Here it is, the final chapter. I don't know about you, but I'm kinda sad to see this story go, but I'm glad how it turned out (something I have brave kid to thank for). So brave kid, I thank you for all your marvelous ideas, and I can't wait to work together on more wonderful stories!

Sissi looked about from her seat in the wide field, eyes searching the area for a familiar face through the crowds of students. She was looking for her boyfriend, who had disappeared into the mass of kids, off to go find his friends and bring them over to their spot on the lawn. Sissi was just beginning to think the blonde had gone and gotten himself lost when she caught sight of something purple heading her way.

"Odd, over here!" she called, waving her hand to catch the boy's attention. Odd turned to find the source of the shout, smiling when he saw his girlfriend and pushing his way through the students towards her.

"Hey Sissi," Odd said, falling down onto the ground next to Sissi. "I found them! They were still over by the buses."

"Yeah, Jim felt the need to hold back everyone at the back of his bus so he could tell them about the time he drove a bus in the army," Ulrich said, rolling his eyes as he took a seat next to Odd, Yumi seating herself beside him. Jim had been the chaperone on the bus the bus that Yumi, Ulrich, Aelita, and Jeremy had been riding on. This trip had actually been his idea, after getting it in his head that the students of Kadic needed to experience some New Years excitement. So he had gathered them all together and bused the out to a field on the edge of the city, where a fireworks display had been set up.

"Sound like that was fun," Sissi said, sarcasm dripping from her voice. Aelita nodded, dropping down next to Sissi and pulling Jeremy down with her.

"Very," Aelita said with a sigh, pulling Jeremy's arm around her shoulder and cuddling up to him. "But we're here now, to see these fireworks. I don't think I've ever seen fireworks."

"Well then, you're in for a real treat," Jeremy told his pink haired girlfriend, hugging her close. Sissi watched as the pair snuggled together, a small smile on her face. She then turned to her own fireworks watching partner. Odd caught sight of her stare and smiled, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. As he did the sound of people shouting something reached the group's ears. It looked like the countdown had begun.

"Nine! Eight! Seven! Six!" the group called, joining the shouting. "Five! Four! Three! Two! One!"

The crowd began to scream and cheer as the old year ended and the new one began. Just then the fireworks began, adding their noise to the din. Odd joined in the cheering, turning to see what Aelita thought of the display. She looked mesmerized, exclaiming happily at each burst of colorful light. Grinning happily, Odd turned to see Ulrich and Yumi's reactions. His eyebrows shot up when he found them making out in the long grass, the fireworks and all else forgotten.

"Looks like everyone is starting their New Year off enjoyably," Odd said, turning back to Sissi. The raven haired girl nodded.

"Are you enjoying your New Year?" she asked the blonde curiously.

"Of course," Odd said. "How's yours going?"

"I'm with you Odd," Sissi said, leaning against the blonde. "This night couldn't be more perfect then it is right now."

"Really?" Odd asked, a smirk on his face. "You mean you don't mind spending your New Years with a funny looking cat boy?"

"Yes," Sissi said, reaching up to give Odd's necklace a playful tug. "Because you're my funny looking cat boy." Sissi then snuggled up against Odd's side, reaching up to grab the hand hanging over shoulder. Odd grinned at the response, picking up Sissi's other hand and entwining their fingers. He then watched as the lights of the fiery New Years display lit the girl's face, the purple and gold lights glinting in her eyes, the reds and blues lighting her pale skin.

"What?" Sissi asked when she saw Odd watching her. Odd gave a soft smile.

"You look…beautiful," he whispered. Sissi smiled.

"Happy New Year Odd," she said, giving his hand a loving squeeze.

"You too Sissi, Happy New Year."

Happy New Years Everyone!