"Hearts Aflame" by Ai Yuukan
Chapter 17
"Miaka.. matte. Something's wrong." Vivien whispered to her friend. She could sense a Seiryuu's chi..
Miaka couldn't help but stare at her best friend. "Yui.."
Vivien closed her eyes. They were here. Suboshi.. and Lilian. She laid a hand on her stomach. Lilian would soon be.. an aunt. She smiled softly. She still couldn't quite believe it.. but a baby really was going inside her.. but although she was still alive.. If she stayed in her old world much longer.. her baby wouldn't survive. She opened her eyes and told herself to get a grip on herself.
This was no time to think. What she had to do was get this over with so she could go home.. to be with Tasuki. She didn't know if it could be true.. but maybe her daughter was hurting within her because of the absence of her father.. Vivien's heart bled slowly but surely as she longed for the man she loved. And maybe because her heart was hurting so much, it was affecting the baby within her..
Vivien tried to remember what was going to happen now. Suboshi was going to chase Miaka, but Tamahome would come to her rescue. Suboshi would be.. killed. Then Yui would learn the truth from Miaka.. She knew what was about to happen and she was prepared. All she had to do was do her part and make sure Miaka would be able to summon Suzaku. After all, Yui would not be allowed to wish for that ability for her friend.. She had to make sure Miaka summoned her father. That was all. That was all she had to concentrate her efforts upon. She had to focus.. on her duty.. before she could focus on her future.. with Tasuki..
"I finally found you, Miaka." Yui said in a cold, impersonal voice. "Where's Tamahome?"
Vivien looked away. This wasn't the real Yui speaking.. it was her envy and her confused mind. The Yui she knew was kind and reasonable.. but this experience had made her grow. Just like she and her sisters had grown.. into hopefully, better people.
"Yui!"
Suboshi stepped out of the shadows. Vivien stiffened. "Where's Tamahome?" He repeated Yui's question. "Yui-sama asked you a question, Suzaku no Miko." He said contemptuously.
Miaka gaped at the Seiryuu seishi. "Suboshi?! Why are you here?" She stared at the ribbon in his hand. "That's.. a ribbon from our school uniform!"
Yui smirked. "I gave it to him when we were still in the book world. Using it, he crossed dimensions and came here."
Miaka's eyes were pained. Vivien's heart constricted. Poor Miaka. "Yui-chan.. doushite?"
"Didn't I already tell you, Miaka? I won't allow you and Tamahome to be happy together. You can't return to the book anymore. All that remains is to make Tamahome disappear."
Miaka shook her head. "Yui, wait! Will you listen to what I have to say?" She moved towards her best friend. Vivien fought to keep herself still.
Suboshi stepped forward menacingly. "Stay away from Yui-sama!" Vivien looked at her sister and saw her own pain reflected in her eyes. They wanted this to stop.. but they could only watch as everything unfolded before their eyes. "I think I'm going to kill you before Tamahome. It's what you get for hurting Yui-sama, Suzaku no Miko!"
Vivien knew Miaka had gained courage from her presence. But she had to run. Vivien turned and took Miaka's arm. "Miaka! Run!" With one last stricken look at Yui, Miaka and Vivien ran.
"Hold it!"
As they ran, Vivien smiled sadly at the lack of dismay she felt. Normally, she would have been embarrassed at her cowardly action, but now she knew it was for her friend's protection.. and her daughter's..
"HOTOHORI!!" Kathryn screamed, crumpling to the floor. Her hand clutched at her heart. "Hotohori." Vivien stared. No.. it couldn't be..
Keisuke stared at Kathryn. "What's going on?!"
Miaka was pale. That had been Hotohori's voice she had heard.. calling their names. She knelt besides Kathryn. "Shoshi.. what's going on..?" She turned to look at Tamahome. Keisuke was examining him. "He's suffered major bruises and internal bleeding." He sighed. "At least none of his bones are broken."
Miaka bent over Tamahome. "Tamahome. We can't return him to the book like this, right?" She said to Keisuke. "Right? Right?!" Vivien looked away sadly. She told herself to feel nothing, knowing she had expected this.. but she couldn't bear the looks on Kathryn and Miaka's faces. Vivien closed her eyes and forced her tears to stay. She had to be strong.. But Kathryn.. was losing.. Hotohori. The one she loved..
Miaka closed her eyes. "Because of Yui's wish. I can't go back into the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho. If Tamahome goes back in the book, we'll never see each other again." Miaka shook her head. "But.. but.. inside the book, right now, everyone's.." She clenched her fists. "What should I do?" She stared at Kathryn, who was crying on the floor. "How can I help her? How can I help everyone?!" Vivien wanted to say something, but couldn't.
"Miaka. could I have a word with you?" Tetsuya took Miaka aside and showed her the book. "It's the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho." Miaka couldn't see his eyes beyond his sunglasses. "I read it just now and.. Mitsukake died."
Miaka's eyes grew shadowed. Mistukake.. "Hotohori's about to die from his injuries as well."
Miaka's eyes widened. Hotohori! She glanced back at Kathryn.. crying. She knows. "Maybe.. just maybe.. your voice can reach him."
Miaka was shaken. "Mitsu..kake. Hotohori.. Hotohori.." Miaka took the book from Tetsuya and went to Kathryn. "Hotohori!" Vivien turned around.
Hotohori heard. "Miaka.. Miaka's voice.. from the sky."
Miaka gripped the book tightly. "Hotohori, Tasuki, Chichiri! Can you hear me? It's me!" Vivien couldn't stop the tears anymore. She fell to her knees and started to cry.. her heart breaking along with her sisters.. Why couldn't she help.. why was Suzaku doing this to her..? Did her father.. hate her that much..?
Miaka slammed her fist against the floor. "Why? Why is everyone..?" Her eyes widened. She stared at Kathryn unconscious in Keisuke's arms, at her tear-stained cheeks. "Suzaku.! If only I had been able to summon Suzaku!"
Tetsuya put a hand on Miaka's shoulder. "No. it was probably for the best you didn't."
Miaka stared at Tetsuya. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Listen. Becoming a Miko. and summoning the divine beast, means becoming a sacrifice. After Yui makes her next wish to Seiryuu, she may be devoured."
Miaka stared, all color leaching from her face. "Yui's going to be devoured by Seiryuu..?" She whispered, unable to believe it. Vivien's heart wrenched.
"Miaka!" Mrs. Yuuki called out. "There's a phone call for you from Yui!"
