Fushigi Yuugi: The Next Generation – Part 34

Fushigi Yuugi: The Next Generation – Part 34

Disclaimer: I don't own Fushigi Yuugi. Yuu Watase does. Please don't sue me. I have no money. I own the new characters. To see whom I own go to the forum or check out the cast list. The only seishi that doesn't belong to me is Boushin/Odayaka. I say he still belongs to Yuu Watase.

Author's Note: Hono'o's faith is being tested. Can she survive? Hono'o is one of the strongest seishi. Where has Zai Rei been all this time? What about Taiitsukun? I've been dropping clues for awhile now. Odayaka is battling with his own emotions. The groups are getting ready to assemble. Here's an important thing to remember: Mariko never actually agree to be the Suzaku no Miko. Why is does she have so much power for someone who had the most initial resistance?


Hono'o collapsed in front of the statue of Suzaku. Her eyes were shut tightly and there were tears streaming down her cheeks. She could feel something else coming down her face. Hono'o opened her eyes. There were drops of blood on the base of the statue. Hono'o's nose was bleeding. Her eyes widened.

"Oh, no. This is getting worse," whispered Hono'o as she caught more blood in her left palm. She was breathing deeply. The pain was gone, but there was blood. She was on her knees. Hono'o looked up at the statue. "Is this a test of my faith? Because I'm not going to quit. I won't give up. I'll finish what I've started. Do you hear me, Suzaku?" said Hono'o out loud.

There was someone who could hear her. Odayaka was looking for Mariko. He heard the sounds of Hono'o's struggling. He decided to see what was wrong. He stopped outside the shrine. Odayaka could see that she was in pain, but she wasn't saying anything out loud. Odayaka realized that Hono'o didn't want anyone to hear her, and pressed himself up against the wall. He quietly chanted a spell and made himself invisible. 'Did Mariko talk to her yet?' he thought. Odayaka had his suspicions. He held out his hand in front of his chest. His right index and middle finger pointed upward, and he closed his eyes. Odayaka concentrated his chi. He opened his eyes and frowned. 'Her chi is low. Her life force is almost gone. What happened? It's like her powers were takn out of her body. If she were an ordinary person, she would have been dead by now,' Odayaka thought. This wasn't good. They wouldn't be able to summon Suzaku if Hono'o dies. Hono'o suddenly passed out at the base of the statue. Odayaka eyes widened, and he dropped his invisibility spell. He knew that she wouldn't be able to feel anything if he did something for her right now, but he still needed to be gentle.

'I have to do something,' Odayaka thought. He closed his eyes again. A red aura surrounded him, and he opened his eyes wide. 'I'll give her some of my chi. It will keep her alive for a while longer. At least I hope so. I don't mind giving up some of my power. Hono'o needs it more than I do,' he thought. He didn't notice any significant drop in his life force. He was more worried about Hono'o. Odayaka watched over Hono'o until she regained consciousness. He redid his invisibility spell, and waited for her to go back to her room. Hono'o was staggering as she made her way back to her room. He knew that Hono'o didn't want anyone helping her. Odayaka teleported back to his room. There was so much going on. He groaned from exhaustion.

"Mariko," Odayaka whispered softly. He could see her in the garden sitting against a tree trunk. She looked like she was in deep thought. Odayaka sighed and went to bed.

* * *

Tasuki was still mad. He hated not having Hono'o in the house where he could keep an eye over her. The boys were making sure to steer clear of him, and Ling was losing patience. Wangshi, Lingsu, and Tiaowo knew for certain there was something wrong with their little sister. The three of them were as overprotective as Tasuki when it came to Hono'o.

"I've never seen Father so angry at Lei before, Wangshi," remarked Lingsu.

"I heard him yelling a few nights ago. He said that Lei was a liar," added Tiaowo.

"I think we all heard him yelling, Tiaowo. I don't think Lei really cares at this point. She's got to worry about summoning Suzaku. I'm sure she'll tell us everything later," said Wangshi.

