At Least We Have Forever 29 - Stepping Up To The Truth

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho and its characters. I do own the plot, Riya and other OC's of this story, though.

Warning: The characters might not be in their usual selves. In other words, possible OOC.

Author's Note: This chapter basically contains the letters that the gang had written during the previous chapter. I've written them in order so I hope it make sense in some way. And I'm terribly sorry for being late in updating. College life. In any case. enjoy reading!

xxxxx

AT LEAST WE HAVE FOREVER—Chapter 29: Stepping Up To The Truth

Yumi's letter

9:16 PM

I was the first to write my thoughts on paper. I should've expected that since I was the one who suggested it. So now here I am. By far, I have to admit that I've been doing a lot of thinking about this senseless battle. At first, I thought that by possessing the Dragon Sword of Flame, I could finally find my father without facing a dangerous battle such as this at all. But then I was wrong.

As the leader of the Legendary Weapon Wielders, it's my duty to protect my mistress—and also my best friend—Riya from many threats using the Legendary Weapon of Fire that my mother Hisakawa Saeko wielded more than twenty years ago. I learned that duty of mine when I was a child; about the same time I learned my true heritage. A heritage that tells me that I am, in fact, a half-human half-fire demon conceived in a different way. In other words, not normally. But I never learned who was my father, though I know what he did for my sake despite the fact about my birth. When the right time comes, I'll let the others know the truth about it.

But then again, I wasn't just going to write about me. Still, I wanted to write down everything that I have in my heart right now. Even though he may not know about this at all, I wanted to let it all out. And since the battle is fast approaching, I don't know what to do anymore. So if you ever read this, Hiei, at least I wanted you to know that I love you even though you kept on calling me annoying and a pest. Weird, I know. But Riya figured it out already so there's no meaning if I tell you the truth… probably for the last time. We did a lot of things together when we were on a journey in the Demon World and you helped me out even though endangered your own life in the process. So thank you for that, though I know it wouldn't be enough.

Four months had passed by so fast. That means we've been facing the battle against the demon shinobi and Riya's illness for that long. I know I could do best against the demon shinobi and I can win. But facing a battle to defy Riya's fate? I don't think so. She had been my best friend since I was 8; she was 5 back then and it would be too painful for me if I lose her now. She had just found happiness with Kurama. So why would I allow the hands of Death to take her away from us—away from me? It's not just Riya. We might lose Kurama in this battle, as well. It just isn't fair!

Two months ago, she told me to be prepared. Her sickness might take her life sooner than expected. But I shook my head at that because I don't want to be prepared. I don't want to lose anyone in this battle. And that means, I don't want to lose my best friend more than anyone.

She fought so hard already and she's still fighting until now. I know she would rather chose to sacrifice her life for the sake of this battle that lose Kurama's life. She wouldn't allow Kurama's life to be taken away by Erithea or any demon shinobi. She'll defend his life to the extent of losing her own if it would come to that.

And I promised her that I'll do the same.

If ever she dies in this battle, I promise her that I'll defend the lives of those she cherishes the most in this world. And that's a pledge of a warrior to her mistress.

—Hisakawa Yumi

-x-x-

Hiei's letter

9:24 PM

Tsk. Why did I let myself agree with Yumi's stupid suggestion? It's not like this is our last will and testament, anyway. In any case, I agreed so I might as well do it. They wouldn't even know what was written here, anyway.

I don't know what's going to happen on the battle tomorrow but I'll make sure I won't let the enemies have their ways. Most importantly, I wouldn't let them Kurama and Riya. I know the prophecy was talking about both of them and not just one. Both of them will die to ensure a victory on the battle. I had Yumi interpret the prophecy since she has a better sense of interpretation when it comes to codes, puzzles and prophecies. And I hated it knowing a senseless battle would take the lives of two of my 'friends' as a sacrifice.

Kurama and I had been close friends for a long time, and it would be hard for me to accept that I'm going to lose him. He's willing to risk his life for the girl that he love. Same goes to Riya. Even though I didn't formally acknowledge it, I consider Riya as a friend. She became an instrument for me to meet Yumi, the half fire demon I'd come to love, though she still doesn't know that. And I'll make sure no one will. Not until this mission is over. Even though Yumi and I bicker a lot since I couldn't stand her, I'm grateful. I would thank Riya eternally for bringing Yumi to me.

