I... I wish I could tell you that the massive delay to the end of this story was because I was busy. And I was. But the honest to God truth is that I didn't want to take Syaoran away from the safe happy family I gave him. It hurt me enormously to write this. I cried off an on all week while finishing this fic.

Thank you to EVERY ONE OF YOU for reading. Your comments and encouragement mean the world to me.

There will be more Tsubasa stories coming. All I did was dig myself into a pit of ideas by writing this.


The bathroom door clicked shut, the sound of water running following soon after. Briina kept her gaze locked on the source of the sound while her husband rummaged around in the kitchen cabinets behind her. She could feel Kurogane staring at her. The feeling was understandably intimidating, the man was just as menacing in real life as Syaoran's drawings had implied. Briina stubbornly refused to give in and shrink under his scrutiny.

The other man, Fai, was cause for equal amounts of concern. He would be even if Syaoran hadn't told her he was a powerful magician.

As soon as Syaoran had retreated to the bath with Mokona (Briina couldn't fathom how powerful that spirit must be to be so wholly corporeal), Fai's smile disappeared. In its place was not a scowl like his companion sported… but if she could give a face to the feeling of ice sliding down her back. Well. The tall man walked slowly through the front rooms, eyes roving over the scrolls, the trail of blossoming vines draped on the countertop, and over to Syaoran's bed.

Wrennen's elbow brushed her back gently. A show of solidarity. They would not be bullied in their own home. This was a place of peace.

Kurogane's deep voice finally broke her inspection of the bathroom door.

"Six weeks, huh?"

Wrennen placed a metal bowl on the counter with a soft clank and turned to their guests.

"Just about, yeah."

Fai paused and looked out the window, his expressionless face painted with the dying sunlight. Briina suppressed a shiver.

"That's a long time to take care of a kid who isn't yours."

Briina heard the question behind his statement and bristled. The suggestion that they had some ulterior motive for taking in a lost child was insulting to say the least.

Her husband spoke quietly before she could find her voice.

"The options were to leave a child, who was cold, and hungry, alone out on the streets, or help him. Then when the city officials gave us the options of either leaving him at the station to be placed in foster care until you made an appearance, or signing up for the program and taking him home ourselves… We let Syaoran choose. He chose us, and we respected his decision. That was it."

The house was quiet for a moment, a breeze pushing its way through the room. It was still uncomfortably hot out. How these men could be wearing so much clothes was beyond fathoming.

"Still, that's a hefty undertaking. You couldn't understand a word the kid said, and its not like he's a toddler. You had no idea what he was capable of," Kurogane folded his arms and leaned back against the partial wall. His tone was conversational, but they could tell he was anything but.

The pregnant woman reached the end of her tolerance for these accusations.

"Well, around here it is an unforgivable crime to be cruel to a child!" She hissed, hoping her voice would not carry. "If Syaoran wanted to stay with us then damnit, we would let him. Such a kindness is obviously not the norm wherever you came from, if you can ask such questions of us."

Neither man reacted. Wrennen whispered her name in warning, but Briina was furious now, her heart hurting for the boy these men somehow laid claim to.

"No, I'm serious, Wrennen. What happened to that child?" She took a step forward, emboldened by the sudden shadow that came over Kurogane's face. He knew, at least. He knew Syaoran was struggling. "He doesn't know how old he is. He woke the whole building with his screaming his fourth night here! I dropped something and he thought we were being attacked! It took us ages to convince him he didn't need to work for us in order to eat. I still don't really think he believes me. He said you were travelers, but that he doesn't belong anywhere? What does that even mean? Are you two actually capable of protecting him?"

Briina angrily wiped the beginnings of tears from her eyes.

"How can I send him off with you again with a clear conscience?" She demanded, her voice strained with the effort of staying quiet.

Wrennen pressed himself behind her. He'd always been the less confrontational of the two of them, but she knew that he didn't disagree with anything she had said.

Kurogane grit his teeth and glared at the floor. Fai on the other hand, walked himself right up to Briina, looking down at her with incredible blue eyes.

She hated that she was unnerved by him.

"What did you do to him?" His voice was coiled tight like a snake.

The woman opened her mouth, uncertain to what he meant. What did they do?

Wrennen slipped his hand in hers and squeezed.

"I don't understand. We haven't done anything to the boy," He answered for her.

