Miaka stood in the protection of Tamahome's embrace. She watched Mitsukake and Hotohori worriedly. "Tama, how will they survive?"
Tamahome closed his eyes against the pain in front of him. Mitsukake had not yet moved from the last spot where he had held Setsuna. Hotohori was still holding Houki's limp body, as if by holding her he was holding her life to her. But she was already dead.
The sun broke through the clouds and began to set over the horizon, lewdly painting the sky red The Dark Goddess had been defeated, but at a terrible cost.
"Yes, the cost has been terrible." Tamahome and Miaka turned to see who had spoken and found a beautiful woman standing before them. A light that seemed to come from nowhere filled the glade and they both sank to their knees
"My Goddess," Miaka said softly, "is there any way to heal them?"
The goddess looked down sadly, and then shook her head. "I cannot do that, but for the trials that you have each suffered, I give you one wish. Small recompense for what you have all been put through. Speak what you wish whenever you want, but as my priestess, Miaka, it is up to you to tell them." As suddenly as the goddess had arrived, she disappeared.
Miaka looked at Tamahome. "Do you think it will make a difference?" He shook his head uncertainly. She sighed and turned to tell the others the news, reluctant to intrude upon the solitude of Hotohori and Mitsukake.
Everyone was silent after Miaka told them the news. They each looked down and nodded. Hotohori turned away from the group and walked back to the body of Houki. Mitsukake looked to the sky, sadness haunting his eyes. No one spoke.