Author's Note: Well, here goes. The last chappie for "Aurora". I hope you like it...and please don't lynch me if you don't. If you don't remember "Lenore", please go back to Chapter One. That should help ya out. It's been a wild ride, kiddies. Thanks for your support, reviews, and lava-spewing rubber ducks! PEACE!

ED'S TOMATO: UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE! NOW! No excuses.

Bronzeiris: SAME TO YOU!

Epilogue

It was rainy on the day of the funeral. Magneto thought it would be only proper to invite her blood family to the funeral, but only one showed up, her sister, Lenore. It was held at the Island. Her body lay peacefully atop the pyre, hands folded politely in a way they never would have in life, Toad thought bitterly.

The complications that ensued about bringing Lenore to the Island were completely overlooked. She was family. She would keep their secret, no questions asked. She, like the rest of them, only wanted to say goodbye to a Sister.

As Aurora was consumed by the flames that she so lusterously gave out in her living moments, Lenore and Mortimer made eye contact, a lasting glance. Amber eyes burnt in to Lenore's chilling green ones, and a connection was made. The woman smiled slightly through her tears.

"Did you know her?" she asked unnecissarily. Mortimer wiped away his own tears away harshly with his suit sleeve. He had really dressed up for the occasion. A black fitted suit, his hair combed back. He wore the earring Aurora had given him on his last birthday. He still couldn't believe she was gone. That mouth of hers that would be constantly quirked up in to a smirk, those eyes that danced with an internal light...destroyed forever. By that Weather Witch's blow that had nearly destroyed him as well. For long hours, he almost wished it had-- Aurora would still be alive. But Unhappy. An inner voice chided. And broken as you were. The parents wouldn't have been...kind...

She's gone now, he thought to himself. I don't think I can ever smile again. But you will. I know you will. It isn't your fault...And I love you...learn to love again... He shook his head, and looked up in to Lenore's eyes.

Did you know her?

"Too well." he said. He sat down and hung his head. Lenore hesitated. This man had stolen her sister-- and without him she would still be alive. For years she wasn't able to forgive him, even though she didn't know him- save for a glimpse of his greenish face. But now, as she saw his grief... it showed that Aurora and him had a special bond. Father to Daughter. Child to Teacher. She knelt beside him and put a hesitant hand on his shoulder.

Erik looked on with a soft smile on his lips. He imagined if Aurora was alive-- or if she was watching now --that she would be overjoyed as her two favorite people in the world came together...

END

P.S. The sequel should be up within the week.