Bequeathed by Wings of Flames

...Please hurry, Princess! We can get out of the castle through here!

Thank you...

...The rest of you need to hurry, too!

We cannot follow you, Princess. Our pursuers will soon discover the existence of this passage.

We'll take care of them. Please get out of here!

Wait!

Damn... Why are you doing this for me...

So many lives were lost... Burned... Cut... Butchered... ...The invading armies waved the banners of Mi and Shin.

Does this really mean they've allied together to destroy the Land of Ro? And that's not all. The borders were closed by wards created by sorcerer's magic...

...I don't have time to think about this now. I won't let those who sacrificed themselves to save me to go to waste.

With my mother dead and my murderous father gone, the people of this land are counting on me.

I have to live on, no matter the cost!

This passage connects to the castle... Could the demon princess have gone this way?

That's them! I must hurry.

It's a dead end?!

There she is!

Dammit...

This isn't over... I'm not going to die here! No matter the cost!

Don't lay a finger on her!

Gaaaaaaaah!

Suzaku?!

...This was unexpected. Were you looking for a way out? But at least that takes care of your pursuers. That should buy you some time.

You came this far to help me?

It goes without saying. The Land of Ro is the jewel of the demon peoples... And you are its hope. I will defend your life even if it costs my own.

...Thank you.

However, your presence as a general also brings nothing but hope for our soldiers.

I'm sure there are survivors out there. We must get out of here and let them know we're safe.

......

Tsukiha...

The size of the flames that engulfed our country...

There's nothing left... No cities... No people...

Tsukiha!

...Her breaths. I think she inhaled too much smoke. She could barely stand. Her heart feels for her people...

If only I'd been stronger...

When did I...? Where is this?

The Land of Ro!

Everything's burnt to the ground...

...I couldn't protect them. This beautiful country... The happy people too...

I didn't have the strength to do anything about it!

It hurts... ...Someone bandaged my arm. Looks like the cloth belongs to Suzaku...

...He must be close by. I'd better go check on him...

Could that boy be a survivor of Ro?

Hm? Are you from Ro?

I am. It looks like you managed to escape, too...

Yeah... But it was my mother who helped me escape and she then...

......

Um, Miss... Can I borrow your katana?

Huh?

...I've got to avenge her. I want to go after the ones who killed my mother and cut down as many of them I can before I...

...I can't let you do that. You know what would happen to you!

I don't care... It's the only thing I can do for my mother.

Why only me... What was I the only one to survive?! I couldn't help her...! I can't just...go on living like this!

I understand... But still...can you try to live...? For me if nothing else.

For you...

Your mother wanted you to live... It was her final wish. So far you've fulfilled that wish. So please...don't do anything to deprive her of her wish.

Mom's wish...

*sniffle*... Mom... I want my mom back...!

(Truth be told, I'm the last person who should be saying these words.) (I am the one...)

*cries loudly*

......

That's a terrible wound! Can you hear my voice?!

Oh... That voice. Could it be the princess?

You worked in the castle... Just hold on a bit longer. I'll take care of your wounds.

That's not necessary... It's already too late.

Don't say that...

Princess... I must apologize. I failed to protect the Land of Ro... If only...we'd been able to stop that night...

...No, it was my fault for not stopping my father. The madness of my father cut down my mother. Even I, his daughter, could not see the evil within him. With the loss of our liege, the foundations of our country were shaken... That's what brought on this invasion, and it's all because of my weakness.

Princess... I meant no disrespect. No one could have seen it coming...

*cough cough*

Don't push yourself too hard...!

This part of the story... It feels it's coming to an end. Princess, just one more time...

...Could you let this old man see your smile for the last time.

Huh?

I always did like your smile. Your face always looked like a beautiful flower...

*sniffle* You... You served my family well...

I did my best... ...Thank you, Princess. I know that warm smile well...

......

......

All I see are more and more lives lost.

There's only one path left for me!

All I smell is blood and corpses. The air is filled with the regrets of the dead... The only thing left for me is to carry on the memories of the dead. I will bear all the suffering of my people...