Miaka stood up and left the room with one last look at Kathryn. Vivien and Samantha knelt beside Keisuke and Tetsuya. "It's going to be soon, Sammy.." Vivien murmured, brushing the hair from Kathryn's pale face. She needed to be strong.. not only for her daughter.. but her sister's as well. And it was going to be soon.. all too soon..
Vivien had had enough. And thankfully, so had her sisters.
Samantha stared down at Kathryn with pained eyes. "So much has happened.. we hardly ever interfered with the events supposed to happen.. but still, so much has changed."
Vivien nodded slowly. That was true.. She smiled wryly. She didn't think she and her sisters falling for guys from the Shicho had been expected. And really.. so much had changed. Tetsuya stared at Samantha intently. "We could have changed so much.. prevented so many deaths."
Samantha stared at Kathryn. "Hotohori's dead.. Kathryn is Houki.. she carries his child. Vivi.. we should have known."
Vivien's eyes glowed. She hoped her sisters would be with her on this one. She had had enough. Why should everyone suffer? All.. over again? She remembered the pain Yui and Miaka had felt before.. when everything had happened already.. and her heart hardened. "Sammy.. we should do something. We could have prevented Hotohori's death.. and everyone else's. Why don't we do something now?" She was sick of this, already! Why should they be ordered about like puppets by the gods? They had to do something!
Samantha stared at her sister. "Come again?"
Vivien nodded emphatically. She stood. She had had enough! "We're near the end of the story, Sammy. Everything is going to be concluded very soon. We might as well do something."
Samantha turned away. She could have prevented so many deaths. but the rules had kept her from saving lives. maybe it was high time those rules were broken. What could the gods do now? She knew, unlike Vivien, that the end was indeed near. She knew so many things she rather wished she didn't. She knew that Lilian was at a risk to be sacrificed.. that Kathryn would definitely be one of the two to remain in the book, and that she would be separated from Amiboshi yet again. She knew so many things. it was indeed high time she did something. She nodded her head in agreement. "Hai. We're going to do something, Vivi. Even if it's too late, we have to try." She looked at Vivien. "Vivi.. the Shinzahos."
Vivien took out the Byakko and Genbu Shinzahos. "What about them?" Now, things were beginning to look up! Watch out gods, thing were about to change! Her heart saddened. But the gods would punish them.. Vivien looked around and when she saw the looks on her sister's faces, realized sadly.. that they were all facing the same consequences. They might all die.. but how could they just watch while their friends suffered? This was something that had to be done! If she died.. at least she would be able to say it had been worth something. She closed her eyes. Tasuki.. and her baby.. She didn't want to leave them. She couldn't kill the baby that rested within her.. but she had to do this. She summoned her father's essence to her mind. Father.. are you angry? She asked him softly.
Suzaku smiled sadly in his daughter's mind. No.. you all.. make me proud. I have always loved you, daughter.. and no matter the consequences.. I promise you.. your child.. will be safe.
Vivien smiled sadly. A tear trickled down her cheek. Thanks.. dad.
Samantha took the Shinzahos. "We're going to use them.. together."
Vivien stared. "Nani?!"
Samantha nodded and slipped the necklace around her neck. She slipped the mirror into her belt. "We're going to summon Byakko, Genbu, and Suzaku at the same time. Tell Kathryn the plan when she wakes up." She stood. "I need to think."
"I thought Lilian was the one who thought for you." Tetsuya said wryly. "Now I remember you."
Vivien, Keisuke, and Samantha stared. Tetsuya gazed at them from behind his sunglasses. "I thought you looked familiar, Samantha. All four of you.. you were here before."
Vivien stared. "How.?" No freakin' way! He remembered them?!
Tetsuya held up the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho. "When all four of you were sucked into the book, Miaka, Yui, Keisuke, and Taka all went to Suzuno's place to ask our friend for help. They left me in the library. I was the one reading your adventures. Somehow I think the book cast some sort of spell over me, making me forget who you guys were.. temporarily. I called our friend to ask after Miaka and the others, and I learned that they had somehow disappeared. I suddenly found myself in my car with Keisuke.. that was the day he learned about Miaka's adventures in this book. I had forgotten everything.. but now I remember."
Keisuke stared at Tetsuya as if he were a different person. "What are you.?"
Tetsuya flipped the pages of the book. "While reading, I looked at the beginning of the book and learned the truth. I didn't believe it at first. but now you've just proved me wrong."
Samantha stared at Vivien sullenly. "When did we forget he was in the room?"
Tetsuya smiled. "You girls have duties to fulfill.. I agree with your plan. End the story as soon as possible. but what will that accomplish?"
"Kate and I will be able to make our wishes. One wish each. The sooner we get to make our wishes, the sooner I can right at least one of the wrongs done in this story."
Vivien nodded. "It's the least we can do." And didn't Suzaku say that she would have a wish of her own once her duty was fulfilled?
"Are you sure those two Shinzahos will be able to do the trick? Summoning three of the divine beasts?"
Samantha shrugged helplessly. "It's the best we can do."
Yui stared at Miaka, emotionless. She closed her eyes. "Do you mind if I kneel down?" She gently knelt on the ground, her eyes closed in exhaustion. "I'm tired."
Miaka handed Yui her ribbon. "Here.. Suboshi.. was holding this when he died."
Yui took the ribbon and stared at it with empty, hurt eyes. Lilian touched Yui's shoulder. Vivien smiled sadly. As she had bonded with Miaka.. Lilian had done the same with Yui. Yui smiled mirthlessly. "I guess this means that Nakago. is my only ally now."
Miaka shook her head. "Yui.. please listen! Nakago is no friend of yours!" Lilian tensed. "Lily wasn't raped by those men, Yui!"
Yui stared, dumbstruck, at Miaka. "NO!" She whirled around to face Lilian. "Lily. tell her she's lying!" Lilian didn't move.. or answer her friend.
"He saved her then! But to turn us against each other, Nakago kept quiet about it. He knew you, Yui. He knew that whether Lilian had not been raped in your place or not, the effect would be the same: you could be moved to hate me. Lilian wasn't raped! Nakago saved her just in time! He made you think she was raped, because he knew you would think that it was still my fault! He knew he could make you hate me!"
Vivien was numb with shock. Was that what had happened?! Yui had done all this because Lilian.. had almost been raped? She gasped. Of course! Why hadn't she realized that?! Back at Taittsukun's place.. she had seen the whole scenario of Yui and Lilian running from some sick-minded thugs, but she hadn't realized..