"I mean there is magic humming in his skin that is neither his nor mine. Its subtle, I doubt he's noticed it himself. But there is a sigil on his brow that was not there before, so I ask you, what is it?"

Kurogane stood, his face changing from surprise to suspicion in a heartbeat.

If Briina could have slumped backwards, she would have.

That's what he was upset about?

"Its- It's a blessing…" She breathed.

Fai blinked, his eyebrows coming together in confusion. He didn't move away, but the oppressive feeling he was exuding dissolved. He looked back to his companion briefly, some of his hair pulling free from its tie. Kurogane's shoulders lost their tension.

"A blessing?" The mage repeated, as if he had never heard of such a thing.

Briina nodded and the tall man stepped back to give her space.

"My family's blessing. Every child born in this country is blessed soon after their birth. It's supposed to ward off misfortune and wicked spirits. After Syaoran's nightmare I redoubled the wards and I… I gave him an informal blessing. I could tell he'd never had one. I know that's improper, to- to bestow a blessing on someone without their knowledge or permission from their guardians at the least," Briina felt her face flush, abashed at having been called out on her rash decision. Yet she could not find it in herself to apologize. "I just… If I could do anything to ensure Syaoran was never that upset ever again- No child should have a reason to scream like that."

The travelers seemed to deflate in response to her subdued statement.

Briina tilted her head back to tap Wrennen's chest lightly and he wrapped his free arm around her.

Fai stepped back until he was beside Kurogane, both their eyes distant and sad. The darker one let out a sigh and Briina felt like she was seeing the real them for the first time. Not the aggressively happy they had been showing Syaoran, and not the force to be reckoned with they wanted her to think they were. (Though Briina was quite sure that wasn't an act.) Everything about them screamed exhaustion. A bone deep exhaustion she now recognized after living with Syaoran for so long.

It was a tiredness that came from always being on guard.

With it came guilt. A cloying regret that clogged the air and made her want to get outside.

"What happened to him…?" Wrennen sounded like he wasn't sure he even wanted the answer.

The man in black growled, "Too damn much. Most before he came to be with us… and some we weren't able to stop."

Briina's chest ached. The faint sound of Mokona giggling and splashing came from the bathroom, followed by Syaoran's chiding voice.

Wrennen swallowed, his chin shifting against her hair.

"You tried though, right?"

The world travelers looked up at that, their gazes troubled, but honest. It was amazing how different they looked now that the air was cleared of any suspicion. For the first time, Briina saw worried parents instead of distrustful strangers.

A nod.

"Then I suppose there isn't anything more anyone could have asked of you." Wrennen murmured.

There was a flicker of respect in Kurogane's eyes. Fai dipped his head.

"Forgive me for being so cruel. It has been a long time since we encountered anyone who does not seem to have ill intentions toward Syaoran. Or has been kind without using that to wager favors from him. There is something bright in him that invites unsavory individuals. I'm not surprised you would think of his guardians as unfit. We are grateful to you for keeping him safe when we could not. You've opened your home to him, and clearly your hearts."

Fai looked her in the eye and smiled wistfully. Briina's heart twisted.

"Its obvious he's happy here. I can't remember the last time I saw him smile so much-" He broke off then, fingers curling tight into his palms.

"You've done a service for us. What can we do for you?" Kurogane pushed off the wall, rubbing arms with Fai. In the slightest of movements, he knocked his large hand into Fai's delicate one. The magician relaxed his fists.

Wrennen unwrapped himself from his wife and scratched the back of his head.

"You don't need to do anything to thank us, but if you're anything like the kid, I'm guessing you won't take no for an answer."

A fondness stole over Fai's face and Kurogane smirked.

"Nah."

"Then I could use a hand making up some pancake batter… Though we can make something else too if you'd prefer something different?" Wrennen must have noticed all the faces Kurogane had been making as well.

Kurogane stepped towards the sink, rolling his sleeves up heavily muscled arms.

"If the kid wants pancakes, we're having pancakes."


Syaoran scrubbed a small towel through Mokona's fur, eliciting squeals from the creature. He had missed Mokona so much more than he realized. Having that optimistic little voice chirping at him once again warmed his heart.

"Waah! Syaoran is tickling Mokona!" Mokona's squirmed playfully in his hand, ducking away from the cloth.

"Sorry," He laughed, wiping the dry end of the towel over the magical creature one last time to get as much of the dampness out as possible. "There, how's that?"

