I let go of his hand, but allowed my "fear" to seep into Rikuo first.

He stepped forward, brandishing the Nenekirimaru. He was just… oozing confidence… and awesomeness…

I saw Tamazuki's one visible eye narrow, his eye tinted violet somewhat. He can't win, can he? I asked myself. There is a small possibility Tamazuki could win, I mean really, he has the Devil's Hammer in his hands.

But nevertheless, I put my trust in Rikuo. I know he can win. Since after all, he's Nura Rikuo.

(Rikuo's POV)

I felt Kirei's "fear" all over me.

It was strong, I could feel it. Just simply holding her hand allowed me to gain access to that one technique. Kirei… she's strong. I like it. Maybe she'll make a better addition to my Hyakki than I thought, heck, maybe even a good wife. Oh what the hell am I thinking? Focus, Rikuo, focus. Defeat Tamazuki first, ask Kirei that question later.

I stepped closer to Tamazuki, Nenekirimaru raised high above my head. "This is for all the people you hurt." I mumbled as I lower the sword.

As I lowered my blade, Tamazuki cut through me with the Devil's Hammer. "W-Waka!" Tsurara exclaimed.

Or at least he thinks he cut through me.

My body reassembled, not a scratch on me. I smirked inside at Tamazuki's reaction.

"Do it, Rikuo!" Kirei cheered.

Not like I'd show it, but it made me… fan squeal… inside. I mean really, Kirei cheering me on, I'm happy. Hey, don't judge me!

Disappearing through Meikyoshisui once more, I reappeared behind Tamazuki. As soon as he noticed me, I cut the Devil's Hammer straight out of his hand yet somehow managing to keep his hand intact.

"If you're going to make a Hyakki," I said as he fell to his knees, "At least care about the ones that cherish you."

It wasn't to sound cool or anything, I just had to say it. Tamazuki doesn't care about his Hyakki, he only sought their usefulness. For that, he has to be punished. I raised my sword above his head. A life for a life. Though I highly doubt one will be enough to repay thousands.

"R-Rikuo! Wait!"

I turned my head, "Kirei?"

(Jean/Kirei'sPOV)

"Don't kill him, Rikuo, he can make up for his sins in another way!" I protested. I didn't want Tamazuki dead, I mean seriously, you want him dead now when he can be so useful later in the Gokaidon House arc? Not like I could say that aloud or anything.

"How then?" Rikuo asked.

"Uh…" Now that I think about it, how can he make up for the sh*t he's caused? Oh, wait, Rikuo made him have a memorial service for those he killed. I'll just say that. "Have a memorial service for those he killed?"

"Sounds okay." Rikuo sighed, turning back to Tamazuki, "Okay, I'll let you live, but only on that condition, okay?"

(Tamazuki's POV)

"Sounds okay." Rikuo sighed, turning back to me, "Okay, I'll let you live, but only on that condition, okay?"

I mentally rolled my eyes, does he honestly expect me to do something as low as that?

Besides, who said I'm done? The Devil's Hammer is still within reach, I can just get it and cut the idiot down.

Then my attention turned to Kirei… Hmph. Little traitor. Oh well, at least I still have some uses for her. Besides, I did say I want her, right? There's still a little chance for me yet.

Rikuo sheathed his sword and walked back to Kirei, thinking I understood. Ha. Fool.

In a rather quick pace despite my current condition, I grabbed the Devil's Hammer. Aiming straight for Rikuo, who's back was turned to me. I have a straight shot for his heart— his death.

"Rikuo!" Kirei warned.

I raised the Devil's Hammer above the spot where Rikuo's heart rests. I then lowered the blade. Blood splattered on both Rikuo and I. Now the Devil's Hammer was shrieking with excitement as it sucked up the blood.

But sadly, who I stabbed wasn't Rikuo…

… it was Kirei.

(Jean/Kirei's POV)

I coughed out some blood. The Devil's Hammer driven straight through my vitals.

I had jumped in front of Rikuo at the last moment because I knew that he couldn't take out the Nenekirimaru in time for him to block the Devil's Hammer, so I used myself to shield him.

With the sword in me, I started to hear the screams and wails of the souls that reside in this rusty old sword. The shouts of confusion and anger, the screams of betrayal, the pleas to be saved, the cries to be released. It was all frightening. I looked at the blood dyed faces of the murdered Hyakki, all of them contorted in pain.

I felt sorry for them, but knowing I would soon end up the same, I just felt fear. How could Tamazuki wield this damn thing? The wielder could probably hear the sound the sword emitted, how could he even hold this and not go insane?

"Tch." Tamazuki drew back the sword.

My vitals destroyed, I was too weak to even stand. As soon as the sword was pulled out of me, I fell back, stunned while bleeding to my death.

"Kirei!" Rikuo said as he caught me.

My vision blurred, my head spun, I felt light all over. So this is dying, huh?

"Kirei, stay with me, please, Kirei!" Rikuo begged, squeezing my hand.

I focused my blurry vision on Rikuo's beautiful crimson eyes, he seemed scared. Scared to lose me? Nah. It couldn't be.

"Rikuo…" I muttered weakly.

"Kirei, please! Stay alive! Stay with me!"

I'm sorry… but I can't…

"Kirei! Please, don't die! KIREI!"

My vision blurred further. I could feel my life leaving me.

"KIREI! KIREI!" What am I feeling on my face? It feels wet… tears? Tears? Is Rikuo… crying? Over me?

"Kirei… please, don't die! I want you to stay alive! Please, Kirei!"

The last thing I saw behind blurry eyes was Rikuo's teary crimson red eyes. I sighed. I at least wanted to spend some time with him before my time here ends.

I stilled a small smile on my face. "Kirei! Stay alive! KIREI!"

After that, I saw only darkness.

"KIREI!"

It's almost over...