Yui's eyes were wide with shock. "Y-You're lying! You're lying!"
Miaka shook her head. "I'm not lying! Nakago only wants the power of Seiryuu! That and.." She took an old letter from the folds of her skirt. She handed the letter to Yui. ".. please read this letter. It's a letter from the previous owner of the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho. Okuda Einosuke, to his friend, Mr. Ohsugi."
With shaking hands, Yui took the letter from Miaka. She raised the letter to her eyes and began to read. Vivien sighed sadly. Now she would know.
"Dear Ohsugi.. I have no choice but to ask you to take care of the rest. There's no time.. I found a certain book. A book of scriptures known as the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho. But the book absorbed my daughter, Takiko. The book itself had magical qualities. My daughter became the main character of the book, summoned Genbu, then returned to me. But my daughter was then in tremendous pain and agony. Every time she made a wish, my daughter's body was being devoured by Genbu. If my daughter is going to be devoured.. I prefer to take her life myself.. and then take my own. But before that, I wanted to dispose of the book.. but it wouldn't burn. The book must we waiting for the rest of the Mikos.. The Mikos of Byakko, Suzaku, and Seiryuu. Please seal this book away for me, my friend.. As my final wish.
"The Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho couldn't be sealed away. Then Mr. Ohsugi's daughter, Suzuno.. was absorbed next and became the Byakko no Miko. But.. she wasn't devoured .. Having a strong will.. If you have heart, you can defeat the divine beast. Yui, please believe me!"
Yui shook her head. "It's a lie. This is a lie!"
"Yui."
"A lie. it has to be a lie!" She turned to run, but Lilian grabbed hold of her. Vivien stared. Yui stared as well. Was it just her, but suddenly, did her sister seem incredibly strong?
"It's not a lie, Yui-sama." Lilian said softly. Vivien closed her eyes. This was it.
Yui stared. "Lily."
"Yui.. it's time you knew the truth. I'm not who I seem. I come from a different time, Yui-sama. I come from the time when the story of the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho has already ended. I was your friend.. a penpal from the United States. I.. am the daughter of Seiryuu."
Miaka and Yui stared. "Lily.. what are you saying?"
"I am the daughter of Seiryuu. Yui.. when your soul merged with Seiryuu's.. my father's.. I was created. With your second wish, I began to grow. But your third wish.. I was sent to the book to stop you from wishing what you will wish."
Yui's eyes were wide.. her horror at being betrayed by Nakago forgotten in light of this astonishing news. "That was.. is my one duty. I was not allowed to interfere with the events I knew would pass. That was why.. I hated Nakago when I first met him."
Miaka stared. "Lily."
Vivien sighed. Finally. It was out.
Lilian smiled gently at Miaka. "That was why I always wanted to protect you, Miaka.. I knew you were in the right." She looked down. "But my duty is.. almost over. Yui-sama.. Nakago was going to force you to wish for his ascension into heaven as a god. but you were going to wish for Miaka to be given the ability to summon Suzaku instead. You cannot wish either wish. I don't know what you're going to wish in its place.. but whatever you do.. do not wish for anything that will upset the balance of the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho." She looked up. "Because if you do, I'll have to go through this all over again.. and I don't think I could bear it."
Vivien was suddenly behind her sister. "None of us could." She touched her sister's shoulder. Lilian smiled tearfully at her. It was if a great weight had been lifted from both of their hearts. Finally.. it was out.
Miaka stared. "Kyoku..?" What were they saying..? Could it be true?
Samantha shook her head. "We will never go through that again." She confirmed. Lilian turned to smile gratefully at her sisters.
"This will end today." Kathryn said softly, appearing behind her sisters. Her eyes were awash with pain. and acceptance. "I now know that even if I could go back and somehow prevent Hotohori's death.. I would never forgive myself if I would then risk my sisters' lives. Hotohori may be gone.." She stared at her sisters. "But someday. I know.. I'll see him again."
"Kate.."
Samantha nodded. "Yui, don't worry about Nakago's wish.. He won't force it upon you this time. He's found something.. no, someone, more important than power.. He's found Lily. He doesn't need his wish.. anymore."
Lilian gasped as something filled her heart. "Nakago.. he's here." Suddenly, she felt something slash at her soul. She let out a gasp of pain and surprise. She fell to her knees.
"Lily!" Vivien was beside her instantly. Her mind raced. What was going on?!
Lilian clutched at her heart. "What.. What's going on?" She gasped as she felt something rip at her soul, the very substance of her being. Vivien paled as her sister trembled.. with fear?"Yui.. help."
Yui stared at Lilian. Her friend was shaking.. and her skin was as pale as a sheet. "Lily!"
"Who are you?" Lilian whispered, gasping at the pain. Vivien paled. A god must be speaking to her! "Genbu?!" Genbu! Vivien started to shake with fear. No.. they couldn't.. No! Suddenly, Lilian felt another presence slash at her. Lilian bit her lip at the pain.
"Lily!" Vivien cried, seeing the awful bruises suddenly appear on her sister's skin. Kathryn and Samantha watched on in horror. "LILY!!"
Lilian shook, feeling suddenly terribly weak. "Byakko..? But.. why me?" She cried out as yet another being ripped at her very being. Lilian was thrown on her back. Her breathing was uneven as she struggled to hold on to consciousness. Lilian felt as if the life was seeping away from her. "Suzaku.."
Vivien gasped with horror. Suzaku.. Father! What are you doing to her?! Father! Answer me!! Vivien wept as dread entered her heart like a black cloud.
I'm sorry.. but it must be done..
No! Vivien suddenly felt pain grip her heart. Was this because of her? Was Lilian being punished for her sake? So that she.. and her daughter would live.. But.. No! She shook her head violently. She didn't want this.. not at the cost of her sister's life! No! If you must hurt someone, hurt me! Lilian only did what was right!
Suzaku's sorrow filled Vivien's heart. I am sorry, daughter.. but it is already done.
Miaka stared at the Seiryuu seishi, horrified and confused. She stared as a trickle of blood escaped Lilian's lips and several slashes appeared in various areas on her body, and started to bleed. "LILY!"
Lilian's mind was awash with pain, but in the still-conscious part of her mind, she still asked the voices in her mind. Why.. me.?
You would want your sisters to also suffer for your crime? Suzaku asked her in her mind. Lilian's eyes widened. "No!" Precisely. You alone will suffer for your crime. You began the crime, so you alone will pay the price.