And for me to do that, I'll make sure I won't lose to this battle. I will not allow Kurama and Riya's lives to be sacrificed. I still want them to be happy with each other since I know one of them will never be able to move on if the other dies.

As Kurama says, Riya will always be his life. The same goes for Riya. But with this battle, I don't know what will happen and what to expect anymore.

It always goes like that, anyway. I should've known.

—Hiei

-x-x-

Yukari's letter

9:32 PM

I can't believe this endless battle would play out this way. Just the thought of losing my Riya-senpai in this battle made me want to destroy everything. I know my weapon has the power to do that but there's no way I would use the Flute of Melody for such a senseless and selfish act. Riya-senpai would never let me do that because I know she'll be hurt.

I have to admit, it came as a shock to me when I found out that I'm a Legendary Weapon Wielder. But upon learning my family's connection to the Miyuzaki family, I thought that I might as well do my job and fulfill my duty as one of the warriors of the Miyuzaki princess. Onii-chan promised the same thing, too. I might be just 15 years old and the youngest by far among the wielders. But being the youngest didn't give me any flaw at all. They're just numbers, a quantitative amount, compared to the qualitative amount of courage, honor, faith and determination that I have within me so I could do my job. They can't be measured by any scale. I'll make sure it would be immeasurable.

It's been four months since I learned and accepted my destiny as the Wielder of the Legendary Weapon of Music and Sound. And it's been a beautiful thing to me that I found a sister I never had in Riya-senpai and I've been relishing it for that long. I just can't believe it would end up this way. I couldn't afford to lose anyone in this battle because a lot of people would be sad about this. Kurama-senpai or Riya-senpai—there's no way I would choose who to save alone. I can't do that. If one of them loses the other, the pain would be unbearable. One will grieve too much for the death of the other. They just found each other and now death is about to separate them. No way! death may have been the unbeatable opponent ever but there's no way I would give up Kurama-senpai and Riya-senpai to this opponent. Dealing with this force may be hard but I'll still do everything to do it… no matter what it takes.

It has been one of my highest priorities to see my mistress happy and let her cherish the last of her days when we discovered about her powers devouring her life force. And I owe it to Kurama-senpai the biggest reason why she was so happy right now. He's her destined true love—Kurama-senpai surviving the first trial was one of the proofs of that. They still have trials to face but I know and I will continue praying that they would end up together till the end of their life. Or as they say, till beyond eternity.

How I wish I could experience that kind of love for once in my life. But then, I'm contented with what I have right now. Protecting my mistress' smiles and happiness will be my priority until I could find my own happiness someday.

That means I have to protect those that made her happy. And no matter what, I'll make sure I won't die so that I could come back alive and protect my mistress' happiness…

…since it's the least I could do to thank her for making me find the path I'm determined to walk upon.

—Hondou Yukari

-x-x-

Botan's letter

9:40 PM

I don't usually write my thoughts. I prefer expressing them aloud that it end up pretty annoying, according to my friends. But this time, it's an exception. I'll try my best to write what I had in mind with regards to the battle we're about to face. Anyway, no one will be reading this except for the one who wrote the letter.

At first, I thought that this mission would be like theprevious ones we've dealt with before. You know, deal with the bad guys involved and then it's over. But when I learned that Yusuke's cousin Riya-chan might be involved, it was when I realized that it wasn't as simple as that. Everything—from the death of her father and her brother to the disappearance of five of the Legendary Weapons—led us to the truth lying behind this case. And everything we found out has a connection to her. So when I learned that Kurama was falling in love with Riya-chan, I couldn't help but to feel afraid.

I didn't know how things would turn out before the trial happened. But with their love, they managed to survive. Even if I feel fear and I became worried for Kurama, I still helped them nonetheless. I wanted them to be happy and I know that Riya-chan and Kurama could only find true happiness that they've been looking for with each other. Their smiles, their laughs, and their eyes showed evidences of the happiness they've felt for the past weeks. And I couldn't ask for anything more than to see them live up to that happiness for a long time.

