He felt the warmth of the sun as dawn approached. Still, he rebelled against waking up He searched frantically for an alternative, but conceded defeat when he found none. Unwillingly, Yahiko released his sight, only to see the very reason for his misery. He had spent the whole night with them, conversing with no response. He had shared his tale of how he had brought Kenji home. He confided in them the jealousy he had of Kenji, of his skill. He relieved precious memories with them as time drifted with the wind.
"He's just like you…" Yahiko remembered murmuring to him.
"And as cumbersome as you…." He had joked to her, mustering the weakest smile as he fought off the tears. "Enough tears had been shed," He convicted, "The funeral…"
The thought triggered Yahiko's newest revelation. Reality. The reality that time waits for no one. Funeral preparations had to be made. Sadness and anguish had to be endured until…
Suddenly, Yahiko heard the doors slide open. His eyes were fixed upon the intruder's solemn expression.
"Megumi?"
"Kenji…Kenji has…"
Yahiko sprang from his restful position and rushed to Kenji's room. When he reached it, a harmless sakabatou and an empty room was all that greeted him. No note or indication was left behind, nothing but his genpuku gift.
"No… It's all coming back. No… Not now… Have you not caused enough pain?"Possessed by rage, Yahiko reached for the blade when Megumi pulled him back.
"You cannot leave now… If you do…"
Regardless of his fury, Yahiko understood her intent. As important as Kenji was, he was needed here. He brushed the sword away helplessly and covered his face in his palm. Everything was coming back. Everything he thought he had finally escaped from was haunting him once more. Even in death…
"Why…?""Megumi? Yahiko?"
Tsubame's voice…
Salvation…