Lilian screwed her eyes tightly. "Father.. Seiryuu. help me." Lilian immediately felt the familiar presence of her father in her mind. "Seiryuu!"
"Lily! What's going on?!" Kathryn demanded of her sister.
"Tetsuya! Keisuke!" Samantha ran to her friends. "What's going on? What does the book say?"
Tetsuya nodded and opened the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho. "Right!" He quickly scanned the pages for an answer. He had read of the confrontation between Yui and Miaka, and with little persuasion, had convinced Keisuke that they were needed here. He pointed out a small paragraph, the latest development in the book. "It says here.. 'The warrior from the other world suffered the wrath of the four gods for her sisters alone. For her crime, she will pay.. with her.. life.'" Tetsuya paled.
Vivien's face turned white. "They're killing her?!" Father! Do something! Hot tears cascaded down her cheeks like rivers of shame.
"Lily!" Kathryn's face was as white as a sheet.
Samantha grabbed the book from Tetsuya's hands. "It says here.. 'The girl awaited her final blow.. from her father.'"
Keisuke's eyes widened. "Her.. father?!"
Vivien gasped. "Seiryuu!" Not just her own father, but her uncle as well?! Would he destroy his own child?
Kathryn stared. "That means.. the other gods.. already hurt her.. and.."
".. Seiryuu is to strike the final blow." Samantha finished, pale- faced.
Lilian reached out to her father in her mind. "Seiryuu.. father."
My daughter.
"You.. are.. going to kill me."
There was a pause. The other gods spoke. He will kill you and spare your sisters. Genbu said gravely. Lilian gasped for breath. "LILY!" Kathryn whirled around to face her friends. "Call an ambulance! NOW!"
"Hai!"
You death will be your sisters' salvation. Byakko said softly in Lilian's mind. Lilian's bruises throbbed.
Vivien turned to Miaka and Yui. "Yui! Call Nakago! NOW!" She wept, holding her sister's hand. If Seiryuu wouldn't save her.. then perhaps.. the one she loved.. could.
"H-Hai!"
You have done well.. and have done your duty.. Your life has been fulfilled. Suzaku said gently. Blood continued to flow from Lilian's wounds.
Lilian shook her head weakly. "No.." Without Nakago, her life would never be complete.
Seiryuu.. Kill her.. Now.. The final blow.
Lilian closed her eyes. Seiryuu. her father. She smiled mirthlessly. Her father would be the one to end her life. Ironic.. that he had been the one to start it. Her father.. she had loved him.. truly. She was his daughter.. and he had loved her.. as only a true father could.. Dad..
No.
Lilian's eyes widened.
I will not be the one to end the life of my daughter.
Suzaku sighed. I suspected you wouldn't.
Genbu also sighed. She will die anyway.. her wounds are fatal.
Lilian smiled weakly. Daddy.. thank you.
Hold on, my daughter.
I love you, daddy.
All the voices were silent for a moment. Finally, she felt the other presences depart. Even.. her father. Lilian's eyes started to shine with tears.
"I.. love you too. Lily." Vivien gasped as a blue light suddenly shone before her sister.
Lilian looked up. Her father stood before her, without his godly splendours.. in his human guise. He looked just as he had at the airport when she and her sisters had left for Japan.. the time when he had only been one thing.. her father. "Daddy.."
She started to hear a siren. Her father picked her up and turned around to face her awestruck friends. Yui was pale. She could no longer feel the god in her body. Seiryuu nodded at her. "I will return to you when you will make your final wish." He promised her. ".. after I see to my daughter."
Lilian held on to her father with her arms loose around his shoulders. The world swayed. "Daddy.." She started to see black. "Nakago.."
Lilian went limp in her father's arms. Seiryuu only had to reach to feel her life force to be assured she was still alive. He nodded and looked to Yui once again. "Seiryuu no Miko.. call Nakago. Now."
Yui nodded. "I.. already did."
"He will appear.. once Lilian is secure in the hospital. Be ready to fight."
Miaka stared. "Fight? But why would Nakago want to fight us? Isn't he not interested in us anymore?"
Seiryuu didn't answer.
Yui stood in her room, facing the blue glow in front of her. Slowly, the figure of Nakago started to materialize in front of her. Yui waited patiently. "Nakago."
Nakago's eyes flashed. "Did you summon me, Yui-sama?"
"Nakago!" Yui sighed with heartfelt relief. "I'm so glad you're here!"
Nakago felt the first flash of alarm. "What is it? Where's Lily?"
Yui's eyes flashed with pain. "Lily.. is in the hospital."
"Hospital?"
"Nakago.. Lily's dying."
"I told him Lily was dying." Yui said, almost in a whisper, to Miaka.
Miaka held Yui's hands. "What did he say?"
Yui closed her eyes. "He.. didn't say anything. He just left." She remembered the shocked and anguished look in Nakago's eyes.. and remembered being surprised herself at the multitude of emotions flashing across the Seiryuu seishi's face when he had asked her to repeat herself.
Keisuke closed his eyes. "He loves her, doesn't he?"
Tetsuya nodded slowly, the book forgotten. "The love.. they have for each other. It's just as pure and true as the love between your sister and Tamahome, Keisuke. Nakago's truly changed. He loves Lilian.. with all his heart."
"I didn't know he had one." Keisuke muttered, awed.
Tamahome went to Miaka. "Where are the sisters?"
"They went to the hospital.. with Seiryuu and Lily-chan."
Vivien cried as she held on to her sister's hand. "Lily.. Lily.. hold on!"
Seiryuu smoothed his niece's hair. "Don't worry, Vivi.. Nakago will be here soon.. as will your future husband.."
Vivien cried into her uncle's robe. "Uncle.. I don't.. want her to die.. It's all.. my fault!"
Seiryuu's eyes flashed with pain. "No.. it isn't. This.. was meant to happen.. As you are meant to go on.. Lily.. my daughter, will depart from the living world soon.. It is inevitable. Even I cannot bring her back.. All you can do now.. is pray for her. Lily has always loved you the best of all her sisters.. be with her now.. and pray for her peace. Be with her.. Cherish these moments.. before she leaves us." A tear trickled down the god's cheek.
Vivien hugged her uncle. They were both hurting.. and all they could do was watch.. just like they always did.. but now.. her uncle needed her. She may have never learned to call him 'dad', but now, he needed her more than ever. She was losing a sister.. but he was losing his daughter. Vivien wept. Tasuki.. where was he..? When she needed him the most..?
