Episode Three

Tomo blinked once, and then a second time, thinking that Nakago's defining form behind him was just an illusion. He didn't see the former Kutou general staring him down, didn't hear his voice of warning.

The two Genbu warriors, young before their years, rushed forward. "Do you really think we're going to let you take our priestess away?" the darker haired one demanded.

"That's right! Let's go, Hatsui!" the other one declared, hair pale as the moon's light. They both cried out before charging towards the deceased Kutou general, who could only stare upon them with an amused smile.

Tasuki and Atsuna watched, the bandit confused and the courier of light worried, as Nakago disappeared and materialized behind the young boys. They spun around and charged again, but before they could reach the general, and thus, their own deaths, Chichiri appeared behind them and chopped the back of their necks, spiraling them into immediate unconsciousness.

"I suppose I should thank you," Nakago spoke up as Chichiri knelt down between both unconscious boys.

"Be serious. I was saving these two kids," Chichiri replied. "They're both so young. I would hate to see them die." He turned over his shoulder to Tomo, his scowl evident through his mask. "Tomo! What the hell are you after?! Why are you involving celestial warriors this young?" His voice seethed with an anger that was not always heard from the collected monk.

"Never mind that," Tasuki spoke up, interrupting before Tomo could stammer an answer. "Your poor, neglected soul is aimlessly wanderin' the earth." With fingers tightening over his tessen, he raised it level to the ground. "I'll help ya to rest in peace."

"No, he won't rest in peace unless the darkness clawing at his heart disappears," Atsuna added knowingly, her brows clenched together. "I can feel something keeping him here where he does not belong."

"This does pose a problem," Nakago agreed. "For the sake of my own peace, I should take care of this now and disappear."

Tomo took a step back, eyes wide, as he watched his former Seiryu comrade become engulfed by a familiar blue aura, a billowing wind carrying his platinum blonde hair behind him. The all too familiar blue symbol appeared on his forehead, and in a matter of seconds, the small clam known as Shin shattered into small shards, disappearing into the night air.

Yui's eyes lost their green luster, and the single earring she adorned also shattered before her body fell into the waiting arms of Suboshi. The Seiryu twin eased her to the ground, patting his hand against her cheek as he hoped to rouse her from her unconsciousness.

"No… Shin…" Tomo shook his head in a daze, a feeling of emptiness encasing him from within.

"Tomo."

Said warrior snapped his head in the direction of Nakago, Chichiri, Tasuki, and Atsuna, who all stood watching him. "Nakago. I…I was only trying to…"

"Leave. Now," Nakago ordered.

Tomo winced, recognizing his defeat, and he phased into nothing.

"Hey! Come back an' fight, ya sissy!" Tasuki called out into the chilled air.

Ignoring Tasuki's demands into the night, Chichiri and Atsuna turned to Nakago. "I want to ask you something," the monk started.

Just as Nakago turned his attention to the twosome, he heard his name on the lips of a very vengeful bandit. "Nakago!"

"Hold on a second, Tasuki!" Chichiri called out, taking a step towards his comrade.

"Like hell!" He tightened his grip on the wrapped end of his tessen and began his incantation, visuals of Nakago burning to a crisp flashing in his mind. He enjoyed the prospect of watching the man turn to ash by his hand.

He snapped his hand back, and just as he was about to bring his holy fire down upon the Kutou general, a hand closed around his wrist, stopping his attack. Turning his head and preparing to beat the sense out of the poor fool who would stop his vengeance, he came face-to-face with the wrinkled and very exasperated face of Taiitsukun.

"Knock it off. Have some patience for once," she said.

Tasuki cried out, releasing his tessen and clutching his hand against his chest. "Hey! Don't do that! Ya scared me! Damn it, ya made my heart stop for a second! Maybe ya should say somethin' before poppin' out like that!"

Taiitsukun slapped the diamond weapon against the bandit's face, effectively shutting him up and dropping him to the ground. She tossed it carelessly atop him, rolling her eyes. "Don't talk to me like I'm a ghost." She turned her attention towards the waiting warriors. "Chichiri. Suboshi. Atsuna. We need to talk." Her eyes shifted to Nakago, who stood with his back to her. "I would like for you to join us, as well."

Darkness shrouded in a room overtaken by black and violet. "What went wrong, Tomo?" a low, masculine voice asked, echoing off the walls.

Tomo couldn't have bowed his head lower even if he wished to. "It was nearly complete. I didn't expect Nakago to interfere." His eyes moved up, gazing over the looming shadowed figure as he sat on his designated throne.

The man chuckled in amusement. "You were scared, weren't you? Nakago does tend to meddle." There was a gentle rustling from his clothing as he shifted in his seat. "But no matter. There is already a new priestess and celestial warriors. Tamahome is hanging on by a thread. There is no need to worry."

Tomo released a light gasp of relief. Despite his failure, there was still something to be benefited from it. He denied the smirk at the thought of Tamahome's suffering and the fact that his friends would probably be able to do very little to help him at this point.

"Tomo. Look at me."

Tomo swallowed hard, thrust from his thoughts, as he turned his head up to obey the man before him. "Yes?"

A small bullet of energy snapped through his forehead, propelling him on his back. "Return to your rest," the man ordered. "You did an excellent job."

The man, with his long fingers, curled over the ends of his throne as he pushed himself to his feet, his long white hair billowing around him like a curtain of snow. He started his slow walk past Tomo's body. "Now to retrieve my priestess."

Atsuna sat with her twin brother in her lap, watching over him intently as she tried with everything she had to channel her life force into him. She felt eyes on her as she furrowed her brows in concentration. Nothing was happening. She couldn't do anything, and it was aggravating her with every passing second that she failed.

"When Yui and Miaka entered the book, they broke the 100-year cycle on the summoning of the beast gods," Taiitsukun explained, her eyes falling hard on the unconscious Suzaku warrior lying protected within his sister's arms. Suboshi was holding on to Yui, who continued to slip in and out of her own consciousness. "There was a strong medium between both worlds."

"You mean…my earring?" Yui rasped.

"It wasn't Lady Yui's fault!" Suboshi exclaimed, quickly rising to his priestess' defense. "We all know who put the earring in Tomo's shell!"

Taiitsukun slammed her impatient gaze into the young boy. "No one is blaming Yui. Settle down."

"That's right. When we come right down to it, the thing that brings their worlds closest together is them," Chichiri agreed, turning his attention towards the former priestess.

Tasuki knelt down next to Atsuna, resting his hand on her shoulder. She was warm. "Nothing's happening," she mumbled, her eyes not leaving her brother's unresponsive form. "I can't do anything to bring him out of his unconsciousness, Tasuki. Why can't I do anything for him?"

"Hey! Why hasn't Tamahome broken free from Tomo's spell by now?" he demanded.

"It's kodoku," Nakago spoke up matter-of-factly. "Tomo may have been feeding him illusions through Shin, but the kodoku in the wine was real."

"Oh. Is that it?" Tasuki asked, a smirk curling onto his face. "Tama already broke free of kodoku before. He can do it again."

"I wonder," Nakago spoke up, causing Tasuki to shoot a glare in his direction. "The last time he only took one dose. The more he takes, the stronger it gets."

Tasuki saw the look on Atsuna's face falter, her fingers tightening over her brother's arms. He couldn't take it anymore. "Shut up!" He pushed himself from his knees, reaching for the tessen on his back. "I'm tired of ya an' Suboshi! Yer both bad news, an' I'll burn ya to a crisp!"

"Stop it!" Yui shouted. Tears streaked her face. "It…It was me. I stole the Four Gods book. I'm the one causing all of this suffering. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry!"

"Don't blame yourself, Yui," Taiitsukun said, her voice low in sympathy as she watched the girl succumb to her cries. "This has nothing to do with you." She snapped her head in the rash bandit's direction. "Tasuki! Put your weapon away now!"

Tasuki grumbled something under his breath as he reattached the tessen to his back. He didn't like this in the least, and if he couldn't deal out some major fire soon, he was going to be pissed.

"Tamahome? Can you hear me?"

Tasuki jerked his head down, reacting to the shakiness in Atsuna's voice as she watched her brother shift just slightly in her arms. He leaned down, looming over the both of them as a constrained groan passed through his comrade's lips. "Tamahome! Hey! Yer gonna be okay!" He grasped one of Atsuna's hands, feeling the heat from her blood as it passed through her skin to his. "Hey, Grandma! What can we do to help him? C'mon an' tell me!"

Taiitsukun said nothing. Instead, she turned to Nakago, who watched over his shoulder as Atsuna and Tasuki spoke softly to the man lying in their arms. "If there's something you know, I'd like you to tell me."

Nakago closed his eyes. "There's nothing. If there was, I would tell you. I offer Tamahome no help, and I don't wish to bother you any further. I only came to retrieve a lost item."

"You're leaving, then?" Taiitsukun asked.

A smirk curled on his face. "Were you planning on asking for my help to fight?"

"Would you have helped even if we asked?" Chichiri inquired.

"Have I misjudged you?" Taiitsukun added.

Nakago had no opportunity to answer either of them. His eyes snapped opened and stared into the distance. "Something's coming."

Atsuna lifted her head from her brother's form for the first time, a single bead of sweat rolling down the side of her face. "Something is coming," she whispered. Her fingers tightened over Tamahome's arms, nearly digging through his jacket. "Something dark. Evil."

A brow rose on Tasuki's face. "What's goin' on, babe?"

As if to answer him, a large violet energy blast barreled towards them at a raging speed, tearing right in between Yui and Suboshi. Suboshi jerked away from his priestess as she screamed, debris flying up around her.

"Lady Yui!" Suboshi shouted, reaching out for her through the cloud of dust. He swung his hand, trying to find her as the dirt marred his vision. Every second that passed that he couldn't find her made his heart rate pick up an extra step, threatening to beat out of his chest.

The dust cloud finally cleared, revealing a blinding, purple light that tore the earth up around them. Yui was entangled with violet chains composed of electricity, her teeth clenched as she fought against the uncomfortable position she was in. The chains burned through her skin.

Standing behind her like a looming shadow was a man with long hair of ivory and eyes golden as the midday sun. His body was draped in black that wrapped around skin that could rival the white of his hair. His forehead adorned a gold headpiece that glistened under the moonlight.

"Release Lady Yui!" Suboshi demanded, coming to his feet.

"Who the hell are ya?" Tasuki shouted, his arms unwrapping from Atsuna and Tamahome. During the explosion, his instincts had taken over and he'd grasped the opportunity to protect the twins from whatever attack they were under.

"To upset the four gods' balance and take over the entire world. That is what you want," Taiitsukun said.

The man's chuckle rumbled through his chest. "You make it sound so artless and simple. Do you understand the concept of taking over the world?"

"You have yet to answer who you are," Atsuna spoke up, hugging her brother close to her chest. "I feel the darkness in your soul pulling towards mine. Who are you? I know you're responsible for my brother being here. Explain yourself now!"

The man closed his eyes, his amusement meeting no bounds. "Very well. I am known as Tenkou. Your friend Nakago should know well enough who I am, seeing as I am his former master."

"What?" Tasuki snapped his head towards the Kutou general, who remained silent. "Ya worked under this bastard?"

"I'm willing to overlook your interference with Tomo. Will you serve me again?" Tenkou asked Nakago, ignoring Tasuki's quickened demands from the Seiryu warrior.

"I'm afraid I must decline," Nakago replied. "I don't wish to experience death again." He turned around, facing the moon hanging high. "I bid you farewell. I don't expect to see any of you again."

"Why the hell did ya even bother to show up in the first place?" Tasuki asked with an exasperated groan.

Nakago turned over his shoulder, smirking. "I wanted to see my old friends, the Suzaku Seven, again. Isn't that enough?" With a familiar laugh, his body phased to nothing, disappearing forever into the night.

"I don't believe it," Tasuki grumbled, shaking his head.

"You're as big a loudmouth as ever." Tasuki turned around at the familiar voice coming from behind him, watching as his violet-haired former comrade yanked Tamahome out of Atsuna's arms. The courier of light watched with wide eyes, words lost on her tongue. "Hey, what happened to Tamahome?"

"From what I can gather, he's all hopped up on kodoku," Tasuki informed with a frown.

"Oh, geez. What an idiot," Nuriko sighed, shaking his head and scratching his fingers against the side of his head.

"It's not something to joke about, Nuriko," Chiriko pointed out.

Tasuki's eyes snapped towards the young boy as he walked over to Nuriko and Tamahome.

"We have to remember that kodoku is powerful and dangerous," Mitsukake reminded them.

Tasuki's face contorted and his eyes connected with Atsuna's for a moment, noticing that she was just as baffled and shaken as he was. Tears beaded in the corners of his eyes. "Hey, guys, what are ya doin' here?" he asked with a nervous chuckle.

Standing next to a smiling Chichiri was the former emperor of Konan, Hotohori, who was more than happy to provide the simple explanation. "The seven of us must gather wherever the Priestess of Suzaku appears."

Suboshi was the first to speak up, asking what Tasuki and Atsuna both wanted to ask. "The priestess…is here?"

A blinding, red light glittered to life behind them in response to Suboshi's question, and centered inside was Miaka, brunette locks flowing behind her.

Atsuna finally rose to her feet, stepping up next to Tasuki in a hurry. The twosome called out her name in unison, causing her to open her eyes and take in the sight of her warriors all gathered for her once more. "My friends, I won't let him get away with this."

Tenkou frowned as Miaka's feet touched the ground, and she rushed over to Tamahome, who was still sunk in unconsciousness. She wrapped her arms around him, eyes journeying over his body for any signs of injury. Although she knew there were none, she knew the source of his suffering came from within. Her thoughts reeled on what there was that she could possibly do for him.

Tenkou was obviously not one to wait around for his enemies to distract them. He flicked his finger forward and sent out a bolt of energy towards the Suzaku warriors.

As if to taunt his arrogance and inch his aggravation towards the boiling point, a teal-haired girl flew before his attack, kicking it into a nearby rock formation.

"I was wondering when you were going to show up," Taiitsukun spoke up with a sigh. "I figured you would wait for the most dramatic moment."

"Nyan-Nyan!" the girl said, flashing the peace sign.

"Forget the peace sign and get those two out of here. Mitsukake, stay with them," Taiitsukun ordered.

The towering doctor watched as Nyan-Nyan flipped into the air, transforming into a pink bubble that sunk over Miaka and Tamahome. Mitsukake knelt outside of the bubble, calling forth his powers of healing to do what he could for Tamahome.

Miaka looked from Mitsukake to Taiitsukun. "Taiitsukun! I have to fight Tenkou!"

Nuriko walked in front of her, smiling. "You just help Tamahome recover. Leave this to us."

Chiriko nodded, folding his hands into his sleeves. "Yeah, we can handle this guy!"

"Whoa, Chiriko's soundin' like a real fighter now!" Tasuki exclaimed, coming up next to the twosome. "It's about damn time, too! This should be fun!"

Hotohori turned to Chichiri and Atsuna, both now standing at the ready with their staffs. "Are you both ready?"

Chichiri slid his hand over his face, pulling the mask away from it and revealing the jagged scar over his eye. But that didn't take away from the blazing determination in his other eye, scarlet as blood. "Yes. I'm ready."

Atsuna nodded in agreement. "I am, as well. We need to finish this now."

Taiitsukun smiled at the scene before her, all warriors standing in a line of defense in front of Mitsukake, Miaka, and Tamahome. "What are you going to do now? It won't be as easy to get as you think."

Suboshi turned to the heavenly woman, confused. "What does he have to get?"

"He needs the Shinzaho. They are formed from an item the priestess is wearing at the time the beast god is summoned. The long gold ornament around his neck belonged to Yui, the Priestess of Seiryu. He needs the ring Miaka is wearing. He expected to get it effortlessly because everything had gone according to his plan. Until now, that is."

Smiling, Tenkou's eyes slit into thin gold lines. "Yes, you have certainly created a number of setbacks. But now I will annihilate you." His entire body was swallowed by a dark void, and from it, a number of energy blasts scattered towards them.