"Mokona is squeaky clean!"

Mokona hopped up onto his shoulder and placed a tiny kiss on his cheek.

Syaoran found himself smiling at the sensation, his eyes unfocused. Even if they had to leave soon… He was happy. For the first time in as long as he could recall, there was nothing to worry about. The next world they traveled to could be terrifying, but for the moment, he was here and everything was okay.

"Syaoran?"

The boy blinked rapidly, looking sideways at Mokona.

"Hmm?"

"Can we eat pancakes now?"

A chuckle bubbled up his throat and he folded the towel on the counter.

"Of course, Mokona."

"Yayyy! Mokona is hungry!"

They left the bathroom and instantly the sizzle of the griddle sent Syaoran's stomach growling. The apartment smelled like a bakery.

"Oh boy! Mokona wants to help too!" The creature bounded into the kitchen where Wrennen was doling out the last of the batter on the stove. Kurogane was setting the table, and Briina and Fai were tucked in the opposite side of the kitchen fussing over something.

Making his way to their corner, he pushed to his tiptoes to peer over their shoulders.

"What are those?"

"Our host is showing me how to make cold fruit tarts for tomorrow morning," Fai beamed at him, fingers white with flour.

Briina's tongue poked out of her mouth as she pinched at some stubborn dough.

"You didn't tell me Fai was such a good cook," She teased.

Syaoran tried to frown, but he didn't think he succeeded.

"It was hard to tell you anything."

"I think we did a damn good job regardless." Briina clapped her hands lightly and a cloud of flour puffed everywhere.

Delight danced in Syaoran's heart at the woman's proud tone.

"Here," Briina turned and handed him the tray with two dozen or so small pastries. "Stick that in the fridge to chill and head to the table. Dinner should be all ready in a minute."

The pancakes were indeed done, and dinner was full of elbows bumping together and not enough room on the table for everyone's dishes. There was a reason they had all eaten outside when Wrennen's family visited. Briina and Wrennen regaled their new guests with tales of all they had done with Syaoran since he arrived. He sat on the bench, Fai's arm draped across his back, poking absently at the last few bits of melon on the edge of his plate with his fork. Syaoran's drowsiness returned full force at the addition of a belly full of food. The conversation floated around him, his ears refusing to process the sounds.

He blinked when he realized a spot on the table was moving. A lizard no bigger than his pinkie was creeping between the platters ever so slowly. With a tap of his utensil, he tipped one fruit bit onto the table. The lizard zipped forward and snatched it up, hiding behind his glass of water to munch away at it.

"I saw that."

Syaoran startled, dropping his fork and banging his knee on the underside of the table. An embarrassed flush heated his face as he locked eyes with Briina.

She shook her head, muffling laughter.

"You see, Wrennen? This is what happens. You feed the animals and now they're eating off our plates and look- look at this. You've corrupted Syaoran. He used to follow the rules. I give up."

Wrennen waited until Briina covered her face in exasperation and then winked and shot Syaoran a thumbs up.

Mokona saved Syaoran from being too flustered by wailing that Mokona wanted to feed the lizards too.


Syaoran changed into light nightclothes and re-emerged from the bathroom, yawning. A cool wind was finally pushing through the open windows, rustling the leaves and bringing in the smell of dry earth and distant rain. He padded over to his bed and stopped, heart skipping a beat.

His clothes from Clow were folded neatly on the floor, and beside them, his shoes. The sight of them ready in case of an imminent departure sent a lump to his throat. With the exception of Clow itself, he didn't think he had ever been so reluctant to leave a world.

Kurogane lounged against the wall by the end of his mattress, arms pillowed behind his head and eyes closed. Fai lay on his stomach on top of the blankets, feet kicked up and waving dangerously close to the ninja's face. He was absently flipping through one of the books Syaoran had out, propped up on his elbows with Mokona tucked into the crook of his arm.

Both of them had shed the outer layers of their desert clothes and those too were in a neat pile within reaching distance.

"Do any of you need anything before we head to the bath?" Wrennen offered, turning the kitchen lights out.

The room dimmed to semi-darkness, only the small lamp by the bookshelf throwing gentle shadows across the walls.

Kurogane shook his head.

"I think we'll be just fine. Thank you," Fai said graciously.

