p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"When we reached the room I took Goku from Konzen's arms and laid him out on the couch. The boy was beginning to sweat and it was making me nervous./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'll try and research what's going on, you watch over him for a moment." Tenpou left to gather some books around the various shelves./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'll get the prisoner and then barricade the building." Kenren offered. He also disappeared to do so. It was now just Konzen and I leaning over Goku. I conjured a bowl of cool water and a cloth beginning to mop the sweat from him. Konzen's hand shot out and caught my wrist./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You didn't have to do this. You're as much of an enemy now as we are." He spoke, his voice light. I shook my head, taking his hand and lacing my fingers with his./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I have made my choice, to be with the people I love and I'm not going to regret it." I replied, staring him right in the face. His eyes shone with an adoration I didn't think he had./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You and Goku, you're making me soft." He grunted. I let out a giggle, dabbing at Goku's forehead./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It's for the best I think, you were always soft at heart you just didn't know it yet." I smiled, trying to think of remedies for Goku's affliction. He seemed to be fighting himself now, trying to come back but he just couldn't./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I softened before him you know, it just took me a while." I knew what he was saying but I didn't know if it was okay to say these things here with a prisoner not a few steps away./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Konzen I..."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Let me say this because it might be the last time I get to." His tone silenced me. It was something bordering on desperation, longing./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Alright." My words made him squeeze our joined hands. His gaze moved away from me and onto Goku whose breath was coming a bit faster than normal./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You're a nuisance you know that? Just like Goku I despised your presence from the moment that old hag introduced us. I thought you simply another girl desperate for her attention." He paused glancing at me. I probably looked a bit uncomfortable. I was never into Kanzeon that way and it was probably obvious./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""But I was wrong. You turned out to be smart, headstrong, and one of the most understanding people I'd ever met. I found myself thinking about you, wondering why you were really hanging around. I knew that you knew Tenpou and Kenren, that you might be potentially dangerous but I never thought you'd end up weaseling into my head." He stroked some of Goku's hair off of his sticky forehead. He seemed to be looking for the words to continue and I didn't rush him. Once ready to speak again he breathed in a quick sigh./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Even before I saw your face you were unlike any woman I'd ever met. The way you had such patience with Goku, could keep up with Kenren, always stood by Tenpou, and just how you lit up everything you touched. And then I saw your face and I couldn't ignore what had been building up inside me any longer. I tried, but that night you confronted me I snapped. You had to be mine no matter what the cost." He balled his free hand into a fist. I knew this was hard for him but he seemed to want to get it all out./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""And when Tenpou said they had taken you away...I wanted to hurt them. I wanted them to suffer for taking you from us. You meant a lot to Goku...to me." He looked at me, his eyes swam with an emotion I didn't know but could determine. It made my heart beat faster, harder against my chest./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""What I'm trying to spit out is that….Kaguya...you are the moon and stars of my life." He stared me straight in the face when he said it and I could have sworn my heart stopped. He was telling me he loved me, it was plain as day to me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"The admission left me feeling faint for obvious reasons as well as fully realizing this could be the only time we were able to say how we felt./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Konzen I..."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Got them!" Tenpou appeared from around the corner and I gently took my hand away. I figured he still didn't want the other's to know and it seemed my assumption was correct as he turned his attention to the boy still breathing heavily on the couch. The Marshal sat down, placing the various papers before him. He started to skim quickly as we all remained in silence for some time. Then as I dabbed Gokus's forehead he started coughing./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Goku! Konzen called. The boy didn't respond. The blond began yelling at him to hurry up and figure out what was going on. I held Goku's hand and began to inspect his fingers. I'm not sure why I felt the urge to do such a thing but I couldn't help it. The chains did indeed weigh a great deal though I barely noticed since Kanzeon's energy tap. He had the long nails of a youkai, stained with blood. I began to busy myself cleaning up his fingers, then his chest and arms. When I finished the bowl was filled with red water./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm gonna go change the water." I picked up the utensil and cloth before exiting past a rather worried looking Kenren. When I reached the bathroom I did what I needed to do before looking up into the mirror that faced me. My face was the same, as beautiful and striking as the last time I saw it. Why with such change did my physical appearance stay so evergreen? A few moments went by before I left returning to the