A/N: This was written for the 30kisses LJ group. Takes place during OVA 4 when Tasuki tries to blow himself up. Tasuki's POV.

"One Regret"

When I closed my eyes after slamming the tessen into the floor, all I could see was red. I heard Miaka and Taka faintly screaming as flames exploded around me.

"I'm sorry," I whispered.

The flames were beginning to lick at my boots; the heat kissed away the tears that were streaming down my face.

It was the only way I could see to stop the evil that was hurting my friends. There was poison inside me, and I had to kill it before it – before I – did any more damage.

The air was becoming thick. Embers were clinging to my clothes and hair.

I knew I'd done the right thing. As a Suzaku seishi, it was my job to protect the Miko. And I'd done that. I had faith that they could defeat Tenkou with or without me. Man, Nuriko was gonna be pissed at me for this.

Kouji.

Gods, I'm sorry. I promised that I'd come home. I don't suppose you'll ever forgive me for this. But I'd rather die now than ever have you know what I did here tonight. I'm so sorry . . .

Smoke filled my lungs as I sobbed softly. "Didn't mean to . . . I didn't mean to break my promise," I wheezed as a green light started to filter through the red. "Kouji . . ."

Someone's arms were around me. I thought I was hallucinating – one last dream before death.

"Kouji," I murmured, glad to feel his touch again.

"Don't worry," Mitsukake said as he picked me up. "You will see your friend again."