"I doubt you'll be awake when we head to bed, Syaoran, so goodnight," Briina appeared behind her husband. "I hope we see you in the morning."

Syaoran turned fully to look his host family face to face. A bittersweet emotion swept over him and he could only nod. After all this time of not being able to talk with them openly, he suddenly found himself short of words.

Instead he just stepped forward and hugged Wrennen tight, trying to express all his thanks in the one gesture. The man reciprocated, and a smaller hand rubbed his back. A kiss was pressed to his hair and then they were pulling back, their eyes filled with fondness.

"Goodnight, Syaoran."

The door closed.

A far-off rumble of thunder echoed.

Syaoran didn't move for a minute. Then, feeling small, he turned and climbed onto his bed, tucking himself close to Fai.

"Oh, hello," The magician sounded amused.

Syaoran only hummed, pressing his face into the crack between his pillow and Fai's arm.

"You okay, kid?" Kurogane's asked lowly.

Not having the energy to lie, Syaoran shrugged jerkily. His eyes felt hot behind his closed lids.

He felt Fai shift slightly, rolling onto his side and propping his cheek in his palm. The boy's pillow dipped with minute footsteps and Mokona's velvety fur brushed close to his face.

"It's okay to be sad, you know," Fai said kindly. "No one will blame you."

Syaoran squeezed his eyes shut, taking a moment to find his voice.

"The whole time I was here, I just… All I wanted was for us to be together," His breath stuttered a little. "And now I got my wish but I'm still not happy. I'm always leaving things I care about behind."

Fai's sigh ruffled his hair.

"I know its selfish, but I wish-" He was interrupted by a large hand resting on his ankle.

"Shut up, kid. If you wanting to stay is selfish, then I'm selfish too."

"As am I," The magician whispered.

"Mokona too."

A tear dripped down Syaoran's cheek and he scooched over so he could lay his forehead against Fai's chest. The man rested his chin on the top of the boy's head, wrapping an arm over him to draw delicate patterns on his back.

"Next time we find a world you love so much, we'll do it together. You won't lose us again." Fai promised.

Kurogane's hand tightened in agreement.

Mokona pressed into Syaoran's hands, hugging his thumb.

Another rumble of thunder thrummed over the city. Syaoran breathed heavily, a few tears making their way to his pillow. With just that small release, and the reassurance of togetherness, his heart lightened. Fai's hand drifted through his hair, and without his permission, Syaoran felt his face relax. His eyelids fluttered. He could feel sleep creeping up on him.

The last thing he saw was Fai smiling down at him, his blond hair haloed by the light.


Briina took in the sight in front of her, relief making her knees weak. It had been so difficult not to worry but seeing Syaoran's little family curled together on his small mattress put her fears to rest. There was no faking that kind of love. Syaoran would be well taken care of.

The boy was clearly asleep, his breathing even and slow. Fai and Mokona were snuggled around him in spite of the heat that had yet to be chased from the apartment.

A tiny drip of cold on her collarbone startled her and she blushed at the fact that she'd been staring. Briina ducked her face into her towel and scrubbed it through her wet hair. She scurried into the kitchen as quietly as she could, pretending to busy herself with tidying the counter. It was clean. She knew it was clean. She paused in front of the fridge, draping the damp towel over her shoulders and combing her fingers through nonexistent tangles.

What was she going to do with two dozen tarts if they were gone when she wo-

Someone cleared their throat behind her, and she spun, eyes wide. For a man so huge, Kurogane moved nearly silently.

He grimaced, an apology for scaring her she supposed. The ninja jerked his head toward the door, and she nodded, following in his wake.

"Briina?" Wrennen came out from the bedroom, probably confused as to what was taking her so long. His hair was sticking up and his reading glasses were slipping down his nose, and a big bloom of affection swelled up for her husband. He looked down to Syaoran, and then back up to her and Kurogane hovering by the door. Closing the bedroom door to a crack, he hastened to join them.

Stepping out into the night, Briina absently rubbed at her stomach. Wrennen stood by her side and the three of them leaned on the railing, looking out over the city. Lightning flickered in the clouds far past the edge of their home, now too distant to hear. The storm had missed them.

"He's a good kid," Kurogane said gruffly. "A bit of an idiot, but a good kid."

Briina resisted making a face. That was an odd way to express liking someone, but hey, everyone was different.

"I'm not gunna tell you his life story or anything. Its not for me to say."