"How the Hell can you take things so calmly, Wangshi?! God! You're like Mother!" exclaimed Tiaowo.

"The other seishi and Lady Mariko will take care of her. Besides, I've thought about it, and I say we've been babying her too much," said Wangshi calmly. This only aggravated Tiaowo more.

"I'm more worried about poor Shiro. He's a good fighter. Actually, he's one of the best in all of Konan. Did you know that Kouji's son has titles all over Konan? He fought under his seishi name, so that no one would know who he was for sure. Lei keeps smacking him around. I didn't someone could take that many hits to the head," commented Lingsu thoughtfully.

"I think it's 'cause his head is hard. Hono'o said that he gave Lady Mariko a hard time about joining the others. That was until Lady Mariko gambled with him and won," laughed Tiaowo.

"I think Sei is right to make fun of both of them. He calls them the "Married Couple." I think I'll use that," said Wangshi thoughtfully.

"I think it's sad that he can't fight back. I don't think he can do it in front of Father. I think he doesn't believe in physically fighting females," commented Lingsu.

"DID I SAY THAT I DON'T LIKE HIM?!" exclaimed Tiaowo all of a sudden. Wangshi and Lingsu were superdeformed.

"You never liked him. Actually, I don't think we should have picked on him so much when we were younger. Now, he can kick our asses," said Wangshi.

"NO! I LIKED HIM BEFORE! I JUST DON'T LIKE HIM NEAR LEI! THAT'S ALL! YOU TWO ARE DUMBASSES!" yelled Tiaowo.

"WHO'S THE DUMBASS?!" fired back Lingsu.

"Now, I think you two are overreacting. Tiaowo, Lingsu and I are not dumbasses. Lingsu sit down," ordered Wangshi calmly.

"YOU ARE THE MOST…ARGH!" shouted Tiaowo to Wangshi.

"WHY DO YOU ALWAYS HAVE TO ACT SO SUPERIOR TO EVERYONE, WANGSHI?! GOD! I HATE THAT ABOUT YOU!" shouted Lingsu in a frustrated voice. Wangshi's calm exterior always made Lingsu and Tiaowo look like hot heads.

"Why don't you like Shiro near Lei? They're seishi. They're suppose to work together, Tiaowo" said Wangshi ignoring Lingsu.

"I don't know! I just think he's going to take my baby sister away from me," said Tiaowo defensively.

"Hey! We're triplets! She's our baby sister, too. When did she become just yours?" asked Lingsu.

Lingsu and Tiaowo were now exchanging foul language and were superdeformed. Wangshi let out a sigh. It was so difficult to be the oldest one. "Now, stop that you two. We're brothers we should be able to get along better than that. We should be above such infantile behavior," scolded Wangshi with a large sweatdrop.

"WANGSHI!" they exclaimed in unison as they turned on him. A three-way scuffle ensued with foul language and punches. Which ended with a bloody nose for Lingsu, a black eye for Tiaowo, and a bump on the head for Wangshi.

Another typical day in the Kou house.

* * *

Hono'o lay awake in her bed in the palace. She just couldn't get up. 'What if my powers never come back? Without my powers, I'm not a seishi. I'm just a regular person. Worse than that…I'm a failure,' she thought. Hono'o curled up into a fetal position. Her dreams were nightmares where she was reliving Zhenyou's attack. Hono'o was waking up gasping for air and in a cold sweat. There came a soft knock on the door. Hono'o sat up. "You can come in," said Hono'o softly. She had no idea that Odayaka had given her part of his powers to keep her alive. Hono'o would have been angry at him for it because she didn't want anyone's help. Odayaka didn't say anything to anyone about Hono'o's condition.

"Good morning, Hono'o," greeted Mariko with a slight smile.

"Good morning, Mariko. I'm sorry to make you worry so much," whispered Hono'o as she climbed out of bed.