But little did I know, my wish would never come true. We are about to face a battle so dangerous and unpredictable as the prophecy had stated. In addition to that, the prophecy also stated a possible sacrifice just for us to win this battle. That's nonsense! I know I've seen a lot of those before because I'm a grim reaper, but it didn't bother me terribly until now… until Death came for either Riya-chan or Kurama.

Those two people—in which those two happened to be my friends—were believed to be the people stated that would become a sacrifice in this battle. Just the though of losing either of them this soon—I don't know what to do. I know and I tried to accept that we're about to lose Riya-chan fast because of her powers that far surpasses her physical limits. But losing her in a battle like this? I don't know if I could even try to accept that and I don't think I can. Even if it's short time, she had been a good friend not just to me but to all of us. And it won't be easy at all to let it go like that. The same goes to Kurama since he's been with Yusuke's team for so long, helping us defeat some of the worst villains that the three realms had faced so far. And since they became friends, they hold a lot of memories together.

Kurama and Riya-chan are some of the dearest friends I've ever had. Meeting them and making them realize that they're meant to be together despite the truth that they've hidden from each other… It felt wonderful knowing that I did something to make them happy. So I wanted to curse fates for all of these events! They've just began their lives with each other, with the one the're meant to love for eternity… So why would a crappy talk about some prophecy take all of that away from them?

I don't know and I don't want to know what will happen starting tomorrow. But I guess Yusuke and the others might be able to do something to stop the prophecy from coming true. I know they wouldn't let Kurama and Riya-chan die in this one hack of a battle.

I know that and I'll hold on to it…

—Botan

-x-x-

Ayako's letter

9:48 PM

Riya-chan and I had started as enemies, as rivals to Minamino Shuichi-kun's attention. I have to admit that I hated her to an unknown extent. For a hidden reason inside of me, I hated her and that made me treat her like an outcast. But even after that, Minamino-kun treated her special. It drove me to my limits made me do something unforgivable. I destroyed her precious treasure in front of her, not knowing that it would lead her to finally come close to the happiness she'd been searching for five years. That's when I found out that it was Minamino-kun who gave her that rose as a symbol of unforgettable friendship, even though it was extremely short-time.

Upon realizing my mistake through my father and learning his connection to the Miyuzaki family, I wanted to disappear because of guilt. I never thought that my father was once the bodyguard of the former head of the Miyuzaki family who happened to be Riya-chan's grandfather. It was my father's position before he married my mother. My father had dedicated himself in protecting the family of the person I once hated until now and he's been doing it without my knowledge. He had his reasons for doing it and I respect that. What matters to me now is that Riya-chan and I are friends as I fulfill my responsibility as her warrior.

That's right. On the day that I decided to ask for forgiveness for what I've done, that's when my fate took a turn I didn't expect at all. But thanks to that unexpected battle, I discovered that I am a possessor of the Wielder's Crystal called the Amber Heart, making me the legitimate wielder of the Legendary Weapon of Light—the Staff of Shimmer. Riya-chan and I, along with the other wielders, had been through a lot together as we tried our best to defeat the demon shinobi terrorizing the city and endangering our friends. I thought it would be enough for me to fight for the sake of my mistress. But upon knowing her true situation, I've been cursing the fates for my mistress' cruel damnation.

She can't just die like that. It's not only me who kept on saying that, but my fellow wielders, as well. Her powers couldn't simply take away her life like that. Not now that the happiness she had wished for had finally come in the form of Minamino-kun. She finally found the love she had been wishing for, the same way I found mine.

If it wasn't for her, I would never find the love of my life, the other half of my soul: Ren. It doesn't matter to me about his past. Riya-chan melted the ice surrounding his heart and brought meaning back not just to his life but also to my life. I've just met true friends through her so I couldn't simply accept the fact that she'll be a sacrifice for this endless battle in order for the good side to win for sure.

Not just Riya-chan. There's also a huge possibility that Minamino-kun might become a sacrifice, as well. Such crap! There's no way I would accept that. They are my friends; the people who made me realize the path I wanted to take for me to soar in my own sky. Their love for each other—no matter what might come to break it down and separate them—made me wanted to fight for my future with Ren and my friends. I wouldn't let the demon shinobi have their ways. Not while I am still breathing to protect those that are precious to me and to my mistress. Even if I would give my life for me to do that, I wouldn't mind. I'd give anything to make her happy.

