Disclaimer: No, I don't own Get Backers or other anime characters whatsoever.

Though few, thanks so much for the reviews! I really appreciate your encouraging remarks and comments, and I hope that you all would enjoy this next episode of "My Promise and Love To You."

"What?" Akira, who was lying on the ground, blinked her eyes and slowly touched her right cheek. It was still intact. But she could still feel the dull pain of the bite. But I could have sworn she bit me. It… it still hurts. She tried to sit up, but to no avail; her body ached and she was depleted. So she just remained flat on her back and turned her head to scan her surroundings.

Everything was just as it was since the arrogant boy had arrived. But her people were nowhere in sight, and so were Himiko and her friends. Confused, she turned her head to look up at Ban. "Wha..?"

"I used my Evil Eye on you, baka. Apparently, you've forgotten about that fact especially when you smiled at me." Ban smirked at the thought. I'm still the best and will always be!

Akira tried again to sit up, but it was no use. She was too weak to move. But then she caught a glimpse of something near her on the ground. It was her staff only that it was broken into two and the orb was gone. Horrified, she looked up at Ban and saw him grinning at her.

"Looking for this?" He opened his hand and there laid the trite gem. And on the other was the vial containing the antidote for the curse.

"How di…"

"Duh…. While you were still in dreamland, I swiped it away from you." What kind of question is that?

"Anyway, it was nice knowing you." Not. "Gotta go now, Ja ne." He strode toward the exit, but was halted by Akira's scream.

"This isn't the end! I'll find you and kill you! You and your friends! I hate you… hate you!….. Aaaaarrrghhhh!"

Sheeesh. What a hothead. He then walked into the threshold of trees and ostensibly perpetual darkness.

"Let's go, mina. I think Ban-chan's in big trouble." Ginji was about to run toward nowhere in particular when Ban's beetle appeared in front of Honky Tonk.

Just when Ban stepped out of the car, Ginji lunged for him and hugged him fiercely. "Ban-chan! Where have you been?"

"What do you think you're doing, baka!" Ban punched him on the head and Ginji instantly released his hold around Ban.

"Itayo, Ban-chan! It was just that I was worried about you. Besides, everyone was worried too, you know. Especially, Himiko-san."

Ban quickly searched for Himiko's face and saw her between Shido and Kazuki. Her expression was mixed with anxiety and a tinge of anger. Not to mention that her face was fiercely red due to Ginji's mention about Himiko being especially worried about him.

Great. Just when I thought we were already in good terms, she's now mad at me only coz I didn't tell her where I went.

"My eagle told me that he saw you within the forest region. Some tribe or something, and you were in the middle of it. What are you hiding from us Mido?" Shido said with a note of exasperation.

"Nothing." Ban shuffled toward Himiko's direction and looked down on her. "I need to tell you something… inside. I guess everybody should finally know the truth about the Yamato-incident." Ban said with a soft voice. He didn't feel like revealing it yet, but he had too.

Stunned, Himiko didn't move. Instead of snapping at her, Ban patiently waited for her response.

"Uh… Himiko-san, are you alright?" Kazuki asked with slight worry in his voice.

Snapped back into reality, Himiko blinked and abruptly turned toward the door to avoid the eyes of her friends. She felt like a bunch of emotions were brewing inside of her and she didn't know why. Well, maybe she did, but she felt uncomfortable about it all; ever since the death of Yamato, not only did she want to kill Ban for murdering her older brother, but also wanted to extract the reason why he had done such a terrible action. But now, she wasn't prepared for this. She felt happy but scared. She didn't know what to do. She wanted to run out of Honky Tonk right at that very instant, but couldn't. Tears started to fall down her cheeks.

"Aniki." She whispered.

Ban, sensing her sadness, hugged her from behind. To hell with them. He didn't care if Paul, Natsumi, Hevn, Monkey Trainer, Thread spool, or Ginji saw this. All he cared about right now was Himiko.

