“It’s finally over, huh. Twelve long years of education.”

Dennis gazes wistfully at the cloudless sky, his graduation certificate tucked beneath his arm. He looks completely different in a blazer and a tie to his usual self – although the general mood and atmosphere certainly plays a part.

“Come on, let’s not get sentimental,” I say. “You already cried during the ceremony. Let’s leave on a high note.”

I head past the groups of chattering teachers and parents to a large group of students. Upon seeing us, two of them wave and approach.

“Bran, your blazer’s going to become creased if you hold it like that,” Ashley scolds.

“Come on, it’s not like I’m going to need it anymore,” I grumble, straightening it out. I still can’t believe I was once able to stand wearing so many layers in this heat.

“So what are your plans for the future?” Leo asks.

Since the events of last winter, he’s softened up a considerable amount. I guess he really wasn’t lying when he said he’d stop picking on me.

“I’m going to try and become a doctor,” I shrug. “I’ve already received a scholarship from the University of Cityhall.”

Leo whistles. “Wow, a scholarship? You must have really aced those entrance exams…”

“Didn’t you see how hard he was studying?” Dennis cuts in. “It’s almost like he was a completely different person. He stopped sleeping in class, too.”

Leo and Ashley exchange a look. Well, they’re right to be dubious. To be honest, ANGEL had a bit of a hand in getting me my scholarship.

“What about uh… you know, that other company?” Ashley vaguely asks, trying not to look at Dennis. “I thought they wanted you to stay…?”

“I quit,” I reply. “I really don’t want a part in any of that ever again.”

After the ‘terrorist’ attacks on the shopping mall, there had also been a ‘bombing’ at the church for some unknown reason. The police had arrested the culprits during a struggle at the school, but never revealed their names or faces. The incidents were quickly swept under the rug, never to be heard of again.

Of course, I know what really happened. I also know that one of Ian Vancratt’s men stepped up to the title of Blood Lord, and that their clan has returned to their peaceful way of living. I know that ANGEL’s updated its old rules – they no longer actively hunt down and kill demons, opting to instead respond to any who threaten society. The vampire clan has effectively obtained humanity’s permission to exist.

“What’s this about?” Dennis quips.

“Just a company I used to work part time at,” I smoothly lie. “I didn’t really like them so I left. How about you, Ashley? What do you and Leo have planned for the future?”

“Probably accounting or something,” Leo shrugs. “Haven’t really decided yet. Ashley seems really set on doing nursing.”

“Nursing?”

“Why’d you tell him?” Ashley fumes. “I wanted to keep it secret for a surprise.”

“Uh… I don’t think we’d end up in the same classes anyway,” I say. “Assuming we’re going to the same university.”

“Wow, those are quite ambitious dreams,” Dennis comments from aside.

“I don’t really think they’re that ambitious. Where are you headed?” Ashley asks.

“I’ll probably just work for my dad’s company,” he replies, looking down. “To be honest, I don’t think many of us have our futures planned as well as you guys.”

We stand around, listening to the sounds of tearful goodbyes, congratulations, photos being taken and general gossip among other things. I spot Bob and Betty in the distance and wave.

“Oh, guess we’d better go,” Leo says. “Come on, Ashley. Gran and Gramps came all the way here just to visit us.”

Ashley reluctantly leaves, waving behind her shoulder.

I feel a twinge of sadness in my heart when I realize that Mum and Dad never survived to see this day – but before I sink too deeply into these thoughts, Dennis nudges my side. “Do you know those two?”

I follow his index finger to a big, beefy man and a busty Asian woman standing side by side. The red-head is waving enthusiastically.

“I’d better go greet them,” I sigh. “See you... until next time, I guess.”

I awkwardly stand before my friend, searching for the words to say. However, he simply slaps me on the shoulder.

“We’re way too young to be saying goodbyes,” Dennis grins. “Everyone acts like this is the end, but it isn’t. I mean, we’ve still got the internet for crying out loud. It’s not like we’re moving to different states.”

“You’re right,” I smile back. “See you soon then, buddy.”

Dennis embraces me before heading off to another group of friends. I stride over to where Barry and Shizuka are waiting.

“Shouldn’t you still be in school?” I ask Bazza.

“Graduated yesterday,” he smirks. “One day before you.”

“Oh. Congrats, I guess.”

I turn to Shizuka, my former director. There’s a lollipop in her mouth – after she stopped smoking, sweets became her new addiction.

“If you eat too many of those your teeth will decay,” I say.

“Oh, shut up. You know I’m still struggling with withdrawal effects.”

She says so with a jesting smile, extending a hand.

“Congratulations, Bran.”

I grasp it warmly.

“Are you sure you won’t consider returning to ANGEL?”

I look around to make sure no one’s overheard. “You don’t need me anymore. You’ve got Byron for District Fifteen.”

“Byron’s a capable hunter and all… but he’s just not the same as you.”

“Hey!” Baz exclaims. “I think he’s a pretty decent bloke…”

“What’s this?” I muse, ignoring him. “Missing me already?”