So I wouldn't allow any sacrifices to be done just to win. There's no way I would allow the lives of two of my dearest friends to be sacrificed like that. I'll make sure they would live…

…so that they could fulfill the promise they've made for each other. That alone would be enough for me to be happy all my life.

—Kirisawa Ayako

-x-x-

Ren's letter

9:56 PM

A wonderful life… This is the gift that Riya-sama had given to me and my sister since she spared our lives three months ago despite her desire to avenge her father and brother's deaths. I've been relishing that wonderful life for three months now though we're still fighting not for a senseless sacrificial act for Erithea but for the sake of protecting the world that Riya-sama cared so much. Riya-sama saved us from the hell we've been living for 8 years so it hurts me so much knowing I couldn't do the same to her.

An ancient prophecy had already predicted her death and I hate it. All of us hated it. No matter how much we jumble and screw up the words to decipher it, it all comes up the same. Only Riya-sama fits the description of the 'white rose' that's involved in this battle. It's not just her. Kurama's death could be another that the prophecy had stated. But I know she wouldn't allow letting him die like that. He has been her life even though their relationship had just started. Riya-sama is a type of person who was wishing to love someone more than her life. It didn't happen just once that she had saved him from near-death. Now that Kurama passed the trial and finally accepted her identity as the mistress of the Legendary Weapon Wielders, I thought they could live together, loving each other despite the ongoing battle.

Her death could trigger a lot of things, especially to us as her warriors. But there's nothing I could do to stop it. No matter how much I wanted to curse her fate, it will never change the fact that we're about to lose her. This was not how it's supposed to play out. There's no way that this could be her fate. She and Kurama still have a lot to live on together until the end of their natural days. It's their destiny to be together forever, no matter what happens. It's their promise for each other and they would fight for it, that's what I'm sure of.

She wasn't just my Lady, my mistress… she's also my best friend. A friend I never had, not even once… She's a friend whom I owe the life I'm living now. Not just my life. I also owe her my happiness. Reason? She brought Ayako to me. She gave me the ultimate source of strength for me to live my newborn life to the fullest along with my friends and the love of my life. This is the life I will proudly call my own.

I would still live in it… even though I couldn't do anything to save her. We've faced so many battles. But I guess this is one battle that we're fated to lose…

…a battle to make sure she would continue living along with Kurama. I just hate it!

—Yanagi Noboru/Ren

-x-x-

Kuwabara's letter

10:04 PM

I wasn't really sure of what to write in this paper right now but like what Yumi said, any thoughts and feelings can be written. Though this time, I wasn't going to write about how much I love Yukina-san even though I really want to. Also, I'm not going to write about how I want to deal with Urameshi again until I beat him completely but not to death. I don't know why but I have this feeling that everyone was writing about their thoughts concerning their pasts, the prophecy… and most of all, Riya-chan and Kurama. I wouldn't mind if I do the same thing since the battle that we're about to face tomorrow has a lot to do with the last two people.

I don't know much about Urameshi's cousin except for the fact that she's the heiress to the Asian and European business empire of the Miyuzaki family and that she's beautiful in her own rights. She was also smart, just like Kurama. But I know that it wasn't about the riches nor the beauty why Kurama fell in love with Riya-chan. She still keeps a lot of mystery to us but I respect the privacy. In due time, I know those secrets will be revealed.

But I couldn't deny the fact that I'm happy for Kurama and Riya-chan when we learned that they ended up together. It was really obvious that they liked each other. Kurama had passed the trial—a proof that he would love her no matter what he had found out about her. I have to admit that I was shocked upon learning that she's the mistress of the wielders and he powers were devouring her life force. For a 16-year-old girl, it would be painful knowing she will die eventually without having the chance to achieve anything.

