Rin opened his eyes slowly. At first he just felt numb…empty. Then he realized why. His demonic powers were gone. Nadia had purified him. Suddenly he felt a huge amount of pain in his chest.

That's right…Nadia stabbed my demon heart…he thought, trying to sit up, but then falling back on the clinic bed, wincing. Why am I still alive? Oh…Kristine had used all the power she had to save me!

Kurama came in. "Good, you're awake."

"Where's Kristine?" Rin said, then winced again. Talking hurt.

"She won't see you," Kurama replied. "She blames herself. She said that she should've been able to control Nadia."

"Then…" Rin sat up, still in pain but determined. "I have to go to her."

"Rin, stop it!" Kurama said, gently pushing him back down. "You might reopen that wound. I'll go see what I can do to convince her to talk to you."

Xxx

I sat on the clinic bed, to weak to really move. I hugged my knees to my chest, and tried to cry, but I could no longer cry. I just stared at the floor.

Come on, I'm sure he forgives you, Nadia said.

Shut up! I yelled back. I never want to hear you again! Why am I stuck with you? You succeeded in ruining my life. You should be happy! So go be happy in someone else's head!

There was a knock on the door.

"Go away, Kurama!" I yelled. "I don't want to talk!"

"You've got to," Kurama replied irritably, easily opening the previously locked door. "Rin is awake and he wants to see you."

"I don't care," I replied, curling up even more, and backing into the corner of the bed farthest from Kurama. "I let her stab him! And I couldn't save him! Why was I given this power if I can't use it to help the people I care about?"

Tears were flowing freely again.

Kurama glared at me. "If you really cared about him you'd face up to this! He doesn't blame you, but you have to talk to him! He's worried about you! Stop wallowing in self-pity!"

I flinched. I let go of my knees and moved to simply sit on the edge of the bed.

"You're right," I said. "I'm going to see him."

I stood, carefully.

Xxx

Rin opened his eyes again. He still felt weak, and the pain was terrible, but now…someone was here.

"Rin?" Kristine came in and closed the door.

Rin moved to sit up, but winced at the pain like before, and fell against the pillows again.

"I-I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, sitting down in a chair and looking as if she might cry.

"Kristine, I'm okay, really!" Rin said. "Don't worry…"

"Maybe…it would be better if…I stayed away…so she can't hurt you…" Kristine said in a soft voice.

Rin sat up so fast Kristine flinched. "No! Y-You can't! Kristine, I know it wasn't your fault, what happened. And you saved my life, again!"

"It wouldn't have been in danger if it wasn't for Nadia," Kristine said bitterly. "I'm sorry, but I—"

Kristine suddenly changed into Nadia. "Rin…"

Daisuke flinched, backing up, the pain in his chest becoming more pronounced.

"Relax," she said. "I didn't come to hurt you. I came…to apologize. Kristine's feelings for you are so strong…I didn't realize. I've discovered how to give her true freedom. But until then…keep her close, because she'll crumble without you."

Rin was suddenly angry at her. "Why did you take my demon powers away from me?"

Nadia sighed. "I made a bargain with Satan when I was much younger. He saved me from being sealed, and I swore to free you."

"He…wanted this?" Rin was confused.

Nadia shrugged. "Ask him."

Without another word, she changed back into Kristine. "Wh-What happened? What did she do?"

"Nothing…she apologized," Daisuke replied, lying back down.

"Rin…" Kristine put her cool hand against his forehead. "You're feverish. You might have an infection. You should just let me heal it…"

She reached out her hand, but Rin caught it. "No. You'll use up all your energy. I'd rather be in pain then…for something to happen to you."

Kristine blushed. "I'll go get the nurse then. She can help me get your fever down."