Chapter 17
"Miaka.. matte. Something's wrong." Vivien whispered to her friend. She could sense a Seiryuu's chi..
Miaka couldn't help but stare at her best friend. "Yui.."
Vivien closed her eyes. They were here. Suboshi.. and Lilian. She laid a hand on her stomach. Lilian would soon be.. an aunt. She smiled softly. She still couldn't quite believe it.. but a baby really was going inside her.. but although she was still alive.. If she stayed in her old world much longer.. her baby wouldn't survive. She opened her eyes and told herself to get a grip on herself.
This was no time to think. What she had to do was get this over with so she could go home.. to be with Tasuki. She didn't know if it could be true.. but maybe her daughter was hurting within her because of the absence of her father.. Vivien's heart bled slowly but surely as she longed for the man she loved. And maybe because her heart was hurting so much, it was affecting the baby within her..
Vivien tried to remember what was going to happen now. Suboshi was going to chase Miaka, but Tamahome would come to her rescue. Suboshi would be.. killed. Then Yui would learn the truth from Miaka.. She knew what was about to happen and she was prepared. All she had to do was do her part and make sure Miaka would be able to summon Suzaku. After all, Yui would not be allowed to wish for that ability for her friend.. She had to make sure Miaka summoned her father. That was all. That was all she had to concentrate her efforts upon. She had to focus.. on her duty.. before she could focus on her future.. with Tasuki..
"I finally found you, Miaka." Yui said in a cold, impersonal voice. "Where's Tamahome?"
Vivien looked away. This wasn't the real Yui speaking.. it was her envy and her confused mind. The Yui she knew was kind and reasonable.. but this experience had made her grow. Just like she and her sisters had grown.. into hopefully, better people.
"Yui!"
Suboshi stepped out of the shadows. Vivien stiffened. "Where's Tamahome?" He repeated Yui's question. "Yui-sama asked you a question, Suzaku no Miko." He said contemptuously.
Miaka gaped at the Seiryuu seishi. "Suboshi?! Why are you here?" She stared at the ribbon in his hand. "That's.. a ribbon from our school uniform!"
Yui smirked. "I gave it to him when we were still in the book world. Using it, he crossed dimensions and came here."
Miaka's eyes were pained. Vivien's heart constricted. Poor Miaka. "Yui-chan.. doushite?"
"Didn't I already tell you, Miaka? I won't allow you and Tamahome to be happy together. You can't return to the book anymore. All that remains is to make Tamahome disappear."
Miaka shook her head. "Yui, wait! Will you listen to what I have to say?" She moved towards her best friend. Vivien fought to keep herself still.
Suboshi stepped forward menacingly. "Stay away from Yui-sama!" Vivien looked at her sister and saw her own pain reflected in her eyes. They wanted this to stop.. but they could only watch as everything unfolded before their eyes. "I think I'm going to kill you before Tamahome. It's what you get for hurting Yui-sama, Suzaku no Miko!"
Vivien knew Miaka had gained courage from her presence. But she had to run. Vivien turned and took Miaka's arm. "Miaka! Run!" With one last stricken look at Yui, Miaka and Vivien ran.
"Hold it!"
As they ran, Vivien smiled sadly at the lack of dismay she felt. Normally, she would have been embarrassed at her cowardly action, but now she knew it was for her friend's protection.. and her daughter's..
"HOTOHORI!!" Kathryn screamed, crumpling to the floor. Her hand clutched at her heart. "Hotohori." Vivien stared. No.. it couldn't be..
Keisuke stared at Kathryn. "What's going on?!"
Miaka was pale. That had been Hotohori's voice she had heard.. calling their names. She knelt besides Kathryn. "Shoshi.. what's going on..?" She turned to look at Tamahome. Keisuke was examining him. "He's suffered major bruises and internal bleeding." He sighed. "At least none of his bones are broken."
Miaka bent over Tamahome. "Tamahome. We can't return him to the book like this, right?" She said to Keisuke. "Right? Right?!" Vivien looked away sadly. She told herself to feel nothing, knowing she had expected this.. but she couldn't bear the looks on Kathryn and Miaka's faces. Vivien closed her eyes and forced her tears to stay. She had to be strong.. But Kathryn.. was losing.. Hotohori. The one she loved..
Miaka closed her eyes. "Because of Yui's wish. I can't go back into the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho. If Tamahome goes back in the book, we'll never see each other again." Miaka shook her head. "But.. but.. inside the book, right now, everyone's.." She clenched her fists. "What should I do?" She stared at Kathryn, who was crying on the floor. "How can I help her? How can I help everyone?!" Vivien wanted to say something, but couldn't.
"Miaka. could I have a word with you?" Tetsuya took Miaka aside and showed her the book. "It's the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho." Miaka couldn't see his eyes beyond his sunglasses. "I read it just now and.. Mitsukake died."
Miaka's eyes grew shadowed. Mistukake.. "Hotohori's about to die from his injuries as well."
Miaka's eyes widened. Hotohori! She glanced back at Kathryn.. crying. She knows. "Maybe.. just maybe.. your voice can reach him."
Miaka was shaken. "Mitsu..kake. Hotohori.. Hotohori.." Miaka took the book from Tetsuya and went to Kathryn. "Hotohori!" Vivien turned around.
Hotohori heard. "Miaka.. Miaka's voice.. from the sky."
Miaka gripped the book tightly. "Hotohori, Tasuki, Chichiri! Can you hear me? It's me!" Vivien couldn't stop the tears anymore. She fell to her knees and started to cry.. her heart breaking along with her sisters.. Why couldn't she help.. why was Suzaku doing this to her..? Did her father.. hate her that much..?
Miaka slammed her fist against the floor. "Why? Why is everyone..?" Her eyes widened. She stared at Kathryn unconscious in Keisuke's arms, at her tear-stained cheeks. "Suzaku.! If only I had been able to summon Suzaku!"
Tetsuya put a hand on Miaka's shoulder. "No. it was probably for the best you didn't."
Miaka stared at Tetsuya. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Listen. Becoming a Miko. and summoning the divine beast, means becoming a sacrifice. After Yui makes her next wish to Seiryuu, she may be devoured."
Miaka stared, all color leaching from her face. "Yui's going to be devoured by Seiryuu..?" She whispered, unable to believe it. Vivien's heart wrenched.
"Miaka!" Mrs. Yuuki called out. "There's a phone call for you from Yui!"
