating loss easier. Even in spite of what Nishikata had told her in the hospital, some of her guilt still remained.

"He really was a wild bloke, that one," Oliver said, putting his arm around her shoulders. "Never ran away from a fight."

"But part of me wishes he had," Takagi sobbed.

"Is everything alright?" another familiar voice spoke up.

Takagi and Oliver turned to see Santa walking up to Nishikata's grave, with a large bouquet of flowers.

"No, not really," Takagi said with a forced smile. "But thank you for stopping by."

"So, now that that dolt Jack Frost isn't in charge, you can walk about as you please?" Oliver asked.

"Well, yes," Santa snickered, placing the flowers at Nishikata's grave. "The other Guardians of Light and I are still figuring this whole thing out. But we'll get there."

Remembering the note Nishikata had given him, Oliver pulled it out of pocket and unfolded it, placing it beneath the flowers so it didn't fly off. The note's inscription brought more tears to all of their eyes.

If I don't make it, take care of Takagi for me.

"It would seem you've made good on that promise to your friend," Santa spoke up. "Married one year now if I've heard correctly?"

"Yes," Takagi chuckled, leaning her head against her husbands's shoulder. "Things are alright with us. We hope to help build a better world for not just ourselves, but our friends and family."

"And for the child you carry?"

Takagi rubbed her belly, feeling a small kick. "Yes. Especially for her."

"Maybe she'll be a crime fighter like her father," Oliver quipped.

"Perhaps," Santa laughed. Turning to leave, he tipped his hat to the couple.

"See you this Christmas," he said, a new hope rising in his heart as he walked away.