"It's no trouble at all, Hono'o. I worry about you and others because I care," said Mariko softly. Hono'o was the youngest seishi, and Mariko thought of her as younger sister. Mariko admired her courage and her determination.

"It's exciting the summoning is going to be in just two days," commented Hono'o.

"Yes. It is exciting. I really didn't think I would make this far, Hono'o," said Mariko quietly. She still had doubts. The strange dreams that she had every time she went to sleep were still there. The fire she felt was too real. The feeling of fear she had in the dreams had diminished. There was now a feeling of comfort that she got in the end of her dreams. Mariko felt like she was forced into this whole thing, but now it didn't matter so much how she became the Suzaku no Miko. What mattered was that Mariko had to save not just Hono'o's life, but the lives of everyone else.

"Come on, Mariko. I'm feeling so much better. Let's go and get some breakfast," said Hono'o with a smile. She didn't know how she felt better. She just did, and that was something that Hono'o was grateful for. Mariko ran after her to catch up with her. They were the last two to the dining hall.

"Hi! It's good to see everyone this morning," said Sei happily. He was so happy that the summoning was close by, but he noticed that Mariko was too quiet. Sei knew that she was worried about something. "Don't worry about it, Mariko. Everything will be just fine," added Sei with a smile. Mariko looked at him with a dazed look on her face. Odayaka frowned, and looked at Hono'o. Hono'o was humming while she was stirring her tea. All the other seishi had sweatdrops. There was so much tension in the room.

"Um. Yes. Did you practice, Lady Mariko?" asked Kawa timidly. Shitsu, Taki, and Shiro were trying their best not to look nervous. Shiro was sitting next to Hono'o who was sitting next to Mariko. Sei was sitting on the other side of Mariko. She was at one of the heads of the table, while Odayaka was sitting at the other end.

"What's everyone going to do today? I'll be looking at the royal armory," said Shitsu with a smile. Odayaka had asked her earlier to look at the weapons. He wasn't planning anything, but one could never be too prepared.

"I'm going to the marketplace to pick up things for my family," answered Taki.

"I'll be practicing with Sei," said Shiro. Sei smiled, and nodded. He wanted to see more of what Shiro could do. Shiro wasn't really up for it. He didn't like practicing in front of an audience, but he couldn't say no to Sei.

"I have some meetings and other business to see to," said Odayaka. He wanted to ask Mariko about Hono'o, but that would have to wait. He had to go over more of his plans for Konan with the council.

"I'll spend the day with Hono'o," said Mariko quietly. Hono'o said nothing. She didn't even look up from her breakfast. Everyone, but Odayaka, had question marks around them.

* * *

Mariko and Hono'o had a very easy going day. Mariko found that she enjoyed Hono'o's company very much. 'If she dies, then I'll really miss her. I can't stand this. It hurts just to watch her. She's just fading away from me,' she thought. Hono'o told Mariko that pretty soon, Hono'o wouldn't even be able to use the tessen. Her chi wasn't strong enough.

"Has your father told you all about the other seishi and the last miko?" asked Mariko timidly. She thought about asked Tasuki and Chichiri, but it made her feel uncomfortable to ask them. Mariko deep down inside envied anyone who knew her parents. They had first hand memories, while Mariko had nothing. Mariko thought that asking Hono'o would be better. She had no doubt in her mind that Tasuki would have told Hono'o.

"They were all very brave. Nuriko was funny, caring, and kind. Chiriko was bright and cheerful. My father always said that Chiriko had the most promise. Mitsukake is still the only doctor my father thinks is worthy of healing any of his aliments. Emperor Hotohori was a very gentle and noble man. An incurable romantic whose love for their miko was never ending. Then, there's Tamahome...my father misses him the most. Papa always said that the lack of healthy competition made him sad," said Hono'o thoughtfully and quietly. She wanted make sure that she was giving Mariko accurate information.

Mariko's eyes had perk up when she heard her father's seishi name. "Do you know anymore about the first Suzaku seishi, Tamahome?"