Everyone was astonished to see Ban do this unpredictable act, but they kept silent for they knew that Himiko was suffering from the mention of the Yamato-murder issue.

Though she felt warm leaning against Ban's chest, she had to ask him about Yamato's death, whether she liked it or not. She pulled away from his grasp and turned to face him. "Why? Why did…. Did you kill Aniki?"

Ban sighed heavily and replied hesitantly, "I had… to do it because he told me to. The curse was starting to control him so… so he forced me into killing him before it was too late."

"Curse? But I thought the curse was that if someone killed one of the Last Children they would be cursed as well or simply die. Aniki told me that."

"He only told you that because he didn't want you to know at a very young age. The curse was actually for the benefit of the tribe. In other words, you would lose complete control of your mind and body when the time has come, thus resulting to them acquiring total control of you. He wanted to protect you, Himiko."

"Protect? But I could have taken care of myself at that very 'young' age. Why does he always have to do that? Why didn't he tell me? If he just told me, we could have looked for the cure and he would have been alive until now, and…"

"He wasn't able to find a cure during that time. He tried everywhere but it was useless. Unfortunately for him, the cure was where he couldn't set one foot on. He also didn't want you to worry. He really loved you, Himiko."

"Well, he should have told me. It wasn't fair for me that he told you everything except me." Himiko averted her eyes from Ban to the floor and covered her face to hide her sobbing.

Ban sighed. "He only told me about it yesterday."

Everyone but Himiko suddenly stared at him. "What!" They all said in unison.

"He appeared to me in my mind, while I closed my eyes and when I was alone. He told me about the antidote and the witch responsible for the activation of the curse." He paused, letting Himiko take it one at a time. He didn't like it, but what choice did he have? He couldn't just force Himiko to drink the potion for no reason. Though painful, it was possibly the right thing to do.

Out of the blue, Himiko wrapped her arms around Ban and cried on his shirt. "I…. I… am… sooo sorry… for doubting you…. I… wa….was…. so stupid… I…"

"Baka, what do you have to be sorry for? It was my fault that I killed Yamato and left you all alone. It was never your fault."

"Demu…"

"Shhh… please. You know how I hate to see you cry." Ban wiped her tears with his finger. "Here, I have something for you."

Himiko let go of Ban and was waiting for Ban's 'present' for her. She took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears.

Ban dug out the potion from his pocket and handed it to Himiko. "This is the cure. The obstacle was no big. I hardly broke a sweat while fighting the dumb witch." Ban chuckled.

Himiko took the antidote from Ban's right hand when she noticed a red slash on his palm. "Was that from the fight?"

"Huh?" Ban looked at the slightly fresh scar and realized that it was from the witch's blade to concoct the cure. "Uh no. It's really um… because of the potion. It's not important."

Himiko scowled. "Tell me. I want to know."

Ban sighed even harder. "Well, actually, she needed my blood to make the potion."

"Nani?" Wide-eyed, Himiko stared at him then at his hand.

"But… but…"

"Look, it's all over now, okay? Now, the only thing that would make me feel better is if you drink the antidote." Ban jammed his free hand into his pant's pocket and gazed at Himiko good-naturedly.

Himiko numbly took the antidote from his right hand and looked at it tentatively. She was scared of it. After listening to Ban's story, she was horrified of learning the truth about the Voodoo Children. She was even disgusted of herself because she felt rather dirty about knowing that an actual, vile entity has been living inside her ever since she was a little baby. Yet she was extremely grateful that Ban has always cared about her since the beginning. She looked up at him and smiled.

She then pulled the cork from the vial's mouth and nervously observed everyone in the room. "Well, here goes."

Lady Poison tipped the vial and blue liquid came flowing into her mouth. Ban was impatiently and worriedly tapping his foot on the floor. He was afraid that there might be some serious side effects in the potion. He didn't know why he felt worried about the cure. Yamato did assure him that it was safe.

