"Star Lovers" by Ai Yuukan
Chapter 19
"Yui, don't! You'll be devoured by Seiryuu! YUI!" Miaka screamed.
"Hey, what's that?! Isn't that a dragon?! A dragon!"
Tetsuya shouted to Keisuke, "Keisuke! That's." He stared up at the dragon in the sky. his face pale.
Keisuke's eyes were shadowed. "Tasuki. Chichiri."
Nakago stared up at the dragon in the sky. "This is the second time I'm seen Seiryuu. as a dragon." He smiled slightly. "She'll live now." Nakago turned to leave. Lilian would live now. Yui cared for Lilian as well. All would be well.
So.cold. Yui looked up into the eyes of Seiryuu. She looked down and saw her nude body covered with scales. She was becoming one with Seiryuu.
"Seiryuu no Miko. Your third wish?"
Yui looked down. "I wish for Lilian. Taishi. Lily to live."
Seiryuu stared sadly at his Miko. "I know you do. but that is one thing I cannot grant." His eyes were sad. "Even if I wish it myself."
Yui looked up at Seiryuu. "What do you mean?"
"Lilian is the reason you have this second chance, Seiryuu no Miko. She went back into the book and was given the chance to rewrite its history. She took that chance. She did not interfere with the five events of sorrow, but it looks like she may yet interfere with the sixth."
"The five events of sorrow.?"
"The deaths of your seishi. Suboshi. Soi. Ashitare. Tomo. Miboshi. The sixth death has not occurred as of now."
Yui's eyes flashed. "Then it's either Amiboshi or." Her eyes widened. "Nakago.?!"
Seiryuu nodded. "You know who must die. Nakago. He will die."
"And Lily?" Yui's heart was breaking.
"She will die with him. Their deaths are meant to happen. My daughter disobeyed the gods and my three fellow gods have already punished her, each striking her a mortal blow. I was to end her life. quickly and mercilessly, as they would say it, but I could not. I hate prolonging her suffering, but it must be done. She still has one more duty to fulfill. Your wish. whatever it may be, if it be appropriate, and will not disturb the balance of the book world, will conclude her duty. She may then have one wish."
"But Lily will die." Yui's eyes stung.
"It is inevitable. Even now, she is dying. But she will not die before making her wish. and telling her love once more of her devotion. A promise needs to be made."
Yui shook her head, remembering Lilian's words. Lilian was born out of this merging. "But. Lily. she's. my daughter."
"And mine also. I love her as you do. as everyone does. I am her father. You are her mother. Even so. her death is inevitable." Seiryuu touched Yui's cheek. "Yui-sama. your wish.? We can stall no more."
Yui was openly crying. "But what should I wish for? I can't wish for Lilian's life, I can't wish to help Miaka, and I can't wish to make anyone happy! What the hell am I supposed to wish for?!"
"Wish for another's happiness. Wish for something. Time is running out."
"Time."
The brave nurse went up to the general as he arrived. Her eyes shone with sadness. "Mister.? Lilian Smith has been moved to another room."
Nakago's eyes flashed. "What are you talking about?"
The brave nurse took in a deep breath. "The doctors have given up hope. I'm sorry."
Nakago's life flashed before his eyes. "What. What are you trying to tell me?"
The nurse stared at the handsome man sadly. It was obvious the man cared deeply for the girl. The fear in his eyes was heartbreaking. She hated to be the one to tell him the news, but someone had to. "She's. dying. It is expected she only has an hour to live."
Nakago saw black. "Lily.?" He pushed the nurse aside and strode into the hospital, desperately searching for her chi. The nurse shook her head sadly. she knew true love when she saw it. The man was about to get his heart broken. she had only seen that kind of love once before. in the eyes of her daughter's friend and her boyfriend. What was her name? Miaka.
"Lily?" He finally saw her, lying down on a bed, the mask over her face and the tubes in her body once more. He blasted away the door and stood over her. Her eyes were closed and she was breathing hard. She looked so weak. His eyes stinging, he ripped away the tubes and mask and knelt beside her bed. "Lily."
Lilian heard his voice and weakly opened her eyes. She saw Nakago's face and smiled weakly. "Na.ka.go." She could barely feel him as his fingers closed over her hand.
"Lily. I thought."
Lilian squeezed Nakago's hand weakly. "Let. me. guess. You tried. to make. Yui. wish for. my.life. right?"
Nakago nodded brokenly. "Lily. you're dying."
Lilian nodded weakly. ".I know."
"No. you can't. I'll find a way. I'll."