Miaka stood up and left the room with one last look at Kathryn. Vivien and Samantha knelt beside Keisuke and Tetsuya. "It's going to be soon, Sammy.." Vivien murmured, brushing the hair from Kathryn's pale face. She needed to be strong.. not only for her daughter.. but her sister's as well. And it was going to be soon.. all too soon..
Vivien had had enough. And thankfully, so had her sisters.
Samantha stared down at Kathryn with pained eyes. "So much has happened.. we hardly ever interfered with the events supposed to happen.. but still, so much has changed."
Vivien nodded slowly. That was true.. She smiled wryly. She didn't think she and her sisters falling for guys from the Shicho had been expected. And really.. so much had changed. Tetsuya stared at Samantha intently. "We could have changed so much.. prevented so many deaths."
Samantha stared at Kathryn. "Hotohori's dead.. Kathryn is Houki.. she carries his child. Vivi.. we should have known."
Vivien's eyes glowed. She hoped her sisters would be with her on this one. She had had enough. Why should everyone suffer? All.. over again? She remembered the pain Yui and Miaka had felt before.. when everything had happened already.. and her heart hardened. "Sammy.. we should do something. We could have prevented Hotohori's death.. and everyone else's. Why don't we do something now?" She was sick of this, already! Why should they be ordered about like puppets by the gods? They had to do something!
Samantha stared at her sister. "Come again?"
Vivien nodded emphatically. She stood. She had had enough! "We're near the end of the story, Sammy. Everything is going to be concluded very soon. We might as well do something."
Samantha turned away. She could have prevented so many deaths. but the rules had kept her from saving lives. maybe it was high time those rules were broken. What could the gods do now? She knew, unlike Vivien, that the end was indeed near. She knew so many things she rather wished she didn't. She knew that Lilian was at a risk to be sacrificed.. that Kathryn would definitely be one of the two to remain in the book, and that she would be separated from Amiboshi yet again. She knew so many things. it was indeed high time she did something. She nodded her head in agreement. "Hai. We're going to do something, Vivi. Even if it's too late, we have to try." She looked at Vivien. "Vivi.. the Shinzahos."
Vivien took out the Byakko and Genbu Shinzahos. "What about them?" Now, things were beginning to look up! Watch out gods, thing were about to change! Her heart saddened. But the gods would punish them.. Vivien looked around and when she saw the looks on her sister's faces, realized sadly.. that they were all facing the same consequences. They might all die.. but how could they just watch while their friends suffered? This was something that had to be done! If she died.. at least she would be able to say it had been worth something. She closed her eyes. Tasuki.. and her baby.. She didn't want to leave them. She couldn't kill the baby that rested within her.. but she had to do this. She summoned her father's essence to her mind. Father.. are you angry? She asked him softly.
Suzaku smiled sadly in his daughter's mind. No.. you all.. make me proud. I have always loved you, daughter.. and no matter the consequences.. I promise you.. your child.. will be safe.
Vivien smiled sadly. A tear trickled down her cheek. Thanks.. dad.
Samantha took the Shinzahos. "We're going to use them.. together."
Vivien stared. "Nani?!"
Samantha nodded and slipped the necklace around her neck. She slipped the mirror into her belt. "We're going to summon Byakko, Genbu, and Suzaku at the same time. Tell Kathryn the plan when she wakes up." She stood. "I need to think."
"I thought Lilian was the one who thought for you." Tetsuya said wryly. "Now I remember you."
Vivien, Keisuke, and Samantha stared. Tetsuya gazed at them from behind his sunglasses. "I thought you looked familiar, Samantha. All four of you.. you were here before."
Vivien stared. "How.?" No freakin' way! He remembered them?!
Tetsuya held up the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho. "When all four of you were sucked into the book, Miaka, Yui, Keisuke, and Taka all went to Suzuno's place to ask our friend for help. They left me in the library. I was the one reading your adventures. Somehow I think the book cast some sort of spell over me, making me forget who you guys were.. temporarily. I called our friend to ask after Miaka and the others, and I learned that they had somehow disappeared. I suddenly found myself in my car with Keisuke.. that was the day he learned about Miaka's adventures in this book. I had forgotten everything.. but now I remember."
Keisuke stared at Tetsuya as if he were a different person. "What are you.?"
Tetsuya flipped the pages of the book. "While reading, I looked at the beginning of the book and learned the truth. I didn't believe it at first. but now you've just proved me wrong."
Samantha stared at Vivien sullenly. "When did we forget he was in the room?"
Tetsuya smiled. "You girls have duties to fulfill.. I agree with your plan. End the story as soon as possible. but what will that accomplish?"
"Kate and I will be able to make our wishes. One wish each. The sooner we get to make our wishes, the sooner I can right at least one of the wrongs done in this story."
Vivien nodded. "It's the least we can do." And didn't Suzaku say that she would have a wish of her own once her duty was fulfilled?
"Are you sure those two Shinzahos will be able to do the trick? Summoning three of the divine beasts?"
Samantha shrugged helplessly. "It's the best we can do."
Yui stared at Miaka, emotionless. She closed her eyes. "Do you mind if I kneel down?" She gently knelt on the ground, her eyes closed in exhaustion. "I'm tired."
Miaka handed Yui her ribbon. "Here.. Suboshi.. was holding this when he died."
Yui took the ribbon and stared at it with empty, hurt eyes. Lilian touched Yui's shoulder. Vivien smiled sadly. As she had bonded with Miaka.. Lilian had done the same with Yui. Yui smiled mirthlessly. "I guess this means that Nakago. is my only ally now."
Miaka shook her head. "Yui.. please listen! Nakago is no friend of yours!" Lilian tensed. "Lily wasn't raped by those men, Yui!"
Yui stared, dumbstruck, at Miaka. "NO!" She whirled around to face Lilian. "Lily. tell her she's lying!" Lilian didn't move.. or answer her friend.
"He saved her then! But to turn us against each other, Nakago kept quiet about it. He knew you, Yui. He knew that whether Lilian had not been raped in your place or not, the effect would be the same: you could be moved to hate me. Lilian wasn't raped! Nakago saved her just in time! He made you think she was raped, because he knew you would think that it was still my fault! He knew he could make you hate me!"
Vivien was numb with shock. Was that what had happened?! Yui had done all this because Lilian.. had almost been raped? She gasped. Of course! Why hadn't she realized that?! Back at Taittsukun's place.. she had seen the whole scenario of Yui and Lilian running from some sick-minded thugs, but she hadn't realized..