But learning the meaning behind the ancient prophecy, it was even more shocking that she would lose her life sooner than we thought. Not just her life. Kurama, too. I don't know what's really going on anymore but there's no way I would let the bad guys kill Riya-chan and Kurama. Urameshi died before and it was hard for me to accept it. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I let them kill my friends. Both of them were doing their best to protect each other. And as a real man, I would do my best to protect them, as well.

I know that their love for each other would be powerful enough to deal with even the world's greatest forces and enemies. The one thing we could do is to have faith in them. Besides, we'll always be there for them, I'm sure.

It's the only way to ensure our victory for this fated battle from the prophecy.

—Kuwabara Kazuma

-x-x-

Yukina's letter

10:12 PM

I really hate seeing my friends' troubled faces each time there is a fight. But what I hate the most is knowing that one of them would possibly end up dead with the desire of protecting the person important to them. I heard from Botan-chan about the prophecy and its possible interpretations. And I could see now that Riya-san and Kurama-san were hurt and unwilling to accept each other's tragic fate. I know that since Riya-san told me about herself that the others didn't know for some reasons. But time will come, she would tell them the truth. I just don't know when.

When Riya-san first came here because she left the others to protect them, I could always see her amethyst eyes on the verge on crying. The toll of the pain and sadness she had endured for so long was too much for her to bear. Her past, her mission, her destined face-off with the man she loves and her tragic fate—all of it caused her strength to crumble down. But Kurama-san gave that strength back to her. Not just her strength. He also gave her a new life to live with—along with him. I was happy when she told me that she and Kurama-san finally confessed to each other. And there's nothing else I could wish for but for them to be happy with each other.

So I hated the fact that their happiness could possibly be short-lived. It's not fair for them to face this kind of reality. They still have a lot of dreams for each other. They had already planned on how to live their lives when they get married and have children in the future. They even envisioned their own wedding near the place where everything about their love story began. But just like that, Death would crumble it down with ease. It just isn't fair at all!

Tomorrow, they're all going to face a dangerous battle. But no matter how much I wanted to be of help, there's nothing I can do. But more than anything else, I only wish for one thing.

Don't let them die. All of them deserve to be happy as they live their lives to the fullest.

That's my only wish.

—Yukina

-x-x-

Soujiro's letter

10:20 PM

When I first realized that I'm a Legendary Weapon Wielder and that I wield the Legendary Weapon of Water, the Scythe of the Deep Waters, it came as a shock to me. But Captain Yumi told us that it's okay. She told me that, though it's inevitable, it would be okay as long as I have confidence to protect my mistress with the use of the Legendary Weapon. I didn't have any idea about the identity of out mistress at first, but Captain Yumi told me a part of the information—particularly the past—of our mistress. And when I finally met Miyuzaki Riya, it made me determined to protect her as much as Captain does. Upon realizing that, another truth was revealed to me and my sister.

Our family, the Hondou family, had devotionally served the Miyuzaki family in secret for five centuries already along with the Hisakawa family and the Kirisawa family. My parents explained to us that it might have been the key factor why we are chosen to become wielders. Anyway, it didn't matter to me that much. Knowing that I wield one of the most powerful weapons of the ancient times and that I am the secondary leader of the group (as Captain Yumi being the leader) is more than enough for me to know my responsibility as Mistress Riya's warrior.

I dedicated myself to fulfilling my responsibility and I'm willing to risk my life doing so. But no matter how much I dedicate myself to it, it pains me so much knowing I couldn't save my mistress from her impending death. When I learned about the prophecy wherein it was stated that she might lose her life as a sacrifice to ensure a victory, I don't know what to do. I wanted to scream. I wanted to yell. But what would that do to us? Will it prevent her fate? No, it won't. as much as I hate to admit it, it won't help her at all. There's nothing I could do to save her.

Riya-san's tears were more than enough to clench my heart tightly and wring it. But even still, though it was unexpected, I was happy when she finally found the happiness she deserves. My heart was them leaping with joy when she and Kurama opened up their hearts for each other, leading to a love that I know will defy everything just to prove that it's worth it and genuine. At that time, I thought to myself.