"I've heard lots of stories about him from my father and Uncle Chichiri. Tamahome was the one who faced off with Nakago in the end. He was kind, loving, caring, and he loved his family very much. They said that he loved their miko the most. They wondered how Lady Miaka survived after the lost of Tamahome. When Suzaku was last summoned, Lady Miaka made her wish to restore her world, and to not be with Tamahome. Her selfless act cost her the one she loved the most. They never saw Tamahome again after that, and then they realized that Tamahome's body was like the other seishi's. Dead. I wonder what became of Lady Miaka. Father and Uncle Chichiri loved her very much, Mariko. I hope for their sakes that she found happiness," said Hono'o softly.

"I'm sure she has," said Mariko quietly.

"You know if you want to learn more, you shouldn't ask me. You should ask Papa and Uncle Chichiri. I don't think they would mind so much," reassured Hono'o. She was getting tired again, but the bouts of pain were gone for the time being. Her eyes were heavy with sleep. Mariko looked at her with concerned, but Hono'o held up her right hand, and shook her head. She stretched out, but was fine. Mariko cared a lot about her seishi. She was best friends with Sei. Shiro was like a younger brother. Shitsu was wise, and gave good advice. Taki came from the same village as her father, and Mariko liked hearing stories about his home village. Taki was a great storyteller. Kawa was very sweet and friendly. Mariko wanted Kawa to really live it up before Kawa had to settle down, and get married. Odayaka was a kindred spirit. For some reason, Mariko felt closer to Odayaka than she did with Sei. Mariko wanted to spend time with the other seishi, but Hono'o was more of a priority. She wanted to spend time with Hono'o in case she died. Mariko thought of Hono'o as a younger sister. 'No. She's too wise and mature to be a younger sister. I don't want to lose her,' thought Mariko.

"I think I will when this is all finished," said Mariko thoughtfully.

* * *

Shiro and Sei were in one of the courtyards. Shiro was afraid of making a mistake in front of Sei. Sei was the first seishi, and a year older than him. Shiro had no idea what his powers were, but he could feel them. He figured that Sei had some very strong powers almost as strong as Odayaka. Shiro wanted to impress Sei with his abilities.

"How do you do it? When you're in the air, it just looks impressive and impossible," complimented Sei.

"Practice," answered Shiro lamely. It took years of practice, and not including the two years he was away from home.

Tasuki was in the castle with a special guest with him. They found Chichiri mediating in one of the rooms. Chichiri opened his eyes, and greeted them with "Hi, no da!"

"Where's Shiro?" asked Tasuki.

"He's in the East courtyard with Sei, no da," answered Chichiri. Before Chichiri could say anything more, Tasuki and his guest had left.

"DA! How rude, no da? I swear Tasuki is as rude as ever, no da," sighed Chichiri to himself as he went back to his mediation.

"Not that I don't enjoy visiting with you, Genrou, but why am I here?" asked his guest.

"You'll see. You just have to meet the last seishi," answered Tasuki with a grin that he had suppressed since his guest had arrived in Eiyou.

"What's so great 'bout this last seishi, Genrou?" asked Tasuki's guest. They both had stopped talking when they reached the East courtyard. Shiro had his back turned to them, while Sei could see them coming. "Now, I see. Thank you, Genrou," he said through his teeth. He was going to yell at Tasuki, but why waste it on him when the person he wanted to yell at was Shiro?

"No problem, Kouji," said Tasuki as he braced himself for a friendly whack from Kouji. He was surprised not to get one from him.

"Heads up, Shiro," warned Sei with a large grin on his face. Shiro looked at him with an eyebrow raised.

"What?" asked Shiro.

"Hello, Kuairong. This is your father, Kouji. I've been waiting for you to come home for the past two years. What do you have to say for yourself?," said Kouji. Tasuki started laughing hysterically. Kouji glared at him, but it was no use. Tasuki had to sit down.

"Why don't you turn around?" asked Sei.

