~ Chapter 30 ~

For the Love of Suzaku

            I ran as fast as I could through the long corridors of Heaven, barely tripping on my Goddess robes. We were forbidden to use our power of flight through the corridors, so I had to do the next best thing.

            Heaven was a beautiful place, the walls and floors shining with an unusual brilliance and richness, but it didn't suit me at all. I didn't want to stay here, I was so lonely.

            I kept running until I met two huge, never-ending double doors at the end of the corridor. I carefully twisted the diamond doorknobs and threw the doors open, running in to the platform where the floor ended. Above were many unnamed rooms, and I knew one of them, the most elaborate looking one, had to have my mentor, my so-called father, in it.

            I spread out my wings and jumped off the platform, flying around quickly to every door, searching. I didn't want to waste any time.

            My expression grew firmer as I spotted the room I was looking for. It was at the very top with another set of double doors. I threw myself at the doors and broke in, doing a somersault and then jumping to my bare feet.

            I looked around, I didn't see Suzaku right away, but I knew he was here. He had to be!

            "Suzaku!! I need a word!!" I yelled at the top of my lungs, my voice straining with emotion. I listened to that pathetic sound echo around the room, until it died off.

            I was getting more and more aggravated by the minute. If he wasn't going to show up, then I would have to somehow leave by myself!

            Waiting a few more minutes and getting no response, I turned around briskly and started out, only to be stopped.

            "Matte."

            I turned around, a cynical gleam flickering in my eyes. "So … you are here."

            "What is it that you want to talk about?"

            I turned around fully again, my robes and wings swishing lightly as I crossed my arms. "I want out of here. I can't take this kind of lifestyle."

            "But you are the only one to continue my reign. I need you here."

            "Isn't there ANY way…??" I started to get desperate.

            There was a pause. "There is. But there are consequences."

            "I don't care!! Just tell me … I just want to go back …" My wings drooped.

            "Goddess abilities and powers are forbidden in the mortal world, so in order to actually become a mortal, you have to give up all of your powers."

            "Then who'll take over for you?"

            "Your powers will be transferred over to me, which will give me strength to reign again. I have become weak over the decades … very weak. Your powers would give me the ability to go back into power."

            "Are you completely sure?"

            "Absolutely."

            I paused, taking this all in. "So, I just give you my powers … and I'm mortal and good to return to my world?"

            "Yes. But take heed, it won't be as easy as it sounds."

            "I'll do it."

"I-I can't believe that just happened …"

"Is she really gone…?"

The three of them walked around in a daze, in denial, as the searched the apartment once more. It was their last shred of hope …

Chichiri was the only one who didn't join in the search. There was no use pretending that I wasn't there … because what had just happened was reality. He stared at the blank white wall where the portal to Heaven once was.

"It was real…"

My body felt as if parts inside of me were being ripped out, literally. It hurt so much to lose my powers, and above all, my wings. It hurt physically, as well as mentally. When the process was over, I fell to my knees. I felt so powerless … so drained and weak.

Suzaku approached me and, with his new powers, made me get to my wavering balance on my feet.

"Arigato … Chiri." And for the first time, he smiled. He must have saw the exhausted look on my face, because he put his pointer finger on my forehead and closed his eyes. I felt my mortal strength returning.

"I-I'm sorry … but I would like to go now …" I said rather uncertainly. Suzaku stood and backed up.

"Very well."

My body glowed the crimson color once more. I turned and focused my gaze on him for one last time.

"Thank you …" I barely had time to finish, as he whisked me away … back to everyone.

I slowly materialized on flat, hard ground outside our apartment. I stood there, staring at it. It seemed like forever … when it was only a day and a half … since I left.

I looked down at myself. I was still in my Goddess clothing. I still had something to remind me of him.

My feet moved slowly, one in front of the other. My body was leading me to the front door, when my mind was still out on the front lawn where I once stood. My hand reached out and turned the doorknob slowly, and with a creak, the door opened. I was afraid at what I would see when I looked inside.

It was creepy. There was no noise in the house … nothing. With my bare feet, I made no noise walking down the hallway. Just my robes, which swished faintly as I moved.

I peered slowly into the living room, and saw everyone sitting around the room. They were all staring off; they looked as if they were listening for anything … something to reassure them of their loss.

I stepped more into the living room entrance. I didn't know how to get their attention. I thought of something to say.

Heh, I didn't need to think for very long. Chichiri was, of course, the first to acknowledge my presence. His face was that of pure shock. He stood up.

I smiled genuinely for the first time since I had left, and waved timidly.

"Hey."

End.

(and you thought it would never come? Hah!)

_______________________________

I might write a little epilogue for this … (I can't believe it's over ! o.o)

Reviews welcome! Matta ne!