Why didn't I fall in love with Mistress Riya at all? I must admit that she has the qualities of my ideal girlfriend. But then I realized, I couldn't treat her more than a sister. I could see Yukari in her. Besides, she was already meant to love someone else. I didn't fall in love with her because Riya-san became an instrument for me to meet the person I'm destined to love. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be able to meet Sei-chan. I don't care if she's a demon shinobi and she was the instrument to the death of Riya-san's father—Miyuzaki Katsuo. My love for her overcame that flaw. Mistress Riya helped me do so.

As for the upcoming battle, I don't know what will happen. But I'll continue doing my duty as my mistress' warrior. I wouldn't let anyone die to become a sacrifice in an unpredictable battle. I'll protect each and everyone that my mistress protected with her life.

I'll do that, no matter what it takes for me to do so.

—Hondou Soujiro

-x-x-

Sei's letter

10:28 PM

When I first came here to the Human World along with my brother because of an accident, I thought it would be wonderful. But when we met Erithea and made us obey her orders for her senseless sacrificial acts to achieve greater powers, she made it a hell. It was the hell my brother and I had lived through for 8 years before I bravely decided to quit, only to end up getting a curse from Erithea to kill me. Onii-chan couldn't do anything to save me and it pained me to know that I'm hurting him with this. But then I said to myself that I would accept it if it would be a way to atone for my sins. I know I deserve to suffer and die because of what I've done.

But I thought otherwise when I met Riya-sama upon finding us. I remembered the amethyst orbs that stared at me in shock, disbelief and tears when I killed her father in front of her 8 years ago. When I looked at them again, I thought my sufferings would end easily since I knew she would avenge her father's death. So it came as a surprise to me when she used the powers drawn from the Elements of the Silver Dragon Gem to dispel the curse, healing me in the process. Moreover, she decided to spare the lives of my brother and I from her vengeance. That made me and my brother pledge eternal servitude to her as a way for us to repent for killing her father and her brother.

Since then, my life changed. She changed almost everything about me as she brought out my protective side, brought me friends—true friends. She made me appreciate the life living as a human going under the alias of Yanagi Akane. Most of all, she gave me something that made my life worth living for. She gave me Soujiro-kun, the other half of my heart. For once in my life, I was given a chance to love and to be loved in return. I owe Riya-sama so much and I would do everything for me to repay her for doing all that.

But with what's happening now, I guess she wouldn't be able to appreciate it. Her life force is bring devoured and the ancient prophecy had predicted her death mentioning her as a sacrifice. Kurama might become a sacrifice, as well. But I know Riya-sama wouldn't let that happen no matter what. She loves him more than her life. It would be too painful for her if she would lose Kurama in this battle the same way she had lost her father and her brother. I know that because I can feel it. Her heart was slowly torn apart because of Kurama—her other soul that gave her strength to go through.

Tomorrow, we'll be destined to face a battle so immense and dangerous that I can't tell what would be our fate. I can't afford to lose the person that saved me from the hell I've lived for long and reached out to take me out of the darkness. I can't afford to let Riya-sama be a sacrifice, the same way I feel for Kurama. Losing one of them would definitely cause immense pain and torture to the other. I couldn't bear to watch that.

Our future has now become blurred despite the words stated in the prophecy. Who knows? Maybe one of us—probably one of the wielders or the Spirit Detective and his team—could change everything that is already predicted by the ancients.

—Yanagi Akane/Sei

-x-x-

Yusuke's letter

10:36 PM

Damn it! I just hate letter writings. But since Yumi has a point upon stating that reason why we're doing this, I agreed. Anyway, I couldn't really say everything I wanted to say verbally so this letter writing might be a cinch to express what I wanted to say. When I heard that prophecy, I wanted to destroy the very book where it was written. There's no way they could easily write such passages that has the power to change everything around us.

The battle, the weapons, deaths… I can't simply accept that some old people from the ancients would easily say such prophecy. And to make matters worse, they had predicted either Riya and Kurama's death. There's no way I could accept that. They're just the two of the most important people to me and I can't afford to lose any of them at all.