"As long as I don't turn around, he's a figment of my imagination," said Shiro. His shoulders were tense. He got whacked upside his head. "OW! PAPA, WHY THE HELL DID YOU JUST DO THAT?!" he shouted as he grabbed the back of his skull and turned around.

"Don't worry about your freakin' head! I'm sure it's hard enough! Besides, I'm a figment of your imagination! It isn't supposed to hurt. Damn you, Kuairong. Do you know how much you've made your mother and I worry? You haven't written to us in weeks! Your mother is frantic! AND DON'T YOU SWEAR AT ME! I'M YOUR FATHER! YOUR MOTHER AND I TAUGHT YOU BETTER THAN THAT!" bellowed Kouji. Shiro stopped rubbing his head. 'As if I wasn't getting hit enough by Doll Face,' he thought with a scowl. He straight up, and Kouji was surprised to see that Shiro was the same height as him. When Shiro was fourteen he only came up to Kouji's chest, he had quite a growth spurt at fifteen. Shiro was very well built and had filled out quite a bit. His father had to admit that Shiro looked very grown up. He wasn't a child anymore.

"What is it, Father?" asked Shiro more politely. Kouji noticed that his voice had deepened as well. Kouji studied his son. He looked very healthy and fine. Kouji locked Shiro into a tight embrace. Shiro hugged his father back. Kouji let him go. "Um..." Shiro said. He was at a lost for words. Shiro was also embarrassed at the display of affection in front of Sei and Tasuki.

"So, Genrou, he's the last seishi?" asked Kouji as he turned his attention back to Tasuki. Tasuki was still laughing. Kouji sighed and looked at Sei. Sei nodded.

"Yes. I'm the seventh seishi, Father," confirmed Shiro. He glowed his kanji through his shirt. Kouji's eyes widened. Kouji looked at the kanji.

"Shiro," Kouji read out loud, "But, that still doesn't explain why you haven't been home in the past two years." Kouji folded his arms over his chest. Shiro let out a sigh. He was going to have to explain himself to his father.

"Kept thinking about it for about six months, but things kept coming up. There was so much to see in Konan and Sailo that I didn't want to go home. I was at the base of Mt. Leikaku, but for some reason was drawn to the capital," said Shiro as he turned his head away from his father's gaze. He didn't want to be judged by him. Kouji was always expecting something from his oldest son.

"That's it! You've been thinking of coming home. Well, that must have been low on your list of priorities!" shouted Kouji. Shiro winced. Sei decided to step in.

"Look, I usually don't get involved in other people's family affairs, but I think I should say something," said Sei. Kouji glared at Sei. Shiro swirled around to look at Sei. Tasuki recovered from his fit of laughter.

"Shiro is a very well-trained warrior and fighter. It's fairly obvious that he's trained in several forms of martial arts. I think he was fated to be a wanderer, so he can train for the second summoning of our god, Suzaku," said Sei in a very calm, wise voice as he folded his arms over his chest. Tasuki had to admit it; Sei knew exactly what he was talking about.

"WELL, WHO ASKED YOU?! THE ONLY THING YOU'RE RIGHT ABOUT IS THAT YOU SHOULDN'T BE GETTING INVOLVED IN OTHER PEOPLE'S FAMILY AFFAIRS!!! I'LL YELL AT MY SON IF I WANT TO!!!" bellowed Kouji.

"Um...uh..." stammered Sei. He was superdeformed and sweatdropped.

Kouji went on to yell at both the boys for over an hour. Tasuki was sweatdropped the entire time. He decided that it was best that he remained quiet when Kouji glared at him.

* * *

Hono'o was sleeping again in her chambers. Mariko had checked on her, and went out to one of the gardens to look at the sky above her. Odayaka saw her, and decided to approach her. Mariko looked very worried about something. He hated to see her unhappy about anything. 'I love her,' he thought. The wind whipped around her. Her dark brown hair fluttered around her face. Her eyes were semi closed in deep thought. Odayaka cleared his throat to bring her back down to earth gently.

