Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Ari stared at the river without moving. 'I… killed someone,' she thought, completely shocked. Almost no one knew what to say. Horohoro absentmindedly kicked at a rock, Yoh kept his focus on the ground, Manta hummed, and Ren walked up to Ari.

"What's done cannot be reversed," Ren whispered into Ari's ear. "Sometimes the extreme is necessary and nothing can help it. He deserved his fate, taking on such a job." Ari nodded. "Here, this is yours," Ren said as he handed the necklace to Ari, who took it. It was a gracefully carved opal leaf, hung on a silver string.

"Let's go," she said. No one spoke a word until they were out of Kyoto. By then the shock had disappeared and everyone was acting normal again and was soon discussing the incident and asking questions.

"It looks like other shamans back then are capable of traveling through time," Yoh said.

"This may pose to be a problem," Manta agreed. "Do you think there are more?" he panicked.

"Bring them on!" Horohoro shouted. He turned to Ari, "Don't worry! Next time, we'll be ready!" However, the girl was deep in thought and did not hear Horohoro's words.

The group reached Yoh's house within four days. Ari had one more day until she had to return.

"So, any ideas?" Yoh ask. "Is there a way were can come with you?" Ari looked at him and the others.

"I have made my decision. I'm going back alone…" Ari said, feeling the breeze against her face.

"What?" everyone shouted at the same time.

"Well, I guess the best thing we could do now is invite you to stay with us one more night," Yoh said. Ari nodded.

That night during dinner, everyone had a good time, even though Ari was leaving the next day. They ate and ate and ate. Actually, only Horohoro ate and ate and ate. After that, they joked around and played games. Everyone went to bed late.

Ren got out of his room as soon as he was certain everyone was asleep. He crept down the stairs and went outside. Ren sat next to the artificial pond and stared at the reflection of the full moon upon it.

"You know you could catch a cold out here," a voice behind Ren made him turn. It was Yoh. "So, what's on your mind?"

"Nothing much," responded Ren. He turned back to the pond.

"It's Ari isn't it?" Yoh chuckled. "You like her don't you?"

"Are you crazy! It's not like that!"

"Are you denying it?"

"No I'm not… Yes I am…"

Yoh sat down beside Ren. "Why don't you tell her then? Time's running out."

"That's the problem."

Yoh got up. "Well, if you don't tell her soon, then it'll be too late. I'm going to sleep; it's been a long day." Ren did not respond.

The next day everyone headed for the cemetery with Ari. A strong wind whipped the trees and the leaves around the headstones.

"Well," Ari muttered, "I guess it's time to say goodbye…"

"Take care," Yoh said. The others said casual goodbyes except for Horohoro, who was crying, and Ren, who said nothing at all. Yoh looked at him.

Ari stood on the grass, and looked at Ren. Their eyes met. She smiled and close her eyes, "Earth of the lizard open the portal, Fire of the dragon release the soul, Wind of the phoenix unlock the gate, Water of the serpent carry me through…" The necklace started glowing and Ari was gone.

Yoh sighed. 'It's too late now…' he thought as he looked at Ren, who had silently walked away.