Suboshi stood back, watching as every Suzaku warrior rushed forward, beginning their assault. He watched Hotohori unsheathe his sword and bat away a ball of energy before it could slam into Chiriko. He watched Tasuki summon his fire spell to expel several volleys that threatened to swarm around Atsuna and Nuriko. He watched Chichiri erect a barrier to ward off any remaining attacks that Tenkou had in store for them.

And yet, he didn't know what he should do.

Brother! What are you doing? Save Lady Yui!

The sound of his brother's insistent voice snapped him away from reality. "What are you talking about, Brother? I can't do that. I'm using your body. I don't want it destroyed."

He's using Lady Yui as a shield. Everyone is afraid of hurting her. You need to save them. Save them all.

Suboshi opened his eyes, watching as his brother's words came to life. Nuriko rushed forward to land a punch on Tenkou, but Yui's presence stopped him. He couldn't get close enough to do any damage without risking Yui's well-being in the process. Atsuna swung her staff, sending out rays of blinding light, but with Yui there, the light bounced away from her. She was being used as a negation to her own power; she couldn't touch him, either.

Shedding a single tear, Suboshi sent out a silent "thank you" to his brother and summoned his weapons, the Meteor Bells. He rushed forward, passing through the wall of Suzaku warriors, and sent out the psychic-powered balls to snap away the chains keeping Yui entangled in Tenkou's grasp.

Pain snapped through the middle of his body as Suboshi yanked Yui into his arms, landing her safely near Miaka and Tamahome. Blood splattered around him, his vision blurring as he summoned his voice box to call out to Yui. He wasn't sure what happened, but as his strength slipped through his fingers, he knew that he didn't have much time left.

"Suboshi? Did you save me?" Yui's weakened voice rasped, causing him to stare down at her with darkened eyes, now rising with tears.

"Yes, I did," he answered chokingly. "I have always lived for your sake, Lady Yui." He leaned in, his tears rolling a wet trail down his cheeks. "I have always loved you, Lady Yui."

Yui's face fell as her fingers grasped his shirt. "Why are you telling me this now?"

Wincing, Suboshi's lips curled into a smile. "I do love you. I will always love you." He groaned and lost every last bit of strength in his limbs, falling upon her without a second's breath.

Yui's eyes widened as she felt blood seeping from Suboshi's clothing right into hers. His breathing stopped, his fingers loosening over her arms. "Suboshi? Suboshi! No! NO!"

Everyone spun around to face them, watching as Yui succumbed to maddening tears as Suboshi died once more, taking his twin brother to eternal rest with him.

"No," Atsuna hissed, clenching her teeth together. "Not another one." She turned her head towards Miaka, watching as she smiled over her brother's pained form. Mitsukake was pouring his power into him, warming his body. Atsuna heard Miaka call out her brother's name in a hushed whisper that could only be laced with undying love.

"Don't stop fighting, Tamahome!" the healer cried out, channeling his energy into his fallen comrade. "You can't let the kodoku take you!" Even as the words passed through his mouth, as he tried to keep a positive attitude, he knew his power was doing very little to help his friend. Only Tamahome had the strength to break the spell he was under.

Tamahome opened the door to his house, finding the blood-battered bodies of his father and younger siblings. His breath got caught in his throat as he looked down at his palms, a sickening crimson stickiness marring his skin. Blood. It was the blood of this man and his four young children.

"No! It was me! I killed them!" he shouted, slamming his bloody hands over his face as he sobbed. He couldn't take it. He couldn't take the smell of the blood in the room, the taste of blood against his lips as he cried into his hands, the same hands that had taken the lives away from the five people in the room.

Pain ripped through his head, causing him to pull his hands away from his face. He turned towards the single window in the room, looking outside as someone stacked stones on top of one another. And with every one added, the pain intensified. "No… Stop that. Who's doing that?"

He staggered towards the window to see who it was. With widened eyes, he found that it was him. Flashing before his eyes were the memories of his family, memories he held as a child and an older, protective brother, memories of Miaka, memories of how much he loved his family.