"Oh. Odayaka. I didn't hear you coming. I'm sorry," said Mariko softly.

"That's all right. You look like you have something on your mind," said Odayaka with a smile.

"I'm just thinking about everything," said Mariko, "Just trying to sort it all out." She looked at Nuriko's bracelets. The bracelets were still locked in place. She still couldn't remove the damn things. For some reason, the bracelets brought some comfort to her.

"Did you talk to Hono'o?" asked Odayaka.

"Yes," answered Mariko not looking up from the bracelets.

"What did she say?" asked Odayaka. He knew what was going on, but he wanted to hear it from Mariko.

"I can't say," answered Mariko as she looked into his eyes.

"Why not?" asked Odayaka as he pulled his hands behind his back.

"Because I promised that I wouldn't say anything. What kind of friend would I be if I broke my promise? Let's just say it's a personal problem and leave it at that," said Mariko softly.

Mariko was looking into Odayaka's eyes. It made him uncomfortable. It was like she could read his thoughts. He had to get out of there. Odayaka got up abruptly to leave. He wanted to get out before Mariko figured anything was wrong with him. Odayaka felt something grab his hand. He looked down, and saw that Mariko was holding his hand.

"Please stay with me awhile. Just for a little while. I don't want to be alone," Mariko pleaded softly. Odayaka could have made up an excuse. He could have said that he had arrangements for the summoning or he had a meeting to attend to. But, he didn't. He couldn't deny her anything, even if he wasn't her seishi. He sat down next to her. They sat there until sundown not saying a word to each other. Odayaka and Mariko kept each other in company with silence.

* * *

Odayaka and Sei took care of the last arrangements for the summoning. Mariko continued practicing with the help of Hono'o, Kawa, and Shitsu. The female seishi were holding spots that the other mikos would occupy during the summoning. Shiro and Taki took care of the legwork for the arrangements of the summoning for Sei and Odayaka. Odayaka had to make sure that Mariko was properly dressed for the occasion. Sei put in some input about what she should wear. Odayaka knew that Sei knew her better than anyone else, so he was the best one to ask. Unlike his father, Odayaka didn't really care much for fashion.

"Mariko prefers more simple designs, Odayaka. Hmm. Something made out of silk, of course," said Sei. Odayaka watched as Sei looked at a bolt of red silk. It had to be red. Sei took out some of the cloth. He folded it a certain way. The seamstress was looking at him strangely with an eyebrow raised. Sei was humming to himself. When he was done, Odayaka and the seamstress nearly fell back in surprise.

Sei was a little embarrassed and he was in superdeformed mode. Odayaka and the seamstress admired Sei's work.

"Is there anything else, Lord Seijitsu?" asked the seamstress as she gave him an awry look. She didn't like the thought of a man being able to do her better job than her.

"Yes. Could you put the waistline here?" asked Sei, as he pointed just below the bust of cloth he had just arranged, "In my world, they call it an imperial waistline. I think."

"Yes, Lord Seijitsu. I'll work on this dress right away for the Suzaku no Miko, your Highness," said the seamstress as she bowed down to Odayaka. Satisfied, Odayaka and Sei left the seamstress to do her work in peace. Sei was observing Odayaka carefully. He knew there was something up with him.

"I'm sure that Mariko will like the dress you designed for her. I'm sure she likes anything you do for her. You've known her for a very long time," said Odayaka quietly as he looked down.

"All of my life. I've known her all of my life. Our mothers were best friends. Anyone who really knows Mariko should feel special because sometimes it's difficult to get to know her. She's awfully private, but she really doesn't keep things from me. But, then again, we grew up together. I'm only three months older than her. You should feel special because Mariko confides in you. There are so few people that can actually get that close to her in such a short time," said Sei with a small smile.

"Um...I...guess..." trailed off Odayaka. This only made Sei's smile grow wider because it confirmed his suspicions. He was also amused at Odayaka's discomfort. Sei was used to seeing him calm and compose.