Shizuka looks away. “Yes.”

Her open honesty catches me by surprise. I never expected her to actually admit it.

“If you keep that up for your next date, I’m sure you’ll succeed,” I say in an attempt to cover up my shock.

“I’m engaged now.”

She brings up her left hand. A band of metal is wrapped around the ring finger.

“No way… since when?”

I can barely contain my surprise. It’s all I can do to stop my jaw from dropping down in a comedic fashion.

“A week ago.”

“Congratulations!” I exclaim, a little too loudly. Taking heed of curious looks, I lean in closer. “Make sure you don’t get too rough with him. Especially in bed.”

She narrows her eyes and stomps on my foot. I yelp and leap back, rubbing it viciously.

“Where’s Judith?” Barry asks, looking around. “Haven’t seen her at all.”

“She already left.”

After discovering that she was also a half-vampire, we grew even closer than before. She lives with me in our parents’ home now and although she’s technically under my care, it really feels like she’s the one taking care of me. With both Mum and Dad gone, we’ve each had to take a step to fill in their respective duties.

We never talk about the past anymore. To this day, I still don’t know what exactly Dracula did to her or what she went through before Alice saved her. If she doesn’t tell me about it, I won’t ask.

“So soon?” Shizuka exclaims.

“She still has school, you know. Speaking of which, you should stop slacking off and resume your duties. I’m sure Hector isn’t paying you to attend graduations.”

“Don’t be such a tight arse,” Barry waves me off. “You stuck your neck out for us, and we still can’t thank you enough. Bloody terrific job, too.”

“Yes,” Shizuka agrees. “You’ve done us a great service by defeating one of the original demons once and for all. In fact, your honorary title means you probably don’t ever need to work again.”

In addition to having my name recorded in ANGEL’s archives and Hall of Fame, I was offered the position of Archangel Uriel. I declined, of course. I didn’t want to be involved with demons ever again.

“Well, I don’t want to live the life of a retiree just yet,” I chuckle. “You make me sound like some war veteran.”

“You are a war veteran.”

Half the people have left already, filing out through the gates to celebrate with their family and friends. There’s still one person I haven’t talked to yet, and I want to do so before night falls.

“Where’s Alice?” Baz asks, as if reading my mind.

I scratch my head. “I’m actually not quite sure. I was going to look for her just now.”

“I thought you two were inseparable,” Shizuka smirks.

“O-Only in private,” I mutter, tripping over my words.

I quickly make haste to leave before they embarrass me further, but Shizuka’s firm arm stops me.

“Bran. Enjoy every moment,” she says, smiling. “You’ve deserved it. Flowers don’t bloom all year around.”

***

She’s exactly where I thought she would be.

In the middle of the park where I first met her, sitting on the swings. All around us the spring cherry blossoms are blooming, and their petals rain down from the sky like a pink snow.

Or at least, they should be pink. I can’t tell, because I can no longer see in colour.

After breaking past my limit, my vision suffered irreparable damage from the Soul Link. I was lucky to even live after fighting at such a high intensity for so long. At the cost of defeating the first vampire, everything in my world became a shade of grey – the gold of Shizuka’s ring, the red of Barry’s hair – I don’t even know if the sky is blue or not.

But there’s still one thing I can see in colour, and if I had to pick I wouldn’t choose anything else.

Her beautiful blonde hair hangs down to her shoulder. Her red eyes regard me cheerfully, hiding a mischievous glint. Her white dress flutters about in the wind, as white as her skin. She still wears my jacket, even though it has more patches in it than a beggar’s robe.

“You didn’t come to school,” I accuse. “You technically haven’t graduated.”

The swings creak as I sit down next to her.

“I didn’t feel like it. It’s too bright a day to spend saying goodbyes.”

I take one of her hands, probing it gently. The wounds in her limbs where she was crucified have completely healed – but they still leave a mark in her soul.

“What are you going to do now?” I ask. “You no longer have to associate with the clan. You can choose to live a completely normal life if you want to.”

She shrugs. “I probably wouldn’t be able to even if I desired it. I haven’t touched Moonlight for a long time.”

I haven’t touched Nightfall for a while either. Since the day I slew Dracula, I haven’t had a need to use my Divine Edge, ever. That’s Byron’s job now, as District Fifteen’s new guardian.

Alice Vancratt turns around and faces me directly.

“Thank you, Bran,” she says. “For rescuing me, and protecting me. I’m really glad I met you.”

“Don’t mention it,” I say, flushing a little. Even now, I still find myself breathless on occasion when she looks straight into my eyes.

Alice turns back and looks towards the sky, dangling her legs aimlessly as she sways back and forth on the swing.

“You know, I’m already really happy as it is. I don’t think I could ask for anything more.”

The metal frame creaks a little as she lightly hops off, landing on one leg. Turning around with her hands behind her back, the girl in white gives me a smile as bright as the moon.

“There’s only one thing I really want in my future –“

My heart skips a beat.

“-and that’s you.”

Fin

That's all, folks. Thank you all for reading, and I may or may not see you again. It's been a blast!