room where Gojun sat. He was trying to talk to Konzen when his eyes shot towards me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Lady Kaguya, you weren't listening before when I asked you about your intentions. I understand the stance of Kenren and Tenpou but you two, why? Your positions would have given you concessions and yet you continue to fight. All that awaits you now is destruction." Gojun was trying to reason with us./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I have a promise to protect and I won't forfeit those I love no matter what sins they may carry. While you are correct I have accepted my fate if it means that I will spend the last moments of my life with people who give a damn." I whispered. Konzen agreed./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""There's no way we can go back and I for one don't want to." There was a change in the pressure of the room as the words escaped Konzen's lips. I spun on my heel just in time to see Goku rising from the couch, his eyes fixed on my beloved blond./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Goku..." I whispered catching the other's attention. Gojun began to panic, fighting at the ropes that tied him./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Release me! Let me fight him!" He cried, his voice gaining volumes but Konzen didn't move./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You can't defeat him! If you don't release me he'll kill you! Konzen!" I looked towards the man I loved only to find that there was no fear in his gaze. I wasn't able to act fast enough. Goku charged, his thumb slicing into his masters cheek as they went toppling to the floor. I came to his side only for him to raise a hand for me to stop. Still the look on Konzen's face was one of a zen like calm. He reached out to the boy who seemed frozen in place./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""That day, you reached out to me first, such a nuisance. Not for anything in the world...can I let go of your hand now." He brought Goku into a tight embrace that was the most loving thing I'd ever seen Konzen do. At this sight I stepped away, somehow ashamed of being to close to such an intimate moment. It reminded me of when I was young and my own father would hold me to his bosom showing me all the love in his heart with that one warm hug. Tears sprung to my eyes. There was a bright light that spread over Goku's brow and the golden diadem reformed there. I still backed up, trying to get away. Gojun was eyeing me nervously. I slunk behind a bookshelf and took in a breath. Something in my chest ticked away and I felt a sharp pain run across my torso./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I seethed, trying to keep the cry of pain inside. What was happening to me? The door to the room opened and Kenren and Tenpou entered. There was talking and gasps of joy as they realized Goku was alright again. It seemed the boy was awake too because I heard him speaking but my brain didn't seem to comprehend the words./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Take deep breaths, focus on a point and just try to relax." Gojun's voice came through a hole in the shelf. I tried but the pain got worse./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""What...what is this?" I stuttered, I couldn't seem to comprehend what was happening to me. It hurt and so far the only one to notice was our captive./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Your father had these spells, strange changes that caused him great pain. I never knew the cause but you'll be fine they aren't fatal." He explained. I nodded, trying to do as he said, focusing on my right sandal. Then something happened that grounded me to the world again. A hand was pressed against my shoulder and I felt as if everything came to a screeching halt./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Kaguya..." Goku's voice penetrated whatever bubble I was in. When I looked into those golden eyes I understood what love really meant. He was the one who taught me how, the one who allowed me to open up to my feelings to Konzen. He was my sun too, the driving force that had brought me so close to the edge only to finally take the plunge. His eyes were tearing up as he looked at me. I said nothing, opening my arms which he immediately crawled into. His head lay tucked beneath my chin, his body cuddled in my lap close to my heart. I stroked his hair, one arm tightly wound around his torso./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You're home...I missed you." He whispered. The pain in my chest subsided./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm sorry I left my dearest heart. I'm pretty sure I missed you more." I smiled against the top of his head. The others came into view watching us. I stood easily with the boy in my arms. What Konzen said was true, there was something that made Goku light despite the heavy chains that hung from him. He held tightly to me even when I put him down./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You gotta share her kid." Kenren muttered but Goku shook his head./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""No! I'm not letting her go." He had his arms wrapped around my waist and every time I looked over at Konzen he had a discreet smirk on his face. Why was he so happy about this? I was rather happy as well. Being close to him made me happy beyond all reason. If he clung to me like this forever I'd probably be fine./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You guys should get some rest, we have to leave in the morning." Tenpou finally said. I figured we were going to run which meant tonight was probably the last night we'd be alive. While that should have terrified me it didn't. I was actually okay./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Will you stay with me?" Goku asked, tugging on the silk of my gown. I nodded./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I won't go anywhere unless you ask me to." I replied. A large smile broke out onto his face./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Can we borrow her for just a moment