"Hearts Aflame" 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've 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.
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.." 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." Her tears were dry.. but her heart still bled with pain..
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. Some of the pain in her heart eased. Tasuki.. was here.. "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.
Vivien didn't want to let go. Tasuki.. he was.. here.. Suddenly, warmth coursed through her veins as her strength returned to her. She smiled softly. Her baby was okay.. they were home.. with Tasuki..
"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!" Suddenly, she was enveloped in a warm red light. Suzaku!
"Daughter.. I am sorry.. for your loss."
Vivien looked up sadly at her father. "I know.." She felt peace like no other fill her up like a warm wind. Tears trickled down her cheeks. "I know.." But the pain wouldn't go away.. And she knew it never would..
"I apologize for my part in this.."
Vivien didn't answer. Suzaku's eyes dimmed sorrowfully. He slowly lowered her back to the ground.
Vivien closed her eyes. "I.. forgive you."
They had done it. They had all fulfilled their missions. Samantha and Kathryn had summoned Genbu and Byakko.. and Vivien and.. Lilian had guided Yui and Miaka to the safest path. Vivien closed her eyes.. she didn't feel very.. accomplished. Then she noticed something. "Nani.. where's Nakago?"
Then she noticed something on the ground. It was.. Nakago's sword. She bent down to touch it. Nakago.. had he..? Her heart filled with sadness. Yes.. he had.
She picked up the sword. She would keep it.. until Lilian and.. Nakago returned. She knew they would.
What makes you so sure of that? Suzaku asked his daughter softly.
Vivien smiled sadly. "Because.. if they don't.. I'm going to have to kick all of your animal behinds up there.." She looked up at the sky. "You hear me?!" She smiled. Let them digest that.
"Vi.. are you okay?"
Vivien turned around. "Tasuki.." She smiled. "I'm fine." Suddenly, a red feather floated down. Vivien caught it gently in her hand. A feather?
"Are you sure?" Tasuki held Vivien possessively in his arms. "Good. You're not getting away from me again, by the way."
Vivien chuckled weakly. "Oh, don't worry about that.." Her heart still hurt for her sister.. but it was easing.. She knew the pain would never go away. She looked at the feather. Was Suzaku trying to tell her something?
Suddenly he was there. Tasuki jumped. "Hey, ya could have given us some warning, birdbrain. What do ya want now? I don't want you near her, ya understand?"
Vivien calmed Tasuki. "Hey.. it's okay. We're cool now."
Suzaku nodded his agreement. "Indeed. I have come down here for several reasons. Firstly, have you decided where you will stay? Earth or the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho?"
Vivien smiled at Tasuki. "I want to go home.. with Tasuki."
Suzaku smiled gently at his daughter. "And your wish?"
"Wish?" Vivien blinked, clueless.
Suzaku sighed. "I promised you a wish once your duty was fulfilled. That was the whole reason you agreed to work for me, anyway."
Now she remembered. Vivien sighed. What to wish for.. She looked at her father. "Could I wish for.. Lily back?"
Suzaku shook his head sadly. "I'm.. afraid not."
"Oh.. Then I guess I'll have to hold on to that wish. I can't think of anything I should wish for right now.."
Suzaku shrugged. "As you wish.. Oh, Vivien?"
"Yeah?"
"Don't you have to tell your future husband something?"
"Huh?" Suzaku looked pointedly at his daughter's stomach. Vivien flushed. "Oh!"
"What's going on Vi?" Tasuki asked his wife curiously.
Vivien smiled and wrapped her arms around him. "There's something I have to tell you, Tasuki.." She leaned forward to whisper in his ear. "I'm going to have a .."
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've 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.
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.." 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." Her tears were dry.. but her heart still bled with pain..
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. Some of the pain in her heart eased. Tasuki.. was here.. "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.
Vivien didn't want to let go. Tasuki.. he was.. here.. Suddenly, warmth coursed through her veins as her strength returned to her. She smiled softly. Her baby was okay.. they were home.. with Tasuki..
"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!" Suddenly, she was enveloped in a warm red light. Suzaku!
"Daughter.. I am sorry.. for your loss."
Vivien looked up sadly at her father. "I know.." She felt peace like no other fill her up like a warm wind. Tears trickled down her cheeks. "I know.." But the pain wouldn't go away.. And she knew it never would..
"I apologize for my part in this.."
Vivien didn't answer. Suzaku's eyes dimmed sorrowfully. He slowly lowered her back to the ground.
Vivien closed her eyes. "I.. forgive you."
They had done it. They had all fulfilled their missions. Samantha and Kathryn had summoned Genbu and Byakko.. and Vivien and.. Lilian had guided Yui and Miaka to the safest path. Vivien closed her eyes.. she didn't feel very.. accomplished. Then she noticed something. "Nani.. where's Nakago?"
Then she noticed something on the ground. It was.. Nakago's sword. She bent down to touch it. Nakago.. had he..? Her heart filled with sadness. Yes.. he had.
She picked up the sword. She would keep it.. until Lilian and.. Nakago returned. She knew they would.
What makes you so sure of that? Suzaku asked his daughter softly.
Vivien smiled sadly. "Because.. if they don't.. I'm going to have to kick all of your animal behinds up there.." She looked up at the sky. "You hear me?!" She smiled. Let them digest that.
"Vi.. are you okay?"
Vivien turned around. "Tasuki.." She smiled. "I'm fine." Suddenly, a red feather floated down. Vivien caught it gently in her hand. A feather?
"Are you sure?" Tasuki held Vivien possessively in his arms. "Good. You're not getting away from me again, by the way."
Vivien chuckled weakly. "Oh, don't worry about that.." Her heart still hurt for her sister.. but it was easing.. She knew the pain would never go away. She looked at the feather. Was Suzaku trying to tell her something?
Suddenly he was there. Tasuki jumped. "Hey, ya could have given us some warning, birdbrain. What do ya want now? I don't want you near her, ya understand?"
Vivien calmed Tasuki. "Hey.. it's okay. We're cool now."
Suzaku nodded his agreement. "Indeed. I have come down here for several reasons. Firstly, have you decided where you will stay? Earth or the Shi Jin Ten Chi Sho?"
Vivien smiled at Tasuki. "I want to go home.. with Tasuki."
Suzaku smiled gently at his daughter. "And your wish?"
"Wish?" Vivien blinked, clueless.
Suzaku sighed. "I promised you a wish once your duty was fulfilled. That was the whole reason you agreed to work for me, anyway."
Now she remembered. Vivien sighed. What to wish for.. She looked at her father. "Could I wish for.. Lily back?"
Suzaku shook his head sadly. "I'm.. afraid not."
"Oh.. Then I guess I'll have to hold on to that wish. I can't think of anything I should wish for right now.."
Suzaku shrugged. "As you wish.. Oh, Vivien?"
"Yeah?"
"Don't you have to tell your future husband something?"
"Huh?" Suzaku looked pointedly at his daughter's stomach. Vivien flushed. "Oh!"
"What's going on Vi?" Tasuki asked his wife curiously.
Vivien smiled and wrapped her arms around him. "There's something I have to tell you, Tasuki.." She leaned forward to whisper in his ear. "I'm going to have a .."