"Um… got some piece of bad news for you, Ban. In a good way, the antidote's fine but there's something else." Ban was certain that he heard a tint of fear in the ghost's voice.

"What's wrong?" Ban was starting to fear for Himiko.

"It's just that after drinking the potion, the curse would be released from her. Of course, since it was from her body, it would immeasurably hurt her. Not only that but once the curse is freed from her body, it would force itself to enter her once again. I believe I forgot to mention it. Oh dear."

After hearing Yamato's last warning, Ban instantly snapped back into realism and quickly looked at Himiko. To his horror, Himiko had already finished drinking the whole thing.

"Himiko!"

Shocked by Ban's sudden exclamation, they all turned their eyes toward Ban, all except for Himiko.

Rapidly, the transporter was shaking uncontrollably, tears again were streaming down her cheeks, and her hands were clutching her head for apparently a sudden and inexplicable pain was taking place in her body. "B…Ban… i…it…hurts…." She afterward fell down on her knees and was crying and struggling in pain.

"Himiko-san! Ban-chan, what's wrong with her? I thought it was supposed to cure her?" Ginji took a step toward Lady Poison's direction but Ban halted him.

"This is part of the process. It's ejecting the curse from her body. Unfortunately, if it tries to get out, it would drive itself to go back in. And to make matters worse, I don't really have a solution for the latter part."

"But I thought you already knew that?" Hevn asked the anxious Get Backer.

"Not until Yamato told me just a minute ago."

Unexpectedly, a black form emerged from Himiko's figure. Everybody in the room gave out a startling shriek at the sight that was visible before their very eyes. But Ban was the least surprised because he somewhat saw it already back when he was in the village, during his effortless battle between the witch.

It had red, glowing eyes, and eerily its silhouette was that of Himiko; it had the same outline of Himiko's short but curvy build, face, and hair, excluding the evident opaque and dark color of the creature's whole form and its red orbs. In short, it was like Himiko's twin, except for its hue and eyes.

Though Ban outwardly didn't show any sign of apprehension, he was both scared and worried shitless. Yamato, I could use some advice or help right about now, you know. For once, he certainly didn't have any answer for this horrendous problem.

The curse-thing stared at them with utmost vehemence then averted its gaze to the unconscious girl. It started to hover upwards while simultaneously looking down on Himiko. It was like searching for an imaginary bulls-eye on Himiko's body and subsequently dives in for the kill.

Instinctively, Ban ran toward Himiko's side and shielded her with his body from the sinister shape looming above them. This could be the most thoughtless thing I've ever done, but I did make a promise to Yamato and I would never ever allow this creature to enter her, not until I'm dead.

Himiko stirred beneath him and her eyes slowly opened. Her eyes were bloodshot, probably from her lament a few moments ago. She gaped at Ban, unsure of his intention, and then when she saw the black form hovering above them, realization seized and paralyzed her. She tried to speak but words were unable to emit from her.

As if words were unnecessary, the couple's eyes locked on each other and that was enough for them to understand one another's thoughts.

What the hell are you doing?

Saving your life, what else?

But…

Be quiet. If I let the curse take hold of you once more, Yamato will definitely kill me. So don't worry. I'll think of something…. I hope.

The black form produced an ear-splitting cry and Ban instantaneously knew that it was plunging toward their way.

"Ban… don't… I don't want you to get hurt…"

"Shut up!"

Just then, blue sparks were seen shooting the creature and it yelled even more, but the electric beam seemed to have hit the ceiling rather than the creature. It momentarily stopped and looked at Ginji, but then continued on whizzing in the direction of Ban and Himiko. Kazuki too flung his strings toward the approaching shape. Unfortunately, he soon realized his efforts, as well as Ginji's, was pointless because sparks and strings went through its darting outline and evidently nothing could stop it from reaching its goal.

Ban's head was racing for he was furiously thinking of a credible measure to scare the creature off. Then the idea hit him. My Evil Eye! It might just work on that monster.