And turn my body into a vengeful blade...!

What's that?

A soldier from the Land of Mi!

But it doesn't look like he's moving. He must already be dead.

...If I can read the sword, I should be able to learn their army's whereabouts.

Reveal yourself. Show me where you should be...

Ugh... These... They aren't soldiers at all.

*cry* Don't go Daddy!

What's the problem? You're not listening. I'll be back before dawn.

Such a terrible war. I can't believe they're going to destroy an entire nation by the end of the night...

I understand, but if we fail to eliminate them, they will surely come for revenge. If that happens then our city will burn. We have to settle this war tonight.

Was this war inevitable?

If we could have avoided it, I'm sure we would have...

Lately, that country has been up to something. I heard their king cut down his own wife in a fit of madness. And that's not all. They also have fiendish sorcerers and demons that can overpower humans. They're far too dangerous.

But...

I'm sure the high command is anxious. The reason they don't invade us is because they're waiting for us to move first. It's best that we end this quickly.

That's why I need you two to listen to me this time.

......

*sniffle* *sob*

Come on...don't cry. I'll be back home before you know it. I promise.

D-Don't go! Please Daddy!

Don't go... *sob*

This memory...

Uhh...

Hm! He's still breathing?

Don't... Don't...cry...

...He's staring into nothingness. He must be having a vision...

See my little girl...Daddy came back... ......

...... The blade of vengeance should be pointed at every person involved in this war. I was ready for this...

...Even those who should die have families. You can't get revenge by showing mercy... But is that all I'm supposed to do, continue a long string of tragedies?

...Those who are left behind may seek revenge. It makes no difference if their blades are aimed at me. But if they aim their blades at the Land of Ro...

...Even the lives left behind are caught up in a endless cycle of vengence.

Why does it come to me?

...All right. I'll see you later.

Suzaku!

So this is where you were. I'm glad you're okay!

Tsukiha... You've awaken.

Thank you for patching me up. ...And for protecting me before.

There is no greater thanks that I can receive than to see the princess recovered.

The only reason I'm alive is because you helped me. Even though the country is in this shape...you can still save me.

...It's party of my duty. I once only knew how to attack and pillage, but now I have something to defend. It's because of who you are.

...I remember something terrible. The first bodyguard my father gave me was terrifying demon. Your everpresent hatred torwards humans... You were like a monster back then.

How could that man even think about assigning me to babysit for him?

But you protected me even until now. My father may have gone insane, but he had an eye for talent.

...... Until now...

Did you really think that the Land of Ro is already gone?

Huh? But the people and lands are...

The survivors of the demon tribes are beginning to gather. Though there are very few of them...

Really?!

Yes, but we need someone to hold them together. To fulfill the wishes of my dead brethren... I will help them.

Their wishes...

Then it's decided. For burning our lands, and killing so many...

...I will get revenge on Mi and Shin.

Ah!

The Land of Ro will not disappear from history. No until the flames of our hatred scorch the continent.

You said the continent... Not just the soldiers in the war, but also the regular citizens of Mi and Shin?

They deserve it. Whoever destroyed the Land of Ro must be erradicated along with their bloodlines.

Aren't you coming, Tsukiha?

......

What's wrong? You must have it too... A hatred for those who attack your homeland.

...I will never forgive those vile enemies for taking innocent lives... But I'm still not sure whether it's right to take more innocent lives.

We can't lose our focus on this task. Were our murdered brothers and sisters not innocent as well?! It was they who started this!

And yet...! Is causing another tragedy what the citizens of Ro would have really wanted?

......

Even if you kill our enemies, their family will take up the blade of vengeance. The carnage will never end. Even after the continent is laid to waste, the cycle of violence will not end. How can you say that turning this land into hell on earth is the wish of the people of Ro?

...Then what should we do?! Would you, Princess of Ro, just allow our honor to be trampled upon while you weep?!

...I have no intention of such a thing. I've been thinking of something. As the last princess of Ro, what can I do?

The revenge that I can take...

Is to put an end to this once and for all.

What?

I will not spread the flames of vindictiveness any further. Just...

...To repay my people, I will bring judgement on the sins of my family. Then...my vengeance will be complete.

The sins of your family... Does that mean what I think it does?

It does. I will get revenge against the man who failed to rule, weakened the nation, and fled when the people needed him.

My father will die by my own hands. It will be a gift to the souls of the people.

......

Suzaku. If you are determined to fan the flames of war, then I will be forced to stop you.

Do you think you could do that?

I'll stop you any way I can. Even if it means shooting you in the back.

That bow...

Hmph... You make me laugh. You thought you couldn't match me with your blade.

No, don't you remember. This is the bow you taught me with. I ask you to teach me to use a weapon long ago, and you said this was the only one I could use.

......

You wanted me to use it so that I wouldn't put myself in harms way during a fight. I don't want to see a kind man like you take innocent lives.

......

...Just like a child.

Ngh!

...Don't get cocky. No matter who I serve, my true nature will never change. I'll return to the monster I was before. Return to kill, pillage, and hate.

Nrgh...

Still planning to take up the bow? Don't waste your energy. You're not strong enough.

Maybe so... But I...will...

...Shall we find out then? My flames of vengeance against your desire to end it. Let's see which the world chooses...

D-Don't leave...

You can't stop me now. I must reveal the place where our flames of vengeance burns. But if you continue down this path, our paths will certainly cross again.

...The next time we cross each other, one of our lives will surely end.

Suzaku...

...kiha? Tsukiha!

......

Tsukiha, are you looking at something?

No... I was just caught up in my thoughts.

Looks like you're holding a bow. That mean you can use other weapons too?

...Not so much. I used to enjoy practicing with it, but I haven't used it since the day I left the Land of Ro.

It looks like you've taken good care of it though. If you don't use it in battle, then it must be an important item to you.

Well...

You might be right I guess. It's like a memento for me.

A memento?

Don't worry about it. Shall we continue our journey...

Huh?!

The heck is going on? The bow just started glowing!

This response from the bow...

I feel a disturbance in the air. Some malevolent energy is gathering somewhere...

What could be causing that?

I don't know, but I can feel a strong energy coming from the Wicked Meadow.

Got it. Let's go check out the Wicked Meadow then.

I'm not liking the feel of this... Why did the bow react to this?

This bow is made from the horns of the demon tribe. It would only react this way to others in the tribe...

But the other demons...

This used to Land of Ro. Could it be...

Yes. I feel a strong connection with the dead. It's as if it is drawing me here...

A connection with the dead? Is that what you can read using your katana?

Those are memories, but it's similar in the sense that they are strong thoughts left by someone. It is said that even after the soul is gone, the residue rarely remains in this world.

I've only heard about it from my father, but I've never heard of such a powerful one.

What could this mean...?

Well, well. You got caught in my net faster than I expected.

Who are you?!

It's not easy being a sorcerer. I can't leave any presence of evil intent.

Are you the one causing this?!

Indeed I am! I may not look like it, but my sorcery is nothing to sniff at.

My name is Jubokko.

Jubokko? Never heard of you.

According to legend, it is a tree demon that feeds on the blood of the dead. He looks to be from the demon tribe, but there must be a reason for using that name.

You're smarter than you look...

...Princess.

You know who I am!

But it's sad. Even though you're so perceptive... I'm surprised you don't remember any of my techniques.

Huh?

I'm sure you've seen it before. After all, you have already defeated me once before.

It was a terrible experience and such a disappointment to see my work so thoroughly destroyed...

The heck are you going on about?

...Anyway, you used the memories of the dead to lure us out. If you're planning some kind of pay back from before, then we'll just take care of you again.

That's not it at all! I don't get hung up on trivial setbacks like that.

I just need to borrow your power, Princess. If you'd just obey me, then I wouldn't have to be so rough on you...

...There's no time for talk.

How boring you are... Wasn't Suzaku's lord obsessed with this kind of thing?

What did you say?

Oh, I think I struck a nerve! That's good. Now we're getting somewhere...

I'll just have to ask for your cooperation by force!

Where did that monster come from?!

Something not right here...

It reeks of death... Could this monster be the remains of...

Heheheheheh... Princess. It's the real blasphemy...

Isn't that what this is all about?

The monster is sucking something into itself!

Could this thing really be built from the remains and feelings of the dead?!

Now then, Princess. Can you cut down my monster? To me, they are the souls of idiots that failed to run, but to you, they are your countrymen.

What?!

Such deceptions don't work on me.

All that remains is some residue of thoughts. The souls of the people of Ro are long gone...

Well now, the blade in your hand is shaking. The dead will never return here... You may understand that in your head, but your heart is different.

What a jerk! That's enough, Tsukiha. We've heard enough of this guy!

How dare you insult the thoughts of the people here!

Oh... Your energy excites me.

So let's see what you can do!

Dammit... They just keep coming!

There's no shortage of thoughts and feeling leftover by the dead here.

Urgh...!

Watch out, Tsukiha!

You okay?!

A scratch like that won't hurt me. I'll recover in a moment!

That amount should be enough.

You pulled back your monsters?

I got what I wanted. And now I'll leave you two alone. No point in wasting power before my plan comes to fruition.

Your plan?

You won't get away that easily!

These should slow you down.

Ugh... Aldo, you handle the others!

Woah!

What a wicked woman... I didn't expect you to use the sword's full power.

Wait up!

I don't want to fight you two ever again. You're too scary...

He got away...

What was he after? He said he got what he wanted, but I didn't see him steal anything... And what was the plan he mentioned? Too many questions and not enough clues...

We have a clue here actually.

It looks like a chip broken off from a katana...

Oh, I get it!

I was right to aim for his katana. Though fragmented...the memories here may provide us some clues to his plan.

Okay, get as much info as you can.

...I see how it is. So the lack of a key was the reason no one could get the relic and it was sealed away in the Inanari Plateau​.

It is a most complicated seal. Once it's subdued, only the blood of a sorcerer can move it... Either she was avoiding a fight, or she had other intentions...

But it's funny... By the time that bastard Suzaku got it to move, the woman was already gone. What could this mean...

Come to think of it, Suzaku was the bodyguard for that woman's daughter. It could be that the blood of a relative could be used to unlock the seal.

Did you see anything, Tsukiha?

I learned a few things.

I saw that Jubokko is searching for some kind of relic in the Land of Ro.

Essentially, he needed my mother's blood to move the relic.

Your mother?!

Yes, but it looked as though not only my mother's blood might be sufficient.

What do you mean?

He said that the last time the relic was moved was after my mother was already killed. Which means my blood might be used in her place.

Which mean that Jubokko is...

Yes. He created those monsters just to draw me out and take my blood.

So once he had your blood, he ran away.

Do you have any idea where Jubokko was going? Whatever this relic is, we can't let him use it.

He said the relic was sealed in the Inanari Plateau​. Jubokko could be there...

......

What's wrong, Tsukiha?

It's about the relic... Jubokko said the last one to move it was Suzaku.

If I'm right about this...

Are you serious?! If you're right, then we've got to stop him! Let's hurry to the Inanari Plateau​!

Yes, let's go!

Huh?!

Tsukiha, what's wrong?

It's nothing...

Tsukiha, look over there!

It seems our guess was correct.

It's you guys again...

This is the worst time to be interrupted. How did you find me?!

We'll be asking the questions. What were you going to do with the blood you took from me?

Only an idiot would ask me that question.

Then I'll ask a different question.

The relic that my mother feared and sealed away... The one that Suzaku unleashed... That's what you're trying to activate, am I wrong?

Jiraiya Fortress!

Most impressive. You figured that out all by yourself.

What are you planning to do with Jiraiya?!

It's obvious, isn't it? I'm going to lay waste to the lands of Mi and Ro.

I cannot tolerate that, even if it's for revenge.

Revenge...?

Hehehehe... Hohoho... Hahah...! Revenge! Revenge you say... I didn't think that moron Suzaku influenced me.

Huh?!

I don't care one lick about revenge. Causing havoc just makes me feel good.

This guy's insane!

I'm looking forward to it... With that fortress, I can do whatever I want! Just the threat alone will force them to give whatever money they have. We could destroy them for fun.

It must feel good to be a god. Suzaku didn't have the brains to use it properly.

The likes of you doesn't have the right to speak Suzaku's name. As far as I can tell, you're all alone against a whole city. Do you really think you can do this?

All alone you say...

It's just like before!

I've got an inexhaustible supply of dead people here. They're far more reliable than the living.

...A terrible power you use. So it seems that you can use dead monsters as well.

I can do anything I want. I can guard the fortress, I can attack people, whatever I want.

I don't need anyone living in my fortress. Don't want to have to share anything when I attack a city. I'll fill it with just the dead...

Jiraiya Fortress of vengeful ghosts.

What drives you to do this? Whatever you plan to do I...

Huh?!

So now you get it...what situation you're in.

Everything...is just a lie. All part of an illusion...

Tsukiha, what's up? What did you see?!

What?!

The princess can't hear you. That's how the magic works.

That technique is more difficult than raising dead bodies, but now that you know my plan, I have to stop you.

Dammit! Wait!

N-No! I didn't...!

Tsukiha?!

What is happening to her?!

Ugh...

...Ha...te...

...Hate... Hate...

Princess... Why didn't you avenge us...?

Why did you spare Shin and Mi from justice?

Has the Princess forgotten the anger from that day?

NO... I just...

Tsukiha?!

Urgh...

Princess, please remember. Remember our anger...our regrets...

...OUR HATE!

Arghhhh!

Tsukiha!

Urgh...

Oh, Aldo...

What happened to you, Tsukiha?! You were acting crazy!

I'm very sorry, I was under his spell. ...I could see the illusions of the people of Ro.

The people of Ro?

They accused me of trying to stop their vengeance... They were feelings left the day the country was attacked. They would know nothing about me now. Perhaps...that too was from Jubokko. He uses the feelings of the dead as puppets and they speak for him.

Tsukiha!

...I'm fine, Aldo. Now that I've seen through his deception, I won't fall for it again.

Also...

Even if the people of Ro resent me, I still chose not to spread war to peaceful lands. I'm the only one that must not be consumed by anger.

Tsukiha... ...Are you really okay? You look a little...

...It's not a problem. We need to go after Jubokko.

Jubokko was heading this way. He must be just ahead...

What the?! The ground is shaking!

Aldo! Over there!

Dammit... He already got it to move! We need to get on board, Tsukiha!

We managed to slip in before it sped up...

...It's filled with the thoughts and feelings of the dead.

Ngh...

Tsukiha, your arm!

I'm...fine!

Fine smine! You've been acting strange since we started chasing after Jiraiya.

It looks like you're about to lose control...

...Perhaps it's the constant contact with the feelings of regret from the dead. But I can't afford to lose control here.

No matter how much resentment or hate I may encounter... I am the only one that can end this. The only who can end this vengeance.

...... I wonder if that's true...

Huh?

That sound...it came from the deck!

I can sense Jubokko. Let's go!

Well look who it is...

Some stragglers trying to get a free ride. You guys really know how to annoy me.

Jubokko! You must stop Jiraiya now!

Oh...you really think that's going to change my mind? Look at your arm. It swells with evil spirits. Who's really the one with the grudge here?

This arm is cursed to read the memories of the dead. It's just responding to their memories.

You're wrong.

That's the blood of the demons that is burning.

Huh?!

No matter how hard you try to hide it behind that cool look, I can sense the rage in your blood.

Having the souls of her people desecrated, the princess is on the verge of exploding in rage, am I wrong?

...No.

The blood of the demons flows with rage and resentment. It just happens to focus on your twisted arm.

Why not just let go and give into that rage? Become a demon that destroys all.

Never!

...I'd never do such a thing. The moment I give in, you'd take over my mind with your magic.

Come on... If you understand, then why not just surrender yourself?

Can you really do that?! I stood by on that day while the flames burned out so that no one else would be swallowed up. I'm not going to change now!

Guh!

Hahahaha! Apparently, it's only a matter of time.

That's just perfect. You're not the only one looking for revenge.

That's... the karakuri samurai! That means...

Now you finally remember. You're right. I'm the one who built this one. ...Now I can really get even.

You were the one who used those mechanical weapons...

The soul of a wandering soldier who met his end is placed in the doll. Even as it degrades, it still fights...

How dare you use them like this!

But I thought we defeated it before...

That was a masterpiece, and yet a failure... ...I used something as unstable as a soul.

Huh?!

Apparently, no matter how tightly the soul is bound to it, it will ultimately succumb to its wishes.

As a wooden doll, it's useless against strong opponents.

What blasphemy is this?!

On that note, I'm going to fill it with the residue of thoughts. Bound by magic, it'll be free to do as it wants.

The karakuri!

Can't you hear them, Princess? Thousands of voices of your people. Their angry, resentment, suffering... Can you really cut them all down?

No way... You can't play with their feelings like this!

Wait, Tsukiha!

Ngh...!

I won't let you do this!

Aldo!

Waaaaaah!

There it is. Her anger is boiling up... Embrace that anger, Princess... Let it take over...

Tsukiha!

Get...away... Please Aldo! I can't...control myself!

......

You don't need to hold back, Tsukiha.

Huh?

That anger is your own, Tsukiha. You don't need to control it.

But...

Up until now, you've only been fighting for others. In order to avenge the people, you pursued your parents...and then fought Suzaku to stop him.

No matter how much you yourself want to cry or scream, you just held it in.

I can't stand to see you like that anymore.

Isn't that... ...My punishment?

I allowed the Land of Ro to be invaded and all those people lost their lives! My life is atonement for that. I have no right to my own anger or sorrow!

You're wrong!

You didn't choose this punishment for yourself, Tsukiha!

You've been fighting for so long. All so that your country can rest in peace. And so that others may live. For that Tsukiha...

Who would be punished for that?!

Huh!

Who cares about Jubokko's plans. As your friend and ally, I don't want to see you suffer anymore from holding back your feelings.

Don't worry about me. Just go... Let loose those feelings!

Aldo...

...Thank you.

In that case...

Hahahahaha! Look at her throw herself into the flames of her anger.

I don't know what you are planning, but this is just like when a bug flies into a burning flame...

Wha, ?!

What's this?! You're not swallowed up by your rage?

...It's an odd feeling this is. The blood that was raging inside of me is suddenly...quiet and calm.

Could it be that because we are in front of our enemy?

Tch...

Tsukiha!

Thank you, Aldo. ...It seems I had put a strong spell on myself.

This was enough to unleash my demon instincts and use that power for their wishes. That's all I needed.

The Tsukiha I know will be able to handle this power.

What the hell are you doing?! Kill them both!

You have sinned three times...

First, you disturbed the rest of the dead.

Second, you abused the memories of the people.

And the last...

You defiled the resting place of Suzaku and the rest of the demons.

Eeek!

Grrr... FINE! We'll do this the hard way!

Gather all you vengeful ghosts of Jiraiya! Now my minion, crush these intruders!

What?!

I'm sure that can't be all of it! What does this mean?

Huh?!

This is the last of the feelings left by the souls in Jiraiya... Could you lend me your power?

Huh? You?!

...That's right. Your feelings and thoughts were left behind here too.

This is your resting place after all.

...It's been a long time since I've had this feeling. Having you here beside me, Suzaku.

Could you teach me how to use the bow one more time?

I'll use your last bit of power... Then we can end this doll's suffering in a single strike.

Tsukiha!

Looks like the fight's over. But where's Jubokko?

...He's over there.

It looks like the fear got the best of him. Judging from how he looks, I don't think he'll be bothering us again.

But what about you? Your horns have grown and the bow changed. What happened exactly?

I'm not sure myself. I gave into my feelings and ended up like this...

But the bow was originally made from demon horns. Which means it might have reacted like how my own horns grew.

The reason for that is...

Suzaku. When are you going to teach me how to fight with a weapon?

How many times do I have to refuse? As long as I'm here, you don't need a weapon.

I just want to be able to help those around me. With a sword, or even my fists...

...As your bodyguard, I can't teach you a weapon that would put you in danger.

......

So take this.

This is a bow?

It's made from the horns of demons. It's light compared to its power, and just about anyone can handle it. ...That way we won't needlessly hurt you in the training.

...Even as time passes, he still gives me strength.

I see what you mean...

...Hey, Aldo.

What is it?

Did you really know it would turn out like this? That my power would manifest itself like this?

I had no idea.

Then why?! What if I had been swallowed up by my destructive impulses? You could have been hurt.

I just figured it was time.

I believed that you would never completely lose control. I knew it from our previous journeys. That's why I knew I could trust my fate to you.

No matter the consequences.

That's...

...No, that's typical Aldo. You have something I don't, and that's why we've been able to travel together.

Thank you for believing in me.

I should be the one thanking you.

Huh? Jiraiya is...

...I think it's slowing down. Must be because no one is controlling it.

The fortress must be sealed again.

Good idea. We'll let it sleep this time.

Aldo... When we're done here, there's a place I'd like to stop by. Would you come with me?

Sure, but where are we going?

A place where souls fall like snow. ...Itoise.

......

Sorry, Aldo. You came all this way for me.

It's okay. You were mourning for Suzaku?

...Yes. To say the things I couldn't before.

I see...

Being here now, I think I finally understand what Suzaku told me.

Suzaku was always trying to free me from my fate. Since we parted that day amongst the ruins and fires...

At that time, the flames of vengeance were so strong they could have burned the continent...

If Suzaku had not been there, the flames would have led to a terrible war. That's why he became the chief of the demons.

......

And when we found out we were on different paths, he cut off our ties to save me from the flames... While drawing his blade on me, he was also protecting me.

I guess the bond didn't disappear just because you separated.

Yes. When I felt Suzaku's thoughts in Jiraiya, I understand its true meaning.

What I felt was not anger... It was just a thought about binding the flames of our people together, heading for a final battle. For some, it was an opportunity to burn their souls, for others, it was a place to die. An end for the demons.

In his way, he was also trying to end vengeance.

If only I could have met him in a different way.

Yeah... But the pride of the demons that Suzaku protected still remains in the world.

Within my heart as well...

...Tsukiha. Hiding swords again?

Suzaku!

I-I was just...tending to my father's katana.

No use in trying to hide it. Did you think I wouldn't notice the marks on your hands?

......

I was planning to teach you the bow, so why do you persist on using the katana?

Because... I can't protect you will just the bow.

What did you say?

You taught me that the bow would keep me away from the enemies.

But Suzaku... I want to fight side-by-side with you. I want to help you.

Tsukiha...

It's frustrating that I can only pray for your safety while you fight bandits and specters...

Isn't there some way that I can help you?

...... If it's help, then you've already done enough for me.

Huh?

Even on the battlefield these days, I can feel your presence behind me.

And then I think, this is not just my fight...

......

In the past, I only fought for myself. I would have thrown my life away with no one to protect like just another monster.

But now is different...

I swear that I won't let the enemy's blade reach you. When I remind myself that I have someone to fight for, I find a way out of even the worst fights.

You're what keeps me alive on the battlefield. In a way, you're the one protecting me.

Suzaku...

Remember that. Your very existence has already become a source of strength for me. Even if I'm on a distant battlefield, the thought of you brings me home.

Oh...

Hey, Suzaku. Does that mean...

You wanted to learn the katana. We can go out for a little practice then. You can't hid behind me forever.

Suzaku! Really...

...Suzaku, you also make that face sometimes.

What are you talking about...

Haha, nothing at all.

Well then, I'll see what I can do.

Yeah...

We're the same, Suzaku. Thinking about you makes me stronger too.

No matter how far we are from each other, no matter how much time has passed, we will always be...

...Suzaku must be close by. I'd better go check on him...