Chapter 10

When she had heard the news of Sho's untimely demise, she was devastated. She did see him as family at one point and she did still care about him. One can still love family and not like them very much. For the longest time, she blamed herself for his fate. Fortunately Kuon was at her side to give her comfort. In time, he had convinced her that it was something that couldn't have been avoided. It was just one of those things that life tends to throw at you; you catch it and what you do with it, how you recover from it, is entirely up to you.

The autopsy never explained what had happened to him. His heart simply stopped beating, as if it were no longer needed. The spirit that once resided in it had left, leaving an empty shell. There were only two that knew for certain what had happened and both believed that it was for the best. One day, two others would be told the truth. For now, Reino had a very important job that was given to him and he planned to fully live up to his new responsibilities with gusto.

Time marches on as time tends to do. Kuon and Kyoko grew closer together and eventually, she unknowingly gave up her immortality to a beautiful green-eyed, little raven-haired, little girl that would be known to the world and her parents as Aimi Hizuri, daughter of Kyoko and Kuon Hizuri.

At the age of five she would play in the park with her new friend, a little boy with platinum hair and violet eyes, of the age of seven. She would introduce him as Ichirou. Kyoko and Kuon couldn't help but think that he looked quite familiar, then realized why when they met his father, Reino.

The parents spoke to one another as the children played and it was revealed that the little male sylph or, air fairy was indeed the young man they had all once known. The combination of the gem that was used, his overall desire to be something else and the cleansing that Reino had preformed, had changed him entirely.

"Does he remember anything?" Kuon asked a little worried about his daughter associating with the young man that had once caused them so much trouble.

Reino smiled and chuckled. "No... I think he forgot all about that a few days into his contract with me." He explained.

Kyoko furrowed her brow. "He's your slave?" She murmured the question with a little anger seeping through.

Reino looked up at her shocked. "Of course not! I was going to release him when he had learned his lesson, but instead I discovered this tiny infant that had been released from the stone. Had I known he would do that, I would have never encouraged him to enter. However, I don't regret it. He's my only son now. My responsibility that I cherish deeply." He told them with love and pride in his voice.

Kyoko watched as the children played under the sakura and smiled softly. "He seems happy." She commented. "Much happier than when we were children and not spoiled. He looks like he's actually enjoying himself."

Kuon nodded in agreement.

"I hope that he is. I honestly don't know if I'm doing it right." He chuckled wryly. "I would have never imagined at my age that I would ever have a son. Much less raising him on my own. Not that Miroku and the boys don't help out."

Kyoko giggled. "Well, just make sure he doesn't turn out to be the womanizing ass that he was before."

"No, no." He laughed. "This is his fresh start. I want him to have everything he needs and appreciate what he has."

Kyoko nodded. "Good... I'm glad he's in good hands now."

The two families parted and agreed to meet again on another day. The children really seemed to play well together and liked each other.

~fin~

A/N: I may one day change the rating to M and put up a very lemony omake, but for now it will remain rated T. 8) Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed.