Ren slept in the guest bedroom that night; he could hear Kyouko silently crying from the thin walls and longed to comfort her. But what could he say, he wasn't around when she needed him the most. Now, all that he could do was support her with his presence. A constant pillar in her time of need; he'd bare the weight of it all for her if she would only allow it. Kyouko, of course, never would. She was strong and true to herself in her own way.

Footsteps padded along the hallway. They were too light for Taisho or his wife: they belonged to Kyouko and she was heading for the door. Ren crossed the floor to his bedroom as fast as he could and opened the door. A very sheepish Kyouko stared back at him.

"What are you doing. Its very early to be up and about, Kyouko-chan?"

She was caught…

"I'm going to the bathroom!" Kyouko tried to sidestep him but Ren had other plans.

"Then, might I suggest you go the other way; the bathroom is behind you."

She cursed silently to herself, leave it up to Ren to memorize the layout of her own house. "You're right. I need to go somewhere."

Ren relaxed a little, glad that she was now talking to him for the moment anyway, "Its still dark outside. Whatever it is, it can wait, surely?"

"No," she locked eyes with Ren, "I promise I'll return, but I have something I need to do. Ren, I'll be leaving one way or another; Corn! He would see my resolve, so please, Ren, believe me!"

He never had stopped. Ren sighed and rested against the door-frame. "I believe you, and so does your fairy prince. Please, be careful. And know that you can trust me with anything, if not me, then Corn."

She nodded and walked for the door, "I will never stop trusting him; after all, he deserves my faith along with my one and only life." Her voice was just a quite murmur in the dark, but they reached his ears as if she had screamed the very words out loud.

"You owe me nothing; it is by my choice that I do this, and I give both freely…"

A celestial maiden stood right outside of the beauty salon. Although she looked just like any ordinary person, it wasn't his eyes that told him there was something more to her, but his heart. He walked up to her and the angel acknowledged his presence; he grinned and raised his weapons high in the air. As if he was pledging allegiance to her cause.

"How might I be of service?"

A radiant smile broke across her face, she tilted her head and stared up at the man. "I need a change of appearances; after all I am casting off my old shell and by doing so, finding my life's purpose."

"Sounds worthy enough for my support. Come in, I wish to help the treacherous ground you walk become that much smoother." He stepped aside and guided her in; the man was quite prestigious around these parts, not quite up to par with the fabled 'Witch' but enough that he wouldn't extend his help to just anyone. Whatever the artist had seen in his muse, it must have inspired him greatly; for now he was lending a hand in aid to her. Unintentionally, helping to set the wheels of fate in motion, beyond his comprehension, he was playing his part that belonged to a far bigger purpose than he could ever conceive of.

She was unsure of her new appearances; she twirled once in front of the mirror but it didn't help matters any. Kyouko didn't regret her actions, but she did scold herself. How could she do things so rashly? Deep inside, though, she knew there was no other alternative path.

The man walked over to her noticing the ladies insecurities, "Don't worry, madam. You look splendid, truly one of the best works I've ever had the pleasure of doing."

Kyouko smiled at him her eyes softening for a moment, " Thank you, I don't know how I could ever repay your kindness."

"You can start by starting down the path you'll walk. I am just sorry that I can be of no further assistance to you." He watched her take out a wallet and shook his head, "I am fine; please do not trouble yourself. It was my pleasure to help you!"

She bowed grateful for his kindness. " I hope to come again and repay you for all you've done for me. Maybe it won't be in the near future, but I promise, I'll never be ungrateful for what you've done for me, a complete stranger."

He smiled and reciprocated, "As for me, I am truly blessed that such a sweet young-lady keeps me in her memories. I pray that good fortune follows you throughout your life, and if by chance we somehow meet again, it will be as old friends."

A woman walked down the streets with an air of dignity. It wasn't just a façade, but instead, she commanded it with a resolution known only to few. Kyouko's once dark hair was now a bright auburn color; like the steady-growing flames of a burning passion, they reflected her inner self. She was determined to change herself from top to bottom; let nothing of the past curse her looming future. She had bought a new wardrobe set and cancelled her payments for the apartment that she had shared with Sho. Kyouko was determined to make a clean cut and severe all ties that held her back.

When she reached Daruyama, she grew concerned about how Taisho would now think of her. Kyouko took several soothing breaths before she entered the shop. Ren, who had been sitting at a table nearby, raised his head at the new presence before him. If he was going by appearances alone, he would have never recognized the woman for who she was; however, when love is concerned, it doesn't take much to see past the materialized world. A new Kyouko entered through the doors.

A Phoenix reborn from the flames. Tempered by the fires of betrayal- agony- & love; she grew stronger than ever before. She held the world at her finger tips, and the silent pleas for change resounded all around.

The birth of a new legacy was coming; and its aim was to rock Japans foundation from its core.