It's taken forever, but finally it is complete. Thank you to everyone, it has been a long journey for me, and I'm sure you the reader, but finally I can say it is complete and I won't have the guilt for ignoring this story hanging over my head anymore.

Thank you all for reading. I have a sequel in mind, please let me know if you would like to read it, because now I'm itching to write that as well. And I can promise that it won't take so long to write as this one did. ^^;

For the last time, thank you for reading.

Chapter 27

The fresh turned dirt, lightly packed together in a pile, seemed almost like nothing more than a bump in the grass than an actual grave. The only difference was the beginning of the mound, where two twigs were tied together in a bit of a cross, a lopsided one at best but a cross none the less. The sun hung in the sky, it's rays barely breaching the tops of the trees, yet Alfred knew that soon the sun would shine where Bethany was lying under the ground, and though she would never feel the warmth of it, he hoped she could feel it wherever she was.

They were waiting for him, pacing around the Carousel with creaks of wood and stamps of feet. There was nothing more than he wanted to do other than turn to them, to tell them to leave him alone because he was fine, just fine. Yet he couldn't seem to turn away from her grave, from the crooked cross which wasn't nearly what she deserved, but it was all they could give.

"Alfred?" It was Matthew, gently voiced Matthew who came forward, putting his hand on Alfred's back. Alfred didn't turn.

"It's okay, at least she'll be at peace now right?" Matthew comforted. Alfred nodded, but his stomach felt like it was being eaten from the inside. He nodded anyways, finally looking at the other. Matthew smiled at him. Alfred wondered how he could smile when a girl was buried not six feet under the ground beneath their feet.

Though it hurt him inside, he didn't object when Matthew tugged him away from Bethany's grave. He looked back though at it, vowing to himself to get something better than a crooked cross for Bethany and her final resting place.

"It's okay." Matthew repeated. Alfred didn't respond.

Their potion was once again ready. It seemed brighter in the light of the moon, which now shone brightly in the sky, hung like a blot of white painting on a black canvas. Alfred made sure not to step on the broken planks of wood. Bethany's grave still had a crooked cross marking it. Alfred made sure to give her a wide breath, never getting too close.

"Are you ready?" Arthur seemed to ask everyone, and they nodded, most excited to see the results. Alfred simply nodded though, excitement not grabbing him as it was everyone else. Arthur looked over at him in concern, but didn't say anything.

Herakles was chosen to go first, as the quietest, he didn't object either, his own pole having broken in the fight. It stuck out of his back, a jagged and sharp pole, and splinters making it dangerous to touch. He simply came forward and used the spoon they brought to help. Herakles made a face as he swallowed, but that was it.

He did not fall forwards, dead or unconscious, he simply moved away. The silence that now surrounded them was thick with disappointment, but when Feliciano insisted the rest of the centaurs try the potion as well, no one had the heart to object. After the bowl was set aside, they sat together, telling stories and watching the run rise, before finally the boys left, knowing they had to come up with some other plan.

The sky was bright red with the rays of dawn when Alfred finally collapsed on his bed.

Arthur stretched as he rose with the new night, his back popping and his feet aching. He felt like he spent the night tossing and turning, never getting comfortable. Yet he slept the whole night through, only the habitual rising of the moon waking him from his slumber. He ran his fingers over his face, feeling everything just the same as when he fell asleep. The breathe he released was one of pure relief, despite his qualms against the potion, he was worried he would wake and find himself horribly deformed. Arthur chuckled at his fears now.

"Arthur?" Alfred called from behind him, voice lost in confusion and a bit of fear. Arthur turned his head, looking at the rest of the boys, all their faces a mix of confusion and disbelief. Arthur stared back at them, equally confused. Briefly he wondered how they were managing to stay up all night and manage their normal life. He pushed the thought away though.

"What's wrong?" Arthur tried to turn and see them, but his legs were shaky, unable to support his weight, and he collapsed. Alfred was by his side in a second, mouth hanging open, trying to form words but his mouth just kept opening and closing.

The other centaurs were rising around him, he could hear them behind him, slowing rising just like he just had, though with a bit more gasps of awe than he let out. Arthur furrowed his brows, wondering what was causing such reactions, leaning up and looking over Alfred's shoulders, at his lifelong friends.

They were standing, Gilbert and Yao with the biggest, proudest smiles they could muster, and standing on two feet. With a pair of legs, Arthur just looked at them, watching as their significant other helped them take their first few steps, on two legs which shone in the pales of shades in the moonlight, bare feet scraping across the grass.

Arthur looked down, Alfred still hovering over him, down at his own legs. They were skinny, skinnier than legs looked like they should be. But they were his, and he could see the bones in his knees, and feel the grass prickling at his skin and making it itch.

Alfred helped him stand, holding his hands all the way, and held him steady as he took a step forward.