Goku? I promise she'll come right back to you." Tenpou was trying his best to convince the boy with as few words as possible. Konzen held out his hand for Goku to take. I bent down and kissed the diadem on the child's forehead. It shimmered as I did so. He wanted to protest but Konzen made a face and he kept quiet. The two left the room and I turned to face my friends./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I know it's a bit late now but you realize...we're going to die tomorrow." Tenpou said it straight out. Kenren looked extremely uncomfortable./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Yes, I knew from the moment Goku lost control." I was probably more calm than they thought I should be./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You are...surprisingly okay with this." He said, looking a bit surprised as well./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I already made my decision and have found peace with the fact that I'm going to die tomorrow but I'd feel more pain living without the four of you than I'd ever feel in death." I stared at him right in the eyes./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I've believed for a while that you might betray us despite how much you seemed to care. I am glad to be proven wrong and I am truly sorry for thinking otherwise."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I forgive you then." I smiled. Kenren remained silent, puffing smoke out of his lungs. He refused to look at me honestly. I walked into Tenpou's arms. He wasn't much of a hugger but I figured he'd make an exception for me. He did, making sure to squeeze me before giving me some space. I moved to stand before the general who still wouldn't meet my gaze./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Kenren, I know you don't agree with my decision but it is mine to make. Can't you see? I love you all far too much to let you do this alone." I took his free hand into mine. He was actually tearing up a bit./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I just don't get it, you could have lived..."/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Without you? I don't think so. What would I do if a day went by when I didn't get hit on by the most handsome general in the army?" I smiled. His face faltered and he tried to keep smoking to keep his emotions in check./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Look at me will you? Just this once?" I urged. His dark eyes met mine and the dam broke. He snubbed the cigarette out and let his tears streak down his cheeks./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You were safer before." He muttered. I stepped into him, pressing the side of my face against his bare chest. Tenpou was watching with a small smile on his lips./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Screw safety, I've never been happier than when I'm with you." His arms wrapped tightly around me with an urgency that bordered on pain. He let out one quick sob before taking deep breaths./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I love you Kenren, maybe not in the way you wanted me to but I do." I let my own warm tears leak over./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I love you too sweety." He gasped, pressing a kiss to my head. I turned to look at Tenpou who was also looking rather emotional. When I nodded in his direction he seemed to understand what I meant. I loved the Marshal too just as deeply but I knew words weren't as convincing to him since he read lies a lot of the time. This was my family and I wouldn't sacrifice them for the world. I dug my fingers into Kenren's jacket, the cloth scrunching up underneath my grasp. He held me closer. This was going to be the last time I was able to do this so despite the fact that Goku was waiting for me I stayed still for a very long time./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"!/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"!/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"!/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"When I got into the back Goku was clinging to Konzen who was smiling at the boy. Hearing the noise Goku looked up and reached out for me. I walked to him and bent down to join the two on the ground./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""You won't leave will you Kaguya? You'll stay just like Konzen and Ten-chan and Ken-nii right? You won't leave like Nataku..." His voice trailed off. I let a smile rise to my face./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I promise you Goku, I won't leave you ever again." He was holding onto the both of us so I was pressed against Konzen's side. His free hand suddenly rose discreetly to hold mine, our fingers intertwining. I looked up at him and he nodded, something soft in his gaze./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""He won't sleep, he was worried." Konzen's voice was cool and relaxed. I nodded./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Maybe we should go back to the main room huh? Then you'll be with all of us and you'll know we aren't going anywhere." I whispered against his hair. He nodded and wiped at his eyes. When we stood I tried to get away from Konzen but his grip tightened. Goku didn't seem to notice, he was holding onto us both so it probably felt like we had our hands on his back. We walked out of the bedroom and down the hall back into room I had just left. Kenren and Tenpou were by the window talking until they noticed our presence./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Goku, you aren't sleeping?" Tenpou asked./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Something wrong kiddo?" Kenren asked too. The boy walked forward away from Konzen and I./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Please...Please don't go away. Don't leave me like Nataku did okay?" His innocent request left the two army men speechless./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I don't care where I go as long as I can be with you. I'll go wherever you go. I care about you guys a lot so...stay with me always okay?" Kenren squatted down in front