Lilian smiled gently. "No, Nakago. don't. I'm. going to die. You can't change that. no one. can." Her grip tightened on his hand. "But. I won't die. without helping my sisters." She looked into Nakago's eyes and felt her love for him swell in her heart. "Nakago. can you. help me. by helping them?"
Nakago wanted to pull her against him but she was weak. he felt a stark pain in his chest and he wondered if that's how it felt to feel one's heart break. "Anything. Lily."
Lilian smiled happily. "Thank you. Nakago. My sisters. please help them summon. the gods."
Nakago touched Lilian's face gently. "Lily. don't leave." He closed his eyes. He couldn't bear it if she died. his life had been hell until she had come to him, and he never wanted to let her go. She had taken away the loneliness. the hate he had for the world. his bitterness. and his heart. He loved her like no other. A tear spilled down his cheek. "Lily."
Lilian knew this would be the last time she would see him. she knew she would die before they saw each other again. Her eyes shone with tears. "Nakago. I love you."
Nakago smiled gently. "As I love you. I hope?"
Lilian chuckled weakly. "If you love me as much as I love you. then." Her eyes sparkled. "I'm happy."
Nakago healed the wounds caused by the ripped tubes and stared into her eyes. "This is it. isn't it, Lily?"
Lilian nodded sadly. "It is. Nakago." A single tear slid down her cheek. "I don't want. to die. I'm. afraid."
Nakago could feel her fear. he felt it himself. "Lily. promise me."
Lilian nodded. "Anything."
"Promise me. we'll see each other again." He didn't want to let her go. she was all he had. but he had been selfish. He should have seen it before. Her sisters. she loved them so much. He hadn't really thought of it that much, but her love for her sisters ran deeper than he had ever thought possible. He had lost a mother. a dear friend. and now he was losing her.
Lilian gazed into Nakago's eyes. "I promise." She smiled wryly. "I can't believe I once hated you."
Nakago smiled. "And I, you."
Lilian's eyes widened momentarily. "You hated me?" She sounded surprised.
Nakago leaned over and gently held up her head. "Not as much as I love you now." He said softly, pressing his lips to hers.
Lilian gently responded to his kiss, pouring all the love and tenderness she felt for him into it. Tears slid down her cheeks. Nakago. I love you. I will always love you.
"Nakago." Miaka stared at the Kotou general as he made his way toward them. His eyes were impassive. Miaka looked at Samantha.
"Tei. The Shinzahos. Hurry."
Samantha nodded and gave them to Miaka. Vivien gently pushed Kathryn to Miaka and Samantha. "You three call the gods. I'll handle Nakago."
Kathryn stared at Vivien. "Are you sure?"
Vivien's eyes flashed. "I'm more than a match for him."
Nakago looked at the four young women sadly. They didn't know. But it had to be done. He reached into the folds of his cloak and threw a necklace at them. Samantha caught the necklace. "What's this.?"
Kathryn stared. ". Yui's necklace. the one she wore at the ceremony!"
Nakago nodded. "It will help you call the gods. That necklace is now a Shinzaho. You now have three Shinzahos. I hope it will be enough."
Vivien stared. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
"Vi!"
Vivien froze, recognizing that voice instantly. "Tasuki?!" She turned around and came face to face with the bandit. She had to look up to look into his eyes. She reached to touch his face. "Tasuki.? How.?"
Tasuki smirked. "How long did you think I could go on without you?"
Vivien smiled tearfully. "Tasuki." She hugged him tight. "Lily. she's."
"Vivi." Samantha didn't know what to do.
"Sammy." Samantha knew that voice. She looked beside her and was surprised to see Amiboshi standing beside her.
"Ami. I mean. Kaika. what are you doing here?"
Amiboshi smiled fondly at the Genbu no Miko. "It's Amiboshi. I'm here for you."
Kathryn looked on at her sisters and their lovers and her heart ached. Hotohori. "I'm here."
Kathryn turned around. Her heart froze. "Hotohori.?" She stepped back. "What's going on?" She demanded angrily. Was this some cruel trick?
Hotohori reached for her. Kathryn was surprised when she didn't move away. Hotohori cupped her cheek. "Kathryn. aishiteru."
Kathryn's eyes were stinging with unspilt tears. It couldn't be. "Who are you?"
Hotohori stared gently into Kathryn's eyes. "I'm the one you love."
Kathryn stared into his eyes. Her own eyes widened. "Hotohori?"
Miaka stared sadly at the reunited couples. Nakago, too, watched them wistfully. He placed his hand on Miaka's shoulder. Miaka turned. "Suzaku no Miko. I'm sorry."
Miaka stared at Nakago. "Nakago?"
