Balanced
Chapter 1: Accepting December 1999
Subaru felt so light and free. The world bled away as he sat under the Sakura tree for the last time. Just before he closed his eyes, he saw Seishirou standing before him with his arms outstretched. He wasn't sure if it was an illusion of the tree or Seishirou's ghost welcoming him to the afterlife. At least his pain was finally over. He gave on last, brief, regretful though to Kamui and the other Ten no Ryuu before his mind was engulfed by oblivion.
With out a concept of time, Subaru didn't know how long he'd been unconscious, but suddenly felt an intense heat. It felt as though something was constricting around him. A loud voice boomed in his mind.
"The judgment had ended and the wish of Kamui has been granted."
Subaru smiled. He hoped it was his Kamui's wish.
"The balance must be maintained and you must help in this matter. Do you accept," the voice continued.
"I'm sorry, I don't understand," he replied.
"Do you accept?" The tightness increased around his heart. "The balance between all things must be maintained. Over time, this balance slips and the judgment, the Kamuis, the Ten no Ryuu and Chi no Ryuu all exist to restore this balance.
Subaru couldn't quite comprehend this. Briefly a yin yang symbol flashed in his mind. Why was he being asked this? He was already Ten no Ryuu, hadn't he served his part in maintaining this balance?
"The Kamui's wish has been granted. Do you accept it?" The voice demanded.
Wearily he accepted, "Yes."
The vice like grip slackened and for an instant Subaru saw the head of a giant dragon coming straight at him with its jaws gaping. He braced himself as he felt it pass through him with a roar. Then the stillness of oblivion returned.