"Kurama, I shouldn't help but wonder if I've been down this path before," spoke Monica as Kurama led her through a dark forest. Kurama smiled at her. He had finally remembered a place where she had often missed. It was a lake that glowed on the night of a full moon deep in Demon World.
"You are familiar with this path. You just don't remember it yet. But your memories will come back once we've reached our destination," assured Kurama holding her hand in his. Suddenly, Monica's eyes caught a sparkle of light coming from deep inside the forest.
"Kurama, what was that light I just saw?" she asked softly. Kurama looked at her in confusion.
"What light?" he asked, looking at her worriedly. Monica then turned and looked straight into his eyes. Kurama suddenly couldn't breathe for he feared he would ruin the moment. Deep down in those brilliant maroon eyes was a soft light that glowed. The light that once was gone was now returning.
"That glimmer of light up ahead," she replied. Kurama smiled at her lovingly. He then walked on. Monica watched him in confusion. Suddenly, images of her past began to flash through her mind. She saw a silver haired boy laughing, a castle on an ancient island. Last of all, a young man with cold golden eyes and the same silver hair as the laughing boy. She fell to the ground, gasping. Kurama then rushed over to her, looking concerned.
"Monica, are you alright? What happened?" he asked quickly. Monica looked at him and smiled wearily.
"I'm fine. Just have a headache, that's all," she replied. Kurama just nodded, still looking unconvinced. 'What was that?' she thought as Kurama helped her to her feet and continued walking. Quietly, she hummed a soft tune as they walked. Kurama stopped and looked at her, listening carfully. Monica suddenly noticed him watching and stopped smiling.
"That tune, it's so familiar to me," he whispered silently. Monica gazed at him affectionately.
"It just came to me. I honestly don't know how I remember it, it's just so familiar to me," she said. Kurama smiled and stroked her cheek.
"Your memories are returning," he said softly. Monica's eyes locked with his.
"Kurama," she whispered quietly. All of a sudden, Monica began to glow. A bright light then surrounded them, making Kurama gasp. As the light faded, Kurama found himself looking at the sacred lake. It glowed with the brilliant light that had surrounded them.
"How?" he asked quietly.
"The lake guides those who are lost in the world. It is called the Lake of Light for it is the element sisters' guiding star. Only those of a pure heart can unlock its true power," spoke a voice from behind him Kurama turned around to see Monica standing there, smiling. "I remember everything Kurama," she said softly.
Tear began to fall down Kurama's cheeks. He then pulled her into a loving embrace, crying softly. "I was lost without you," he whispered to her. Monica returned the embrace, happily.
"The memories we share are special and always will be. I could never truly forget them. No matter what, they will always be in my heart," she spoke. Kurama looked at her then kissed her on the forehead.
"Nothing could describe the way I feel for you. Nothing could stop me from trying to save what was lost. I would even die for you if it means bringing you back," he declared. He then looked at her sadly. "If you hadn't stopped me from killing myself, I wouldn't be here right now."
Monica looked at him kindly. "We all have our wrongs and rights. What you almost did was out of love. What I did was to save you from yourself because I do care. Even though I lost my memories, my love for you didn't disappear. I lost you once, and I can't bear to loose you again."
Kurama suddenly took her hand. "Do you remember when we became mates right here in this very place?" he asked her softly, his voice full of warmth. Monica smiled.
"I remember it like it was just yesterday when you marked me as yours," she said softly. Kurama chuckled.
"You were so beautiful that day. I often look back at that time," he whispered in her ear. Monica blushed and smiled even more.
All of a sudden, out of the corner of her eye, Monica noticed that something was flying towards them in the sky. As it came closer, she realized that it was two phoenixes. One was a brilliant red and emerald green. The other had blue feathers with gold edges. On top of one, Monica spotted a dark red fox. She suddenly gasped in recognition.
"Emi, Rosewilt, Blue Thunder! What are you doing here?" she cried happily, running to hug her friends. Kurama laughed and walked over to them.
The red fox yapped happily, leaping into Monica's arms. "Hi!" cried the fox.
"Emi! It's so good to see you again!" Monica spoke cuddling her old friend in her arms. She then turned to the two phoenixes. The red and green one stepped forward.
"Lady Monica, we have come to you to ask you to be the lady of the northern lands," spoke the phoenis. Monica glanced at it.
"I don't know if I can Rosewilt," spoke Monica. She sighed. Rosewilt looked at her intently.
"Somehow, I knew that would be you answer," she replied. Her eyes looked down at Kurama.
"Lord Kurama, you truly have made the prophecy come true. I believe you are the reason she refuses to take the throne," spoke Blue Thunder. He rustled his dark blue wings as he spoke. "Lady Monica is most important to our land. As the prophecy states, you will help her produce a proper heir to the throne."
"Is that really what you want Lady Monica? Will you really give your land to the King of Demon World and leave the castle to your child?" asked Emi. Monica looked down at the fox then at Kurama. She smiled.
"All these years, I never knew my mother's reason for making me the heir to the throne when I was just going to refuse it. Now I know. The throne was meant to go to my child, and I was meant to be with Kurama. The northern lands belong to Demon World. I know that now," spoke Monica. Kurama smiled at her.
Rosewilt looked at them then spoke once more. "What is your decision Lady Monica? You are the heir to the throne and the guardian of the Lake of Light. What will you choose? To produce and heir or to stay and become the true mistress of this land?" Monica looked up at her friend.
"You must choose Monica," spoke Emi, looking anxiously up at her.
Monica smiled at them. "I knew my father so well. I was almost exactly like him had I not been so wise for my age. I would go with his wishes," she said. Kurama stepped forward.
"What would his wishes be?" he asked silently. Monica closed her eyes, listening to the wind blowing softly against the lake's waters. She then opened her eyes and smiled. Slowly, she turned to Kurama.
"His wish was that I should be with you," she said softly.