Yui's eyes were wide with shock. "Y-You're lying! You're lying!"
Miaka shook her head. "I'm not lying! Nakago only wants the power of Seiryuu! That and.." She took an old letter from the folds of her skirt. She handed the letter to Yui. ".. please read this letter. It's a letter from the previous owner of the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho. Okuda Einosuke, to his friend, Mr. Ohsugi."
With shaking hands, Yui took the letter from Miaka. She raised the letter to her eyes and began to read. Vivien sighed sadly. Now she would know.
"Dear Ohsugi.. I have no choice but to ask you to take care of the rest. There's no time.. I found a certain book. A book of scriptures known as the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho. But the book absorbed my daughter, Takiko. The book itself had magical qualities. My daughter became the main character of the book, summoned Genbu, then returned to me. But my daughter was then in tremendous pain and agony. Every time she made a wish, my daughter's body was being devoured by Genbu. If my daughter is going to be devoured.. I prefer to take her life myself.. and then take my own. But before that, I wanted to dispose of the book.. but it wouldn't burn. The book must we waiting for the rest of the Mikos.. The Mikos of Byakko, Suzaku, and Seiryuu. Please seal this book away for me, my friend.. As my final wish.
"The Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho couldn't be sealed away. Then Mr. Ohsugi's daughter, Suzuno.. was absorbed next and became the Byakko no Miko. But.. she wasn't devoured .. Having a strong will.. If you have heart, you can defeat the divine beast. Yui, please believe me!"
Yui shook her head. "It's a lie. This is a lie!"
"Yui."
"A lie. it has to be a lie!" She turned to run, but Lilian grabbed hold of her. Vivien stared. Yui stared as well. Was it just her, but suddenly, did her sister seem incredibly strong?
"It's not a lie, Yui-sama." Lilian said softly. Vivien closed her eyes. This was it.
Yui stared. "Lily."
"Yui.. it's time you knew the truth. I'm not who I seem. I come from a different time, Yui-sama. I come from the time when the story of the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho has already ended. I was your friend.. a penpal from the United States. I.. am the daughter of Seiryuu."
Miaka and Yui stared. "Lily.. what are you saying?"
"I am the daughter of Seiryuu. Yui.. when your soul merged with Seiryuu's.. my father's.. I was created. With your second wish, I began to grow. But your third wish.. I was sent to the book to stop you from wishing what you will wish."
Yui's eyes were wide.. her horror at being betrayed by Nakago forgotten in light of this astonishing news. "That was.. is my one duty. I was not allowed to interfere with the events I knew would pass. That was why.. I hated Nakago when I first met him."
Miaka stared. "Lily."
Vivien sighed. Finally. It was out.
Lilian smiled gently at Miaka. "That was why I always wanted to protect you, Miaka.. I knew you were in the right." She looked down. "But my duty is.. almost over. Yui-sama.. Nakago was going to force you to wish for his ascension into heaven as a god. but you were going to wish for Miaka to be given the ability to summon Suzaku instead. You cannot wish either wish. I don't know what you're going to wish in its place.. but whatever you do.. do not wish for anything that will upset the balance of the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho." She looked up. "Because if you do, I'll have to go through this all over again.. and I don't think I could bear it."
Vivien was suddenly behind her sister. "None of us could." She touched her sister's shoulder. Lilian smiled tearfully at her. It was if a great weight had been lifted from both of their hearts. Finally.. it was out.
Miaka stared. "Kyoku..?" What were they saying..? Could it be true?
Samantha shook her head. "We will never go through that again." She confirmed. Lilian turned to smile gratefully at her sisters.
"This will end today." Kathryn said softly, appearing behind her sisters. Her eyes were awash with pain. and acceptance. "I now know that even if I could go back and somehow prevent Hotohori's death.. I would never forgive myself if I would then risk my sisters' lives. Hotohori may be gone.." She stared at her sisters. "But someday. I know.. I'll see him again."
"Kate.."
Samantha nodded. "Yui, don't worry about Nakago's wish.. He won't force it upon you this time. He's found something.. no, someone, more important than power.. He's found Lily. He doesn't need his wish.. anymore."
Lilian gasped as something filled her heart. "Nakago.. he's here." Suddenly, she felt something slash at her soul. She let out a gasp of pain and surprise. She fell to her knees.
"Lily!" Vivien was beside her instantly. Her mind raced. What was going on?!
Lilian clutched at her heart. "What.. What's going on?" She gasped as she felt something rip at her soul, the very substance of her being. Vivien paled as her sister trembled.. with fear?"Yui.. help."
Yui stared at Lilian. Her friend was shaking.. and her skin was as pale as a sheet. "Lily!"
"Who are you?" Lilian whispered, gasping at the pain. Vivien paled. A god must be speaking to her! "Genbu?!" Genbu! Vivien started to shake with fear. No.. they couldn't.. No! Suddenly, Lilian felt another presence slash at her. Lilian bit her lip at the pain.
"Lily!" Vivien cried, seeing the awful bruises suddenly appear on her sister's skin. Kathryn and Samantha watched on in horror. "LILY!!"
Lilian shook, feeling suddenly terribly weak. "Byakko..? But.. why me?" She cried out as yet another being ripped at her very being. Lilian was thrown on her back. Her breathing was uneven as she struggled to hold on to consciousness. Lilian felt as if the life was seeping away from her. "Suzaku.."
Vivien gasped with horror. Suzaku.. Father! What are you doing to her?! Father! Answer me!! Vivien wept as dread entered her heart like a black cloud.
I'm sorry.. but it must be done..
No! Vivien suddenly felt pain grip her heart. Was this because of her? Was Lilian being punished for her sake? So that she.. and her daughter would live.. But.. No! She shook her head violently. She didn't want this.. not at the cost of her sister's life! No! If you must hurt someone, hurt me! Lilian only did what was right!
Suzaku's sorrow filled Vivien's heart. I am sorry, daughter.. but it is already done.
Miaka stared at the Seiryuu seishi, horrified and confused. She stared as a trickle of blood escaped Lilian's lips and several slashes appeared in various areas on her body, and started to bleed. "LILY!"
Lilian's mind was awash with pain, but in the still-conscious part of her mind, she still asked the voices in her mind. Why.. me.?
You would want your sisters to also suffer for your crime? Suzaku asked her in her mind. Lilian's eyes widened. "No!" Precisely. You alone will suffer for your crime. You began the crime, so you alone will pay the price.