"No. I couldn't have possibly killed them. It wasn't me," Tamahome whispered. "I remember my promise to you, Father, the night I found you. I promised that I would guard Miaka with my life. I promised that I would protect Atsuna. I promised I would do both. Watch me."

Tamahome's eyes snapped open when he felt warm lips blanketing his, pulling him from his unconsciousness and throwing him back into a world he knew, a world that needed him, called out to him. He saw Miaka hovering above him, breathing life into him through her kiss. He saw Mitsukake pushing every last bit of his healing power into his body. He felt his sister close by, preparing to defend him until her last breath. He felt his comrades supporting her. They were all there with him. He wasn't alone.

Yui couldn't shake the haze from her eyes as she cried over Suboshi's fallen body. Her tears sprinkled over his face, smearing his blood further down his cheeks. What could she do now?

You must summon Genbu.

Yui's eyes widened to the female voice echoing in her head. "What?"

Yes, you must summon Genbu. I failed to prevail against the strength of the beast god. But you will be able to do it.

Yui was already shaking her head. Takiko. "But…But if I summon Genbu, you'll die again." She closed her eyes. She wasn't all right with doing that, for being responsible for Takiko's death.

You understand, don't you? You'll be able to seal Tenkou away as he is now. Summon Genbu.

Tenkou snapped his head in Yui's direction as she continued to hover over Suboshi's cold and lifeless body. Blood marred her shirt, but when she opened her eyes, he saw the resolve there. He knew exactly what was going through her mind, especially when her eyes connected with his. "I won't allow it!" he shouted. Without a single second to spare, he tossed a ball of energy towards her, burning the air as it barreled towards her.

The Suzaku warriors all cried out as it impacted, a loud explosion echoing around them and sending vibrations through the earth beneath them. Tasuki grabbed Atsuna's arm as she stumbled with her balance. When she clutched his shoulder, she felt a spark of warmth inside her belly.

She snapped her head to Tasuki, who was staring down at her in confusion. "Tasuki."

A brow arched in slight alarm. "What?"

She said nothing. Instead, she turned her head slowly towards the settling dust, seeing through the dirt a welcoming red light that defined to the symbol that always adorned her brother's forehead, the same one that invited a teasing nickname through their childhood. A smile rose to her face as she eased herself into Tasuki's side. "Tamahome. He's back."

With hair tossed around in the air and a hot red aura pulsing around his body, Tamahome took a step forward. "It ends here."

Yui felt hands pull her up onto her feet. Turning her head, she found Miaka standing next to her, smiling and nodding in urging. Yui swallowed and nodded, gripping her hand tight in Miaka's. "Kai-Jin! With thy holy power, destroy the evil which threatens us! Oh, hear the plea of your followers and grant our wishes! Descend to us now!"

Tenkou watched in horror as Yui's body was swallowed by a bright green light, the symbol of Genbu glowing in the middle of her forehead. He watched four glowing balls of light, each a different color—red, blue, white, and green—descend upon him with a holy vengeance. He felt the pain striking him down from within, heard the echoing voices in his head of each deity telling him that his reign was over before it ever began. "I will never give up!"

All four balls of light swarmed together as one and circled around Tenkou, sucking him into their own void. He cried out again, once again swearing that he could not be beaten, but such cries were barely heard as the four gods used their undying power to create a seal over him, banishing him from the world.

Yui's wish was granted. Tenkou was gone.

The Suzaku Warriors watched as Yui made her second wish—to revive Takiko. Miaka hugged her friend, glad to see that everything had worked out so well.

"You have one wish remaining," Taiitsukun spoke up, directing everyone's attention towards her. "I have a feeling I know what it is you wish to do, but there is something you must know first."

Miaka and Yui stared at her, smiles fading. "What is it, Taiitsukun?" Miaka asked, although from the frown on Taiitsukun's face, she knew she didn't want to know the answer.

"Even if the book is sealed away, both worlds will be affected by you and Tamahome staying together in one of them. You two are no longer able to stay with one another," Taiitsukun explained simply. She turned to Tamahome before Miaka's eyes filled with tears, watching as his eyes fell upon his feet at the harsh realization. "You were told it was impossible, Tamahome, so long as you held any memories of this life. You cannot live in Miaka's world. It is your destiny as one of her celestial warriors. You were always meant to be separated."

"I guess that's a wish that none of the four gods can grant," Nuriko murmured, head hung in sadness.

"Ya know, I really don't care if somethin' does happen." Everyone turned their heads towards the fuming bandit, his hands clenched tight at his sides, his fingers threatening to dig crescents into his own palms. "Why should they have to be worried about it, huh? What's wrong with 'em livin' together if they love each other?! What's wrong with that?!"

Atsuna stepped forward, circling her arm through his. He snapped his head around, staring down at her. She was biting down on her bottom lip, trying to hold back the cries that wished to surface. Tasuki groaned and wrapped his other arm around her neck, jerking her into his chest. "It's just not right," he mumbled. "We can stay together. Why can't they?"

Shaking her head, Atsuna could offer him no answer. All she could do was nestle her face into the crook of his shoulder, suddenly thankful for his warmth, selfishly thankful that she was not in such a predicament.

"Taiitsukun." Miaka started forward, eyes shadowed by her chocolate bangs. "What do I do? Tell me what to do. I'll do anything not to be separated from Tamahome. Anything." She lifted her head, showing the elder woman the tears streaking her flushed cheeks. "What do I do?" She collapsed to her knees, her fingers clasping Taiitsukun's robes.

"Miaka -" Taiitsukun started.

"I'll do whatever it takes!" Miaka shouted. "I can handle it, no matter what it is! People's feelings! You said that they made a difference! You said the human heart is what makes miracles happen! I don't want to just give up! Don't make me!"

Chiriko buried his face into Mitsukake's side. The healer turned his head away, knowing he could do nothing to correct the pain his priestess was feeling. Hotohori watched over her, still and quiet. Nuriko did the same, wishing things could be different for them. And Tamahome stood as silent as the night, Taiitsukun's knowledge biting through him like a harsh winter storm.

"Is that supposed to be the mature thing to do, to say it can't be helped and move on? If being mature means giving up, then I don't want to be an adult. I don't. What was the point of our meeting? What was the point of our adventure? Of any of it?" Miaka asked, shaking her head wildly. Throwing her head back, she cried out into the darkness, threatening to bring down the moon upon them.

Tamahome finally walked forward, kneeling down next to the woman he loved. Everyone watched intently, listening only to the thumping of their hearts, as he wrapped his arms around her shoulders, quite possibly giving her comforting whispers. Or, as they suspected, they both knelt upon the exposed earth, merely holding one another for the final time.

Minutes passed before Miaka's sobs quieted to nothing. Tamahome tugged her to her feet, sliding a palm over her cheek. He gently pushed her away, his eyes filled with wordless emotion. He peered down at the wedding ring hugging his finger before sliding it off, feeling his breath leave him as he lay it gently in the middle of Miaka's small palm.

Miaka swallowed another sob, stole one last glance at the man that held her heart, and spun around on her heel. She walked slowly towards Yui as she waited patiently. Her warriors lined up on either side of her, watching her carefully as they each had the opportunity to connect their eyes with her, marred with unshed tears.

The Priestess of Suzaku came to her friend's side and turned around, whimpering as her tears finally broke through the dam. "Thank you," she rasped. "Thank you all for everything."

Yui wrapped her arms around Miaka, closed her eyes, and summoned Genbu for the final time. "Kai-Jin. Seal the Universe of the Four Gods forever! And separate the two worlds from each other completely and without delay!"

As a grand green light engulfed the two women, Miaka blinked through her tears, watching as her friends disappeared. She felt a swirling wind start from her feet, circling its way up her body. And for the last time, she called out the name of the man that would keep her heart with her in Konan.

Tamahome stood in a daze as the green light faded, taking Miaka and Yui along with it. Any words he wished to say were caught on his tongue. He liked to think that he would wake up at any moment and he would be with Miaka again. But then again, his luck could only hold out for so long. His life was stabilized in her world; he was certain he would disappear along with the rest of his deceased comrades.

He had nothing.

Arms slid around his back, causing him to turn over his shoulder. An identical indigo head buried into his back. "I'm so sorry," his sister's voice muffled against him. "I'm so sorry there was nothing I could do for you, Kishuku."

Tamahome closed his eyes. "It's okay, Kana. There was nothing you could do. There's nothing any of us could do. If a god couldn't keep us together, what could?"

"There's nothin' okay about this whole thing!" Tasuki shouted in interruption. He stomped over to the twins, arms folded tight over his chest. "I've been lucky as all hell to have Atsuna in my life. What makes the two of ya any different than us? Why can't ya be with the woman ya love? To hell with worldly boundaries an' all that bull! It's stupid to think that we serve the God of Love or whatever." He lowered his head, a growl vibrating against his throat. "All that 'love conquers all' crap is a load. If it was true, you would be able to be with Miaka."

"I wish there were something I could do, too," Nuriko added, coming up next to Tasuki. He rested his hand on his shoulder. "But maybe this is just the way it's supposed to be."

"It's a shame, to be sure," Hotohori said in agreement.

Atsuna's fingers curled into her brother's jacket. "But it's not right," she mumbled. "There should be something we can do. I don't want to see you suffering. I can feel your heart crying. I hear it. There has to be something. Anything."

Taiitsukun cleared her throat. "Actually, there is one final way for Tamahome and Miaka to be together."

Everyone snapped their head in Taiitsukun's direction. Atsuna released her brother and came to his side, twin lavender eyes looking hopeful. "What is it, Taiitsukun?" Atsuna asked croakily, her sobs lingering.

"It's tricky and dangerous, but it's the only way. Are you sure you want to know?" Taiitsukun asked.

Tamahome flashed her a weak smile. "For Miaka, I'll try anything. I'll do whatever I have to do to be with her. That's what love does to a man."

Miaka listened to the patter of her feet against the cement as she made her way to school. Casting off Tamahome's ring in the void before returning to her world still pained her, but she knew he would want her to move on with her life and be happy. She would do everything in her power to get back into her routine and focus on her studies. She knew she had Yui and Keisuke to help her. She didn't know what she would do without the two of them.

"Miaka!"

The former priestess turned around, finding her best friend rushing towards her. "Good morning, Yui!"

"What are you doing here? I didn't think you would be coming to school after what happened," Yui replied as she caught her breath.

Miaka smiled. "I'll be all right. I can't sit around and mope all the time. That won't do me any good."

Yui tilted her head to the side. She could see behind her eyes how much hurt was prickling her. She had to admire her strength, and the ability to try hiding such pain. "You know what? Let's cut class and go to a café for lunch. What do you say?"

Miaka beamed, her desire to eat never allayed. "Yeah. Let's cut class!"

Yui wrapped her hand around Miaka's wrist and pulled her through the flurry of students. She knew getting Miaka back to her old and true self would be difficult, but she was up to the challenge. She would see her friend smile again, and behind that smile would be true happiness.

"Jewels of Memory?"

"Yes. It's the only way you'll be reborn into Miaka's world," Taiitsukun said.

"Well, that settles it. You should take the plunge, Tamahome," Nuriko replied with a smile, hands propped on his waist.

"I see no reason to hesitate," Hotohori agreed with a firm nod.

"I wonder if he'll be reborn in her time," Tasuki pondered.

"That is unknown," Taiitsukun admitted.

"What? You don't know?" Chiriko exclaimed.

"Ya two-bit magician!" Tasuki spat, pointing an incriminating finger at the elder woman.

"Tasuki! Don't call her that! Taiitsukun is trying her best!" Atsuna scolded, slapping her hand across his arm.

"Even if you're reborn in her time, without your memories you won't be able to look for Miaka because you won't recognize her," Taiitsukun explained.

"I think it will all work out, you know," Chichiri piped in with his trademark smile.

"I still think it's unfair, though," Nuriko said.

"Maybe, but I think Miaka and Tamahome will find one another in the end," Mitsukake replied, ever the voice of positivity.

"What is your decision, Tamahome?" Hotohori asked, knowing the question was probing everyone else's minds.

With eyes closed and resolution in his heart, Tamahome answered, "Forever, since the day I was born, I have lived only for her sake."