Any second now, I'll turn around and surprise it. Any time now.

Subconsciously, he whirled to look at his adversary in the eye when a blinding white flash appeared before him. The curse abruptly stopped in its tracks and screeched. Ban heard Himiko gasp at the scene being played before them. Ban was sure that she totally recognized the glowing, white form standing tall with his back facing them. You never do fail to surprise me.

"Well, well, well. Look who's here now? Aren't you the 'sister' of the Yamato-version-curse that killed me three years ago? What a coincidence. I never thought of seeing you face to face. Though you weren't the one who was responsible for my early death, I've always wanted revenge on the likeness of you. I've been waiting for a moment such as this one. And here it is, right in front of me." Yamato laughed.

"This isn't the time and place to ridicule it, you know." Ban said with annoyance.

"Okay, okay. Just enjoying this special, unforgettable moment, you know. I trust that's not a crime, now is it?"

With his hands, he formed a ball of bright light and aimed it at the shaking being. It struck the cowardly creature and it thrashed and screamed that everyone had to cover his or her ears. Soon, it disappeared into nothingness.

Astonished at the event that had transpired, no one was able to utter a single word.

"Guess that's over now, ne?" Yamato beamed at them. He was as bright and white since his timely appearance. He looked down at his stunned sister and giggled. " What's wrong? It's as if you've seen a ghost. Don't tell me you're just gonna look at me with that expression for the whole time without saying a word or givin' me a bear hug now don't you?"

"What's up is that you are a ghost. Besides, who wouldn't be surprised of seeing a live ghost suddenly materializing here at Honky Tonk?" Ban smirked at his glowing friend.

"Let's see, you, and…" Yamato looked around and to his quiet dismay, everyone in the room gaped at him with minor fear and shock.

"Okaaayyyy…." Yamato smiled and said, "Look, I'm not here to bite your heads or something. In fact, I saved your lives. Well, maybe just Himiko's, but hey…"

"Aniki…" Himiko whispered as she struggled to lift her self up from the floor. Ban outstretched his hand to help Himiko up. After regaining her equanimity and brushing off the unreal dirt from her blouse, she looked at him, eyes brimming with tears.

"That's like the third time you cried, kiddo. You know that I hate to see you cry." Yamato grinned at her.

"Aniki!" She threw herself at him. They both hugged each other intensely, afraid to let go.

"I've missed you, kiddo. Sorry, if I didn't tell you everything. I didn't want you to later act reckless, you know."

"But you do know by leaving me without letting me know anything made me feel ignorant and stupid."

"You're none like any of those two. But you are stubborn and vengeful. And in love."

"Aniki!" Himiko blushed. And so did Ban.

Yamato laughed. Ginji and the others were smiling, too.

"Oi! What are you guys smiling about, huh!" Ban's face was changing into a deeper shade of red.

"Why are you so guilty? I was just referring to Himiko here."

Ban cursed under his breath and asked, "How did you come here by the way? Thought that it's breaking the law up there if you dare come down here."

"You could say that I have high connections up there. And I'm extremely glad that I'm a friend of yours, cuz if not, she wouldn't permit me to save your butt."

Ban stared at him with disbelief then said, "You don't mean… her. As in my grandmother?"

"Bingo!" Yamato chuckled at his friend. "She's real nice and she always watches over you. She really cares 'bout you, even though you could be a wiseass most of the time."

"Whatever."

Yamato turned his attention once again to his little sister and said, "Gotta go now, kiddo. It's getting late."

"So soon?" Himiko's grasp around her brother softened and she lowered her stare to hide the painful tears.

"Have to or they'll lecture and ground me for five years. But hey, I'll always watch you from above. Have always been."

Himiko looked up at her brother and smiled. "Aniki, I've missed you so much!" She hugged him tighter and Yamato was almost out of breath by her sudden action.