Briina and Wrennen shared a look. The balcony was quiet for a while, the upstairs neighbors must not have been home.

"When he first came to stay with us, Briina thought he was a spirit given human form," Wrennen said bluntly.

Briina sputtered, not entirely sure if she should be mortified. Kurogane only looked at her in mild interest and she found herself explaining, "It was just that he seemed to come out of nowhere, and he didn't speak any language anyone has ever heard, but he understood our wards without being able to read them! He was always getting confused over things we see every day- and he didn't cross out Mokona's wings- The idea sort of faded after a bit and then I caught him making fire and sparks out of nothing and maybe I started thinking it again. There are legends of spirits taking shelter in our world when fleeing from malicious divinities or demons, and sometimes he was just so scared-"

She cut herself short when Kurogane's stare turned pained.

There was a beat.

"The kid is an anomaly."

They waited, not wanting to interrupt.

"There was a mess we were all involved in. Some bastard thought he could pull of the impossible and ruined more than a handful of lives trying. The kid's was one of 'em. We won in the end, but the price was steep. The kid's … home… has been erased from history. He exists outside any timeline. Can't stick around in one place too long or space starts to warp or some shit. But the kid's an idiot to say he doesn't belong anywhere. The mage, the manjuu, and I made the decision to stick with him. The damn kid belongs with us."

Briina found herself nodding, not because she understood any of what Kurogane had said, but because it was another affirmation that no matter what, these guys would not be letting Syaoran out of their sight.

"That sounds unbelievable," Wrennen muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose above his glasses.

Kurogane shrugged.

"Not my job to make you believe it."

Briina sighed, letting the air clear her mind. Goodness knows she was going to be pondering the mystery that was this boy for the rest of time.

The silence stretched this time, not even the frogs singing in the dry heat, until-

"Do you know how excited your kid gets about rocks?" Wrennen asked.

Kurogane actually let out a chuckle.

"That kid loves rocks almost as much as he loves books."


Syaoran woke slowly, stretching his legs and yawning. He rubbed the heel of his hand into his eye and a small sound of contentment escaped him. The boy blinked against the light shining on his face, scrunching his nose.

Something nagged at the back of his mind.

He pushed himself to his knees, squinting around the bright apartment. It was early, but the sun was coming in at just the right angle to be bothersome.

"Is it time to get up already?" Fai whined, face pressed deep into the mattress.

Syaoran jolted, amber eyes flashing from the mage sprawled out on his side of the bed, to Mokona's form curled on the pillow, to the dark shape of Kurogane on the couch.

They were still here.

"Mmmmm! Mokona wants tarts!" Mokona waved tiny paws in the air, still half asleep.

They were still here.

Syaoran's heart soared.

He scooped Mokona up, hopping to his feet.

"How long do you think we have? Can you tell?"

Mokona scrubbed at its face, then rubbed the fur on its stomach, a look of concentration overtaking the sleepy one.

"Not long at all… Maybe an hour?"

Syaoran laughed. That was enough.

Good mornings were exchanged and Syaoran grabbed his clothes, changing as fast as he could, and splashing some cold water on his face. He burst back out of the bathroom and straight into Briina and Wrennen, still in their pajamas for once. They looked shocked, then the surprise gave way to joy. An air of celebration came over the house.

The cold fruit tarts were handed out, sprinkled with powdered sugar. The group ate breakfast in the living room, surrounded by the smell of tea and morning dew. Syaoran talked more than he ate, which was fine because his stomach nearly ached; he was so happy to be able to share one extra meal with his hosts. Mokona kept sneaking bigger and bigger chunks of fruit to the lizards on the windowsill, until an entire tart was sacrificed and the whole mob of reptiles invaded to wage battle over the treat.

"Oh, wait, wait!" Syaoran put down his cup of tea hurriedly. "Wrennen, where's my kite? Can I see it?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah, of course. Hang on, I'll grab it. You want to take it with you?" Wrennen stood and disappeared into the bedroom for a moment.

"Hmm, not exactly…" He fidgeted.

When he received three curious looks, he elaborated.

"I want to give it to Kimihiro and Mokona."

Briina tilted her head, not understanding, but the others smiled.

"He'll love that, Syaoran," Fai grinned.

"I'll call him!" Mokona squeaked in excitement, jumping off the coffee table into Syaoran's lap. The portal screen flickered on the opposite wall, Mokona's gemstone coming to life.