of Goku. The boy had a way of touching the hearts of anyone who met him and none of us were exempt from this rule. For a few more moments there was silence./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Ok! Stick out you little finger, c'mon" Kenren's face was plastered with that stupid grin of his. Goku looked confused but made a fist, his pinky sticking out. Kenren reached out and wrapped his own pinky around the boys./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""There, that's a pinky swear. It means we've made a promise." Kenren squeezed and then released. Goku looked down at his finger curiously as if thinking that something would have been different./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Don't worry Goku, we'll always stay beside you." Tenpou agreed. My heart felt light as I felt Konzen's thumb running over the back of my hand. If anyone noticed our joined hands then no one said a word. We all got comfortable in hopes of resting. We decided to take turns on watch though they simply wouldn't allow me to stay up. I planned to though when it was Konzen's turn. I told him to wake me though whether or not he'd do it was beyond me. I made sure our prisoner was comfy with a blanket and a pillow before laying back on the couch./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Goku joined me, snuggling into my chest. I laid back against the headrest, wrapping an arm around him. His hair was tickling my neck and I couldn't help but smile. He cuddled up really close, hugging the arm I had over him. He nuzzled my wrist a bit before sighing and closing his eyes./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Sleep well you two." Tenpou said. I honestly doubted I'd be able to sleep and the others probably felt the same but as I closed my eyes the exhaustion of the days trials completely knocked me out and I swam in blackness of oblivion./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"!/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"!/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"!/p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"I was awoken by someone playing with my hair. The strands were loose and probably tangled but the person running their fingers through the tresses was gentle. My eyelids fluttered to find that a pair of soft violet eyes were starting into mine./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Konzen..." I whispered. The room was dark and even though the windows and doors were sealed I could tell it was still night. He'd woken me just like I asked. I sat up carefully so as not to disturb Goku who was fast asleep. I kept his head in my lap, letting Konzen occupy the spot next to me./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Did you get some rest?" He asked. I nodded./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""Goku is quite cuddly actually. I wish I'd let him do this when he asked before." I stroked his cheek for a moment before Konzen wrapped an arm around my shoulders./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I'm sorry." He whispered in my ear. There was no need for any other words. I knew what he meant. He didn't want me to die, he didn't want me to have to suffer the punishment for being a traitor. So without words I reached out to him placing a hand on his cheek and leaning forward to press my lips against his. There was no one around to see and the moment was too good to miss. I hadn't kissed him since the night he admitted he was attracted to me. It felt the same as it had then. His satin lips responded immediately. His arm squeezed my shoulders and I pressed myself into him. I could stay like this forever just being close to him. His other hand held my chin, caressing my neck./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"When we broke away his forehead stayed pressed against mine./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I don't want tomorrow to be the end." He whispered, his deep voice trembling slightly as he let his strength fail, just this once. /p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I am not afraid because I know that no matter what happens we will all be together in another lifetime." We would always be tied together by the red strings of fate, I could feel it deep inside of me. He pressed another kiss to my lips, the gentle pressure turning desperate as we clung to one another. Goku moved slightly in my lap and I pulled away. He was still fast asleep, just getting comfortable. /p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""I do feel for Goku though. I'm not sure he can be killed, he may have to suffer a great deal because of this and it breaks my heart." It really did. Goku was like the son I never had, my child who I felt I needed to protect at all costs. He looked so peaceful sleeping, no worries or problems. I reached out to him, stroking some of the mahogany locks from his serene face./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""It's like you said, we aren't leaving him. The four of us will always be together." He sounded sure as well. I leaned my head against his shoulder, allowing my arms to wrap around Goku who quickly returned the gesture by letting his arms go around my waist. /p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""He truly is a miracle, our sun." I chuckled at the double meaning of that. Adoptive parents, lucky companions, we were all blessed by the gift of Goku./p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;""That he is." He held fast to me as I continued to stroke the young boys hair. I began to whisper a spell I'd learned upon turning of age. It was a song, one that my own mother used to sing to me before she passed on into the great beyond. It made my body light up in a silvery glow, the words of a place called home. /p
p style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"Little did I know that everyone heard the song, the tendrils of the song touching the hearts of all the people I'd found I loved more than anything else in this world called heaven. It was a calming spell, one to put a soul at ease. How fitting as we all needed it before the sun rose./p