-1The light faded to reveal Nobu pushed to the side. His mother stood in front of him, having blocked the blast with her own body. She tottered on the spot, but managed to raise her sword. She tossed the Black Ofuda into the air one more, focusing the last of her Spirit Energy and Life Energy into this.

"Kana Boukyaku!" The black void appeared again. It reached out black tendrils to wrap around the demon king, pulling him into it's gaping maw. He screamed once as the black whole sealed.

Faith crumpled to the floor. Instantly Hiei was kneeling at her side. He lifted her into his arms and her eyelids fluttered, then opened.

"Hiei . . ." She breathed his name. He grasped her hand and she drew it over her heart.

"Hush, Onna. Don't talk. You'll be okay." He begged her, even though in his mind he already knew the truth. She shook her head.

" Hiei . . ." Her hand rose to touch his cheek, then fell back against the cold earth. Hiei stared at her for a moment, then turned his face skyward and let out a devastatingly haunting cry of irrevocable loss. For once, as tears slid down the koorime's pale cheeks for the first time in centuries, not even Kurama had any words of comfort.

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Faith was gone. Azazil was swallowed by nothing. Nobu, Scion of Faith, ruled his fathers people with honor and justice. Yusuke and Kurama were an official item now. Hiei was alone. His life seemed empty and pointless now that she was gone. He sat in the tree outside her window, waiting while the others cleaned the apartment and packed her things together for her son. He touched the sword pendant he now wore around his neck, next to his crystal tear.

Just then there was a tap on the window and Yusuke opened it. Hiei didn't look at him.

"Hiei, man, come in here for a minute." the punk held the window open for him. Hiei sighed and jumped through the window. Kurama stood in the middle of the room, her bedroom, holding a piece of paper. He held this out to the youkai, who opened it.

Hiei,

Ten to one you blame yourself for my death, but don't. I was ready for it before we ever left the house. I wrote this because I wanted to say a few things to you in case I died, because I knew you wouldn't listen to me if I tried to say them when I was alive. Stubborn koorime.

I want you to know how much I love you, Hiei. You made me forget, and you always thought I was beautiful. Now, listen to me carefully, okay? Keep your honesty. Never lie to people. Trust is important. Even if your truth comes with insults and clever banter. Keep loving chocolate. It's a vegetable, you know.

Stick with your friends, they care about you ,and tell your sister the truth, understand me? She will love you no matter what you are. I'm sorry I was never able to meet her but I know she must be a wonderful woman. You love her so much.

Look in on my baby from time to time, please. If he can have a bunch of demon uncles, I know he'll be alright.

And if it survived the fight, Hiei, I want you to have my sword. Wear it and always remember to Have A Little Faith, in your friends, in your family, and in yourself.

Stay brave, Spikey, and stay you.

All my Love,

Faith

Hiei looked up and the smallest of smiles crept across him face. He tucked the letter into his pocket and touched his shirt where the sword lay against his chest.

'Have faith in me, Onna. As long as you have faith in me, I'll be fine.'