"Me too, kiddo. Love you too." For what seemed like an eternity, the two stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, until Yamato began to turn transparent. "Take care now, kiddo. I'll always be watching over you." He kissed her on the cheek before letting her go and looked at Ban. "What about you, still up for your word?"

"What do you think?" Ban walked over to Himiko's side and rested his hand on her shoulder. "Say hi to her for me now, will you?"

"Not a problem." Yamato waved his hand and unexpectedly winked at Ginji before he finally disappeared.

Confused, Ginji looked at Ban. Ban chuckled.

"What was that for?" Himiko asked Ban.

"It's a secret."

"What do you mean it's a secret? C'mon tell me. Please?" Himiko pleaded with puppy-dog eyes while her lower lip quivered.

"You're such a baby."

Himiko smacked him on the back and said, "You're so mean!" She then stuck her tongue out and headed for one of the booths. Before sitting in one of them, she turned around to face everyone, and said, "Since you guys helped me a while ago, I guess I owe you one. So, if you don't mind, allow me to treat you all, ne?

"Wow! Himiko-san, you're so nice! Arigato!" Ginji exclaimed and ran toward the smiling transporter.

"Hey Kazuki, Shido, Hevn, come join in! Natsumi, you can join too. Well, maybe after getting our orders if that's not too much to ask from you. Paul, don't worry cuz I'm paying for these gluttons. So what do you guys want to order?"

Now that's the Himiko I've always remembered. Ban walked toward her and whispered in her ear, "Welcome back."

"Huh? Are you okay, Ban?"

"Never been better." Ban beamed at her and suddenly turned to Paul, "Oi, Paul, mind if I have three huge platters of pizza and five bottles of beer. Sank you!"

"Why do I get this funny feeling that as long as you and Ginji are around, I'll be bankrupt in no time."

"Well, you said it's your treat and I can order anything I want, ne? Besides, I was the one who saved you from the curse and I'm thinking that this little indulgence isn't close to half, compared to what I've done for you."

"If that's the case, I'd rather die than spend my life owing you."

Ban hugged her from behind and kissed her on the neck. "Do that then Yamato would surely haunt me for the rest of my life."

Himiko chuckled. "Fine. But you have your limits."

"Whatever."

"Excuse me, Ban-san, your food's here." Natsumi was carrying a huge tray that held the Get Backer's request.

That was fast.

Everyone, except for Paul of course, instantly sat down in one of the booths. Natsumi arranged the pizzas and beer on the table and asked Kazuki, Shido, Hevn, and Himiko what would they be having. Himiko declined the offer.

"Yey, Pizza!" Ginji was about to take a pizza when Ban slapped the blonde's hand.

"What's wrong, Ban-chan?" Ginji was rubbing his hand.

"Order your own food. These are all mine."

"Okay, I'll have the same thing then."

Everyone sweat-dropped, especially Himiko.

"You're such a copycat! Order something else."

"Demu Ban-chan, I also want to have what you're having."

"Fine. Just don't touch my food and beer."

"Hai! But instead of beer, I'll be having iced tea, instead, okay master?"

"Hai!"

Himiko was fidgeting with a toothpick while watching Ban eat a slice of pizza in one gulp. After three years of separation, I've already forgotten how he's like when it's eating time. Himiko smiled at the ravenous brunette and yet she was anxious to look at the bill after this ordeal's over.

"After this, maybe we could have some ice cream." Ginji was grinning at Himiko, and Himiko felt like she wanted to crawl into a little hole.

"Maybe tomorrow, Ginji-san. I'm sure that you'll be full after three platters of pizza, ne?" Kazuki said with an assured smile.

"Okay, I guess you're right."

Ban, however, didn't seem to pay attention to any of their conversation.

I can't believe I almost forgot about his huge appetite after all these years. Himiko giggled and appreciatively stared at Ban. Thanks Ban, thanks for everything.

TO BE CONTINUED…

That's it for now, and please don't forget to review! hehe