Riya is one of the most important people to me not only because she's my cousin and that she had saved my ass even before we took different paths. Even when she was shunned by her classmates because she could see apparitions, there was no moment that I doubted her. I listened to her stories about the apparitions appearing to her (not to mention they give me goosebumps whenever I was listening to that) and tried my best to stop her from crying. And now that I found out she's the mistress of the Legendary Weapon Wielders, I'm not going to doubt her. I can promise that. Besides, her warriors had saved the team's asses not just once and I owe her that. She wasn't just a cousin to me. I treated her more like a little sister even though I'm just a few months older than her. But even if we're already teenagers now, she's still my crybaby cousin and I don't want to lose her. Not yet.

As for Kurama, even though we started off a wrong path, he's my friend who stuck with me through thick and thin. We've already faced so many battles and enemies together along with Hiei and Kuwabara. He may not be that tough but his intelligence and sharp mind helped us finish the missions we've dealt with for so many times. He's giving advice and insights about almost everything we encounter along the way. I even admire his love for his human mother that he was willing to risk his life for her. There are a lot of things that I admire about Kurama that I lost count. Because of that, I know I would be hurt if I lose him in this battle. All because of some piece of crap prediction… I can't just let Kurama be a sacrifice for us to win.

I love these two people and it would be too painful for me if I lose any of them. I mean, why? Why would they end up as sacrifice for us to win this senseless battle? I'm unwilling to accept any of these crappy talk because I saw them deal with the trials that their love had faced so far. They were just starting to live their lives as they fell in love with each other. I know what love can do to two people who've felt it. I'm not talking nonsense here. It's because I've felt it since I'm in love with Keiko and she reciprocated my feelings.

Whenever I'm looking at either Riya or Kurama, it was evident in their faces. The love they feel for each other—it was priceless. But with this kind of battle, I doubt if the love they had for each other will be enough. I don't want to doubt our powersand skills that could help us win but I couldn't help it. So what if we possess the greatest powers if it would not be enough for us to save the lives of those precious to us? It's useless, then.

But I'm still hoping… wishing…

I don't want this fight to be something we're never supposed to win. I don't want to fall from this. I'll do everything I can to make sure that both Riya and Kurama will return alive after the battle.

I'll do it… no matter the cost…

—Urameshi Yusuke

-x-x-

Keiko's letter

10:44 PM

There are a lot of things going on inside my mind right now so I'm not sure what to write about in this paper. I'm used to writing my thought but never did it come to me that I have to write something now—now that I'm not considered an ordinary person anymore even though I'm still human. But even still, I'm grateful that I have this new power. Though I have to admit that I'm feeling worried and scared about this, I didn't want things to change. I didn't want my normal life to change. That's why I haven't told Yusuke about my recent discovery and I'm not planning to. I didn't want to be treated any different and I still don't. But I guess I couldn't help it. This is the fate I embraced wholeheartedly.

But never did I realize that I'm about to lose not just one but two of my friends upon accepting may fate as the new master of the Legendary Weapon of the Sky—the Arrow of Wind—and meeting a new friend in the form of my Crystal Spirit Kazemi-chan. I never thought that things would eventually end up like this. I mean, here we are, forcing ourselves to accept what fate is about to throw at Riya-chan and Kurama-kun, all because of what was written as an old prophecy. This upcoming battle we're about to face tomorrow could cause a devastating damage—and this might be where we are bound to lose.

I've lived my life normally for as long as I can remember and helped out Yusuke and his friends to the best of my abilities as a human—as an ordinary person. But one moment—one truth—changed everything. Despite all that, I never let myself hate Riya-chan. She suffered so much already and she's still suffering not only physically but also pure emotional torture. Hating her because of an unexpected twist of events would only double the pain. And I can't bear to let her feel that. Not now, not ever!

I feel things falling apart and I'm not talking about our determination either. I can sense it. All of us share the same fear. I might be different in intensity but it still deals with one thing. We are all unwilling to lose our friends in this battle. So what is it's stated in the prophecy? Then we'll just prevent it from happening using our powers and determination. Kazemi-chan felt the same way as I am and she knew how painful it is to lose those that are important to us. She knew how I felt when Yusuke died because of a selfless act. It still hurts just remembering that again. Watching a friend die would be too much to bear that I might lose my sanity.