Nakago's eyes were sad. and deep. "I didn't understand the bond between you and Tamahome. I'm sorry I killed Tamahome. I didn't realize what I was doing. I was wrong."
Miaka smiled sadly. "Daijobu." She understood.
"The four palaces of the heavens, the four corners of the earth. In the name of sacred law, belief, and goodness. I summon thee, Suzaku, Lord of the South." Miaka chanted, her eyes closed in concentration.
"I summon thee, Genbu, Lord of the North." Samantha looked to the heavens.
"I summon thee, Byakko, Lord of the West. I now say these words to thee." Kathryn squeezed her sister's hand tightly.
"Appear on earth from the seven palaces of the heavens. For the sake of those here who adore you."
"Come to us here. With thy holy power, smash the evil which threatens us. Save us! And hear my wish to thee! Suzaku!"
"Genbu!"
"Byakko!"
"Descend to us now from the heavens!"
Vivien stared up at the sky. "Here they come!"
Nakago looked on sadly as the white, green, and red lights enveloped the three girls. Their wishes would be made soon. and he.
"My wish. give Yui back to me!"
"I wish. for the safety of my world!"
"I wish for the safety of his world!"
It was done. Nakago watched as the white, green, and red lights disappeared to reveal the three girls returned to the ground. Vivien rushed to her sisters and friend. "Kate! Sammy! Miaka!"
The gods remained in the sky for a long while. Nakago knew what they were waiting for. the sacrifice. He had known all along. all three girls had powerful wills. and could not be devoured. But they needed a sacrifice. to ensure the balance. and to survive. He knew what he had to do.
"We're losing her!" The nurse shouted to the other nurses. They didn't dare come in. Furious, the nurse rushed to Lilian and started to try to pump air back into Lilian's chest. They were losing her. Seiryuu was pale. He held Lilian's hand. "Lily."
Lilian knew she was dying. She stared into her father's grieved eyes. "Daddy." She whispered. The nurse shook her head, begging her not to talk. It would be easier that way. She closed her eyes. "Nakago."
The gods stared down at the general as he approached them. Suzaku stepped forward. Seiryuu seishi, Nakago. are you certain?
Genbu looked hard at the Seiryuu seishi. You will sacrifice yourself.?
Byakko's eyes softened. What of Lilian?
Nakago smiled softly. Lily. He looked up at the gods and smirked. "Lily.? She wouldn't have it any other way."
Chapter 19
"Yui, don't! You'll be devoured by Seiryuu! YUI!" Miaka screamed.
"Hey, what's that?! Isn't that a dragon?! A dragon!"
Tetsuya shouted to Keisuke, "Keisuke! That's." He stared up at the dragon in the sky. his face pale.
Keisuke's eyes were shadowed. "Tasuki. Chichiri."
Nakago stared up at the dragon in the sky. "This is the second time I'm seen Seiryuu. as a dragon." He smiled slightly. "She'll live now." Nakago turned to leave. Lilian would live now. Yui cared for Lilian as well. All would be well.
So.cold. Yui looked up into the eyes of Seiryuu. She looked down and saw her nude body covered with scales. She was becoming one with Seiryuu.
"Seiryuu no Miko. Your third wish?"
Yui looked down. "I wish for Lilian. Taishi. Lily to live."
Seiryuu stared sadly at his Miko. "I know you do. but that is one thing I cannot grant." His eyes were sad. "Even if I wish it myself."
Yui looked up at Seiryuu. "What do you mean?"
"Lilian is the reason you have this second chance, Seiryuu no Miko. She went back into the book and was given the chance to rewrite its history. She took that chance. She did not interfere with the five events of sorrow, but it looks like she may yet interfere with the sixth."
"The five events of sorrow.?"
"The deaths of your seishi. Suboshi. Soi. Ashitare. Tomo. Miboshi. The sixth death has not occurred as of now."
Yui's eyes flashed. "Then it's either Amiboshi or." Her eyes widened. "Nakago.?!"
Seiryuu nodded. "You know who must die. Nakago. He will die."
"And Lily?" Yui's heart was breaking.
"She will die with him. Their deaths are meant to happen. My daughter disobeyed the gods and my three fellow gods have already punished her, each striking her a mortal blow. I was to end her life. quickly and mercilessly, as they would say it, but I could not. I hate prolonging her suffering, but it must be done. She still has one more duty to fulfill. Your wish. whatever it may be, if it be appropriate, and will not disturb the balance of the book world, will conclude her duty. She may then have one wish."
"But Lily will die." Yui's eyes stung.
"It is inevitable. Even now, she is dying. But she will not die before making her wish. and telling her love once more of her devotion. A promise needs to be made."
Yui shook her head, remembering Lilian's words. Lilian was born out of this merging. "But. Lily. she's. my daughter."
"And mine also. I love her as you do. as everyone does. I am her father. You are her mother. Even so. her death is inevitable." Seiryuu touched Yui's cheek. "Yui-sama. your wish.? We can stall no more."
Yui was openly crying. "But what should I wish for? I can't wish for Lilian's life, I can't wish to help Miaka, and I can't wish to make anyone happy! What the hell am I supposed to wish for?!"
"Wish for another's happiness. Wish for something. Time is running out."
"Time."
The brave nurse went up to the general as he arrived. Her eyes shone with sadness. "Mister.? Lilian Smith has been moved to another room."
Nakago's eyes flashed. "What are you talking about?"
The brave nurse took in a deep breath. "The doctors have given up hope. I'm sorry."
Nakago's life flashed before his eyes. "What. What are you trying to tell me?"
The nurse stared at the handsome man sadly. It was obvious the man cared deeply for the girl. The fear in his eyes was heartbreaking. She hated to be the one to tell him the news, but someone had to. "She's. dying. It is expected she only has an hour to live."
Nakago saw black. "Lily.?" He pushed the nurse aside and strode into the hospital, desperately searching for her chi. The nurse shook her head sadly. she knew true love when she saw it. The man was about to get his heart broken. she had only seen that kind of love once before. in the eyes of her daughter's friend and her boyfriend. What was her name? Miaka.
"Lily?" He finally saw her, lying down on a bed, the mask over her face and the tubes in her body once more. He blasted away the door and stood over her. Her eyes were closed and she was breathing hard. She looked so weak. His eyes stinging, he ripped away the tubes and mask and knelt beside her bed. "Lily."
Lilian heard his voice and weakly opened her eyes. She saw Nakago's face and smiled weakly. "Na.ka.go." She could barely feel him as his fingers closed over her hand.
"Lily. I thought."
Lilian squeezed Nakago's hand weakly. "Let. me. guess. You tried. to make. Yui. wish for. my.life. right?"
Nakago nodded brokenly. "Lily. you're dying."
Lilian nodded weakly. ".I know."
"No. you can't. I'll find a way. I'll."
Lilian smiled gently. "No, Nakago. don't. I'm. going to die. You can't change that. no one. can." Her grip tightened on his hand. "But. I won't die. without helping my sisters." She looked into Nakago's eyes and felt her love for him swell in her heart. "Nakago. can you. help me. by helping them?"
Nakago wanted to pull her against him but she was weak. he felt a stark pain in his chest and he wondered if that's how it felt to feel one's heart break. "Anything. Lily."
Lilian smiled happily. "Thank you. Nakago. My sisters. please help them summon. the gods."
Nakago touched Lilian's face gently. "Lily. don't leave." He closed his eyes. He couldn't bear it if she died. his life had been hell until she had come to him, and he never wanted to let her go. She had taken away the loneliness. the hate he had for the world. his bitterness. and his heart. He loved her like no other. A tear spilled down his cheek. "Lily."
Lilian knew this would be the last time she would see him. she knew she would die before they saw each other again. Her eyes shone with tears. "Nakago. I love you."
Nakago smiled gently. "As I love you. I hope?"
Lilian chuckled weakly. "If you love me as much as I love you. then." Her eyes sparkled. "I'm happy."
Nakago healed the wounds caused by the ripped tubes and stared into her eyes. "This is it. isn't it, Lily?"
Lilian nodded sadly. "It is. Nakago." A single tear slid down her cheek. "I don't want. to die. I'm. afraid."
Nakago could feel her fear. he felt it himself. "Lily. promise me."
Lilian nodded. "Anything."
"Promise me. we'll see each other again." He didn't want to let her go. she was all he had. but he had been selfish. He should have seen it before. Her sisters. she loved them so much. He hadn't really thought of it that much, but her love for her sisters ran deeper than he had ever thought possible. He had lost a mother. a dear friend. and now he was losing her.
Lilian gazed into Nakago's eyes. "I promise." She smiled wryly. "I can't believe I once hated you."
Nakago smiled. "And I, you."
Lilian's eyes widened momentarily. "You hated me?" She sounded surprised.
Nakago leaned over and gently held up her head. "Not as much as I love you now." He said softly, pressing his lips to hers.
Lilian gently responded to his kiss, pouring all the love and tenderness she felt for him into it. Tears slid down her cheeks. Nakago. I love you. I will always love you.
"Nakago." Miaka stared at the Kotou general as he made his way toward them. His eyes were impassive. Miaka looked at Samantha.
"Tei. The Shinzahos. Hurry."
Samantha nodded and gave them to Miaka. Vivien gently pushed Kathryn to Miaka and Samantha. "You three call the gods. I'll handle Nakago."
Kathryn stared at Vivien. "Are you sure?"
Vivien's eyes flashed. "I'm more than a match for him."
Nakago looked at the four young women sadly. They didn't know. But it had to be done. He reached into the folds of his cloak and threw a necklace at them. Samantha caught the necklace. "What's this.?"
Kathryn stared. ". Yui's necklace. the one she wore at the ceremony!"
Nakago nodded. "It will help you call the gods. That necklace is now a Shinzaho. You now have three Shinzahos. I hope it will be enough."
Vivien stared. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
"Vi!"
Vivien froze, recognizing that voice instantly. "Tasuki?!" She turned around and came face to face with the bandit. She had to look up to look into his eyes. She reached to touch his face. "Tasuki.? How.?"
Tasuki smirked. "How long did you think I could go on without you?"
Vivien smiled tearfully. "Tasuki." She hugged him tight. "Lily. she's."
"Vivi." Samantha didn't know what to do.
"Sammy." Samantha knew that voice. She looked beside her and was surprised to see Amiboshi standing beside her.
"Ami. I mean. Kaika. what are you doing here?"
Amiboshi smiled fondly at the Genbu no Miko. "It's Amiboshi. I'm here for you."
Kathryn looked on at her sisters and their lovers and her heart ached. Hotohori. "I'm here."
Kathryn turned around. Her heart froze. "Hotohori.?" She stepped back. "What's going on?" She demanded angrily. Was this some cruel trick?
Hotohori reached for her. Kathryn was surprised when she didn't move away. Hotohori cupped her cheek. "Kathryn. aishiteru."
Kathryn's eyes were stinging with unspilt tears. It couldn't be. "Who are you?"
Hotohori stared gently into Kathryn's eyes. "I'm the one you love."
Kathryn stared into his eyes. Her own eyes widened. "Hotohori?"
Miaka stared sadly at the reunited couples. Nakago, too, watched them wistfully. He placed his hand on Miaka's shoulder. Miaka turned. "Suzaku no Miko. I'm sorry."
Miaka stared at Nakago. "Nakago?"
Nakago's eyes were sad. and deep. "I didn't understand the bond between you and Tamahome. I'm sorry I killed Tamahome. I didn't realize what I was doing. I was wrong."
Miaka smiled sadly. "Daijobu." She understood.
"The four palaces of the heavens, the four corners of the earth. In the name of sacred law, belief, and goodness. I summon thee, Suzaku, Lord of the South." Miaka chanted, her eyes closed in concentration.
"I summon thee, Genbu, Lord of the North." Samantha looked to the heavens.
"I summon thee, Byakko, Lord of the West. I now say these words to thee." Kathryn squeezed her sister's hand tightly.
"Appear on earth from the seven palaces of the heavens. For the sake of those here who adore you."
"Come to us here. With thy holy power, smash the evil which threatens us. Save us! And hear my wish to thee! Suzaku!"
"Genbu!"
"Byakko!"
"Descend to us now from the heavens!"
Vivien stared up at the sky. "Here they come!"
Nakago looked on sadly as the white, green, and red lights enveloped the three girls. Their wishes would be made soon. and he.
"My wish. give Yui back to me!"
"I wish. for the safety of my world!"
"I wish for the safety of his world!"
It was done. Nakago watched as the white, green, and red lights disappeared to reveal the three girls returned to the ground. Vivien rushed to her sisters and friend. "Kate! Sammy! Miaka!"
The gods remained in the sky for a long while. Nakago knew what they were waiting for. the sacrifice. He had known all along. all three girls had powerful wills. and could not be devoured. But they needed a sacrifice. to ensure the balance. and to survive. He knew what he had to do.
"We're losing her!" The nurse shouted to the other nurses. They didn't dare come in. Furious, the nurse rushed to Lilian and started to try to pump air back into Lilian's chest. They were losing her. Seiryuu was pale. He held Lilian's hand. "Lily."
Lilian knew she was dying. She stared into her father's grieved eyes. "Daddy." She whispered. The nurse shook her head, begging her not to talk. It would be easier that way. She closed her eyes. "Nakago."
The gods stared down at the general as he approached them. Suzaku stepped forward. Seiryuu seishi, Nakago. are you certain?
Genbu looked hard at the Seiryuu seishi. You will sacrifice yourself.?
Byakko's eyes softened. What of Lilian?
Nakago smiled softly. Lily. He looked up at the gods and smirked. "Lily.? She wouldn't have it any other way."