"Why don't we all get some rest? Tomorrow we have to summon Suzaku," suggested Sei.

Odayaka nodded numbly. He just wanted to get away from Sei, and be alone for awhile. Sei also served as a reminder that Mariko would be going back to the other world after the summoning. It was best to forget about Mariko before he lost his heart completely, but it was too late for that.

* * *

The plan was very simple. Odayaka, with some help from Chichiri, was going to teleport everyone to Mt. Taikyoku. The Seiryuu group was going to teleport as well using Ryu and Kaga's powers combined. The reason why the summoning took three days to get together was because the Byakko and Genbu groups had to get there by other means. Chichiri offered to help because he wanted to Odayaka to save his power for the summoning.. Mariko was still dressed in regular clothes, but she had the shinzahou in her hands. Odayaka kept the dress in some sort of hidden compartment for the time being.

Tasuki hugged Hono'o tightly. She shifted uncomfortably under her father's grasp. Hono'o was more worried than anyone about the summoning of Suzaku. "Don't worry. I know that you can do it, Hono'o. I know that all of you can do it," said Tasuki confidently as he smiled at Mariko. Mariko looked a little surprised at his smile. It was the smile a father would give to a child. Just the way her Uncle Keisuke would smile at her. Mariko gave Hono'o another worried look, but tried her best not to make it show.

"Come back in one piece or so help me..." trailed off Kouji as he gently rubbed his son's cheek.

"It's all right, Father. I'll be fine," Shiro reassured Kouji. Shiro tried his best to hide his embarrassment when Kouji gave him a kiss on his cheek. "Aww. Papa, don't do that," he whined. Kouji glared at him. Hono'o started laughing. She gave her father a kiss on his kiss. Tasuki smiled at her.

"Let's do this, no da!" said Chichiri enthusiastically. He tapped his staff on the marble floor. Odayaka nodded at his sensei. Everyone got into position. Mariko was in the center. Odayaka's kanji glowed along with Chichiri's. There was a bright beam of light.

The room was now empty except for Chichiri, Tasuki, and Kouji.

"May Suzaku go with them, no da," said Chichiri. Tasuki and Kouji nodded in agreement.

~*ClareBear's Omake*~

Tamahome: I thought that we'd never see the day. This is taking a long time.

Miaka: Well, it is an epic. I'm so happy.

Tamahome: Why? Is it because the summoning is coming?

Miaka: That and...Odayaka loves her very much. I can tell.

Nuriko (sighing): Me, too. (sigh) It's so cute. He's so much more bashful than you, Hotohori. It's so obvious. Maybe, Sei will help him out.

Miaka and Nuriko are superdeformed with large dreamy eyes and a bubble background.

Chiriko: I thought that Odayaka didn't believe in that sort of love.

Mitsakake: I think Mariko proved him wrong.

Hotohori: I'm happy for them. Mariko is sweet, kind, loving, caring....

Nuriko: The head of a gambling ring, sneaky, conniving....

Tamahome: Hey, Nuriko! That's my daughter you're talking about!

Miaka: But, he's right. However, consider Mariko's gambling ring a good thing, Tamahome.

Tamahome: Care to explain to me how Mariko having a gambling ring is a good thing, Miaka?

Miaka: She's got leadership qualities. She's got a quick wit. She gets that from you, Tamahome. So, all in all, it can't be that bad.

Nuriko: I know that ClareBear doesn't have a favorite couple. But, I have one. It's Mariko and Odayaka. I think they're perfect for each other.

Miaka: Just think about it. Thanks for agreeing with me, Nuriko. Hotohori.

Chiriko: I agree with you too, Miaka.

Mitsukake: They are so much alike, but it works.

Tamahome: ARE ANY OF YOU GOING TO LISTEN TO ME?! I DON'T LIKE THIS! SHE'S JUST A BABY! SHE'S MY BABY! I MAYBE DEAD, BUT SHE'S STILL MY BABY!

Tamahome is superdeformed and frantically waving his arms around.