Lilian screwed her eyes tightly. "Father.. Seiryuu. help me." Lilian immediately felt the familiar presence of her father in her mind. "Seiryuu!"
"Lily! What's going on?!" Kathryn demanded of her sister.
"Tetsuya! Keisuke!" Samantha ran to her friends. "What's going on? What does the book say?"
Tetsuya nodded and opened the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho. "Right!" He quickly scanned the pages for an answer. He had read of the confrontation between Yui and Miaka, and with little persuasion, had convinced Keisuke that they were needed here. He pointed out a small paragraph, the latest development in the book. "It says here.. 'The warrior from the other world suffered the wrath of the four gods for her sisters alone. For her crime, she will pay.. with her.. life.'" Tetsuya paled.
Vivien's face turned white. "They're killing her?!" Father! Do something! Hot tears cascaded down her cheeks like rivers of shame.
"Lily!" Kathryn's face was as white as a sheet.
Samantha grabbed the book from Tetsuya's hands. "It says here.. 'The girl awaited her final blow.. from her father.'"
Keisuke's eyes widened. "Her.. father?!"
Vivien gasped. "Seiryuu!" Not just her own father, but her uncle as well?! Would he destroy his own child?
Kathryn stared. "That means.. the other gods.. already hurt her.. and.."
".. Seiryuu is to strike the final blow." Samantha finished, pale- faced.
Lilian reached out to her father in her mind. "Seiryuu.. father."
My daughter.
"You.. are.. going to kill me."
There was a pause. The other gods spoke. He will kill you and spare your sisters. Genbu said gravely. Lilian gasped for breath. "LILY!" Kathryn whirled around to face her friends. "Call an ambulance! NOW!"
"Hai!"
You death will be your sisters' salvation. Byakko said softly in Lilian's mind. Lilian's bruises throbbed.
Vivien turned to Miaka and Yui. "Yui! Call Nakago! NOW!" She wept, holding her sister's hand. If Seiryuu wouldn't save her.. then perhaps.. the one she loved.. could.
"H-Hai!"
You have done well.. and have done your duty.. Your life has been fulfilled. Suzaku said gently. Blood continued to flow from Lilian's wounds.
Lilian shook her head weakly. "No.." Without Nakago, her life would never be complete.
Seiryuu.. Kill her.. Now.. The final blow.
Lilian closed her eyes. Seiryuu. her father. She smiled mirthlessly. Her father would be the one to end her life. Ironic.. that he had been the one to start it. Her father.. she had loved him.. truly. She was his daughter.. and he had loved her.. as only a true father could.. Dad..
No.
Lilian's eyes widened.
I will not be the one to end the life of my daughter.
Suzaku sighed. I suspected you wouldn't.
Genbu also sighed. She will die anyway.. her wounds are fatal.
Lilian smiled weakly. Daddy.. thank you.
Hold on, my daughter.
I love you, daddy.
All the voices were silent for a moment. Finally, she felt the other presences depart. Even.. her father. Lilian's eyes started to shine with tears.
"I.. love you too. Lily." Vivien gasped as a blue light suddenly shone before her sister.
Lilian looked up. Her father stood before her, without his godly splendours.. in his human guise. He looked just as he had at the airport when she and her sisters had left for Japan.. the time when he had only been one thing.. her father. "Daddy.."
She started to hear a siren. Her father picked her up and turned around to face her awestruck friends. Yui was pale. She could no longer feel the god in her body. Seiryuu nodded at her. "I will return to you when you will make your final wish." He promised her. ".. after I see to my daughter."
Lilian held on to her father with her arms loose around his shoulders. The world swayed. "Daddy.." She started to see black. "Nakago.."
Lilian went limp in her father's arms. Seiryuu only had to reach to feel her life force to be assured she was still alive. He nodded and looked to Yui once again. "Seiryuu no Miko.. call Nakago. Now."
Yui nodded. "I.. already did."
"He will appear.. once Lilian is secure in the hospital. Be ready to fight."
Miaka stared. "Fight? But why would Nakago want to fight us? Isn't he not interested in us anymore?"
Seiryuu didn't answer.
Yui stood in her room, facing the blue glow in front of her. Slowly, the figure of Nakago started to materialize in front of her. Yui waited patiently. "Nakago."
Nakago's eyes flashed. "Did you summon me, Yui-sama?"
"Nakago!" Yui sighed with heartfelt relief. "I'm so glad you're here!"
Nakago felt the first flash of alarm. "What is it? Where's Lily?"
Yui's eyes flashed with pain. "Lily.. is in the hospital."
"Hospital?"
"Nakago.. Lily's dying."
"I told him Lily was dying." Yui said, almost in a whisper, to Miaka.
Miaka held Yui's hands. "What did he say?"
Yui closed her eyes. "He.. didn't say anything. He just left." She remembered the shocked and anguished look in Nakago's eyes.. and remembered being surprised herself at the multitude of emotions flashing across the Seiryuu seishi's face when he had asked her to repeat herself.
Keisuke closed his eyes. "He loves her, doesn't he?"
Tetsuya nodded slowly, the book forgotten. "The love.. they have for each other. It's just as pure and true as the love between your sister and Tamahome, Keisuke. Nakago's truly changed. He loves Lilian.. with all his heart."
"I didn't know he had one." Keisuke muttered, awed.
Tamahome went to Miaka. "Where are the sisters?"
"They went to the hospital.. with Seiryuu and Lily-chan."
Vivien cried as she held on to her sister's hand. "Lily.. Lily.. hold on!"
Seiryuu smoothed his niece's hair. "Don't worry, Vivi.. Nakago will be here soon.. as will your future husband.."
Vivien cried into her uncle's robe. "Uncle.. I don't.. want her to die.. It's all.. my fault!"
Seiryuu's eyes flashed with pain. "No.. it isn't. This.. was meant to happen.. As you are meant to go on.. Lily.. my daughter, will depart from the living world soon.. It is inevitable. Even I cannot bring her back.. All you can do now.. is pray for her. Lily has always loved you the best of all her sisters.. be with her now.. and pray for her peace. Be with her.. Cherish these moments.. before she leaves us." A tear trickled down the god's cheek.
Vivien hugged her uncle. They were both hurting.. and all they could do was watch.. just like they always did.. but now.. her uncle needed her. She may have never learned to call him 'dad', but now, he needed her more than ever. She was losing a sister.. but he was losing his daughter. Vivien wept. Tasuki.. where was he..? When she needed him the most..?