"Woah! What the heck?" Briina was astonished, staggering to her feet.

"What? Wha- Are they leaving?" Wrennen stumbled back into the room, the shimmering kite clutched in his hands.

Watanuki appeared before them, his eyebrows raised in bemusement.

"Hello, Syaoran. Its good to see you again so soon."

"Good morning, Kimihiro. It's good to see you again, though its been quite some time for me," Syaoran had missed being able to talk to Watanuki. Seeing that he was well with his own two eyes always eased his worry.

"It seems you have company this morning," Watanuki nodded politely to the rest of the room.

"This is Briina and Wrennen, I've been staying with them for a while," The couple uttered greetings, faces slack with awe. "I don't have long to talk, but I wanted to give you something. To you and to Mokona."

He took the kite from Wrennen and held it up.

"Ahhhhh! Its Mokona! Mokona is a kite! How amazing!" The black Mokona cried, kicking its feet wildly.

"Amazing! Amazing!" Mokona repeated from his lap.

Syaoran laughed at the Mokonas' glee.

"There was a spring spirit festival we went to, and everyone got to make their own kites to fly in celebration. Briina and Wrennen showed me how to make it, but I picked the pattern. I'd like to tell you more about it later, if that would be okay."

Watanuki's eyes widened.

"You made that? I would be honored to accept such a gift. Thank you, Syaoran."

"A Mokona gift for Mokona and Watanuki!" The black Mokona declared.

Syaoran looked down at the kite, brushing a finger along the red sequins and watching the light shimmer across them. He was a little sad to part with his creation, to be honest. But it was unlikely he would have the chance to fly it any time soon. He had no idea what the future held, so it was best to leave it in capable hands. Syaoran hoped it would bring Watanuki the same joy it had given him.

"Kimihiro, you're always wishing me happiness on my journey… I wanted to let you know I've found some. It came at an unexpected time, but your wishes found me all the same."

A soft look stole over the young man's face and he closed his eyes.

"I'm glad."

"Syaoran!" The Mokona in his lap chirped urgently.

He looked down, his heart jumping at the sight of the earring glowing.

Time to go.

"I'm sorry, Kimihiro! We have to move now, but I'll send the kite. Please send our greetings to Doumeki and the others. Please take care of yourself."

Mokona went 'ahhh' and its mouth stretched hugely, sucking the kite in with a gust of wind. There was a flash from the portal, and the kite fluttered to the ground of the Shop, the ears of the kite pinwheeling as it fell.

"Bye, Watanuki! Take care," Fai cheered.

Kurogane grunted in agreement.

"Thank you, Syaoran. I hope your journey remains a happy one. I will see you again soon," Watanuki raised a hand in farewell, the portal image shuddering and then winking out.

Syaoran flew to his feet, Mokona raising out of his hands and into the air. Wind suddenly whipped through the apartment, the scrolls and plants flapping furiously against the walls.

Fai was at his side in an instant, their heavy cloaks folded under one of his arms. He rested a hand on Syaoran's shoulder and gave the boy a bittersweet smile.

"Ready to go?"

There was a tiny flicker of fear in Syaoran's heart. That the peace he had found here would be ripped away by cruelty in the next world. That they could be separated again. Alone.

He opened his mouth, eyes locked on Fai's blue ones.

Before he could say anything, a strong arm came down and scooped him up. Startled, he yelped and reached out to steady himself, grabbing onto Kurogane's shirt. Pressed against the ninja's chest in an unyielding grip, his nervousness evaporated. Fai reached to grab a hold of his hand and Syaoran let out a soft laugh.

They weren't going to let go.

Mokona's wings grew, pressing against the walls and ceiling, cocooning them in.

"Syaoran!"

The boy ripped his gaze from his family, meeting Briina and Wrennen's astounded faces. The wind tossed their pajamas around, Briina's hair becoming a tangled mess.

Gratefulness overtook all other emotion and Syaoran sent them the biggest smile he could muster.

"We'll be back!" He called over the rush of magic encasing them. "Goodbye!"

He saw them clasp hands, "Goodbye! Be safe!"

Fai's hand tightened in his, and Kurogane nodded, Mokona's wings folding in.

"Bye!" He let go of Kurogane to wave. "And-"

White took over his vision and the world dropped away.

Thank you.