As I watch the moon while writing this, there's one thing that always cross my mind. Their love—Kurama-kun and Riya-chan's love—somehow felt like the moon. It illuminates everything and everyone even the darkest of paths. I know their love could do that. But with this dark moment that is about to arrive and strike us heads on… I wanted to doubt if their love would be strong enough to defy their tragic destiny just to be together. Only a few people have the power to do that. I just hope they're among those "few people" since I really want them to be together for a long time—till the end of their lifetime and even probably beyond that.

But no matter what happens, I'll do what I can to prevent their devastating destiny from happening as we try our best of defending the world from impending destruction. This is what I promised to do—now that I have the power to do that.

It's the least I can do to thank Riya-chan for giving me this new life…

—Yukimura Keiko

-x-x-

Koenma's letter

10:52 PM

Everything started with another mission that I thought would be just like the others. Though I knew it wouldn't be a simple one, I know the team could deal with it. But never have I anticipated that it would play out this way. It wasn't supposed to be like this! Not this way! Just thinking about it made me feel like I'm passing out death sentence to Riya and Kurama. I swear I didn't know it would turn out this way at all! I never thought of it that way!

I'm not a psychic who has the power to predict the future but I could tell that it's unforgivable. It should have been for the best if I didn't let them read the prophecy. But that would only worsen the problem. The only consolation I get so far from this mission is that the missing Legendary Weapons were not used for evil doings. My father agreed to this, as well. And I know that Celeste, the powerful deity whose powers were divided equally that created the weapons upon her death 500,000 years ago, would be happy this way.

There are still a lot of things that Yusuke and the others didn't know about the information connected to this ancient deity and the Legendary Weapons. And so am I. Only the wielders, and most of all their mistress, knew those information that I wish to know. But it seems that I'll never have the chance now that the predicted battle is about to happen tomorrow on the rise of the full moon—the first full moon of the month. This is just the first battle and I don't have any idea what will be the outcome at all. What cripples me is the fact that there's nothing I can do to help them.

But the very issue that really worries me was about Kurama and Riya. I'm really worried for them. Even if I wanted to stop them from fighting, I know I couldn't. I could see it in their eyes that they're determined to finish this battle despite the fact that one of them might die because of it. The prophecy triggered their determination to rise to a higher level than before. It was a determination to save the life of the person who became their source of strength… In fact, Kurama told me once that Riya is his life and always will be. His life will end the moment he loses her in any way. As for Riya, she considered Kurama as an extension of her sould. So if she loses him in any way, she figured that she would just become an empty shell of her former self. She will just exist but not live.

That's how important they are to each other and I was surprised that their love could do these much. I never realized that they would go that far for the welfare of the one they love. It's ironic what love can do to someone, huh?

I could just hope that it would be enough for them to save each other when they will be facing one of the greatest trials that their mission has to offer. I'm sure… Riya and Kurama would never give up each other if Death would come to get one of them.

No one would be foolish enough to give up the one they love to the opponent so strong that one must admit defeat regardless of who you are. All of us felt the same way.

—Koenma

-x-x-

Genkai's letter

11:00 PM

I've seen these kids deal with some of the most fearsome battles and dangers that their missions had to offer to them. As for the Legendary Weapon Wielders, even though I've only known them for a short time, it made me think that they're really living up to their duties as Riya's personal warriors. They were even willing to risk their lives to protect her. I don't know much about them, but I'm sure that they're really good warriors and they wouldn't use the Legendary Weapons they had in their hands for causing disaster, only for the better sake of their mistress and the three realms.

What worries me most was the fact stated clearly in the prophecy. This is the first time I've heard such crap! A sacrifice must be made during the course of a battle so ensure a victory? I know there had been cases like this throughout history. It was never easy to accept this but it can't be done. But to Yusuke and the others, this would be unacceptable at all. Yusuke is the type of person who would never allow such trivial things to be done. He would do everything to make sure that everyone will come home safe and sound. And now that Keiko would be greatly involved in this battle as well, even though he doesn't know that yet, it would make him even more determined to do that.

All of us share the same fear for the future and I have to agree on that one. No matter the intensity of that fear, it still affects each and every one of us. But the intensity I'm feeling right now is nothing compared to what Kurama and Riya felt for this sudden turn of events for both of them. Even if they didn't tell me that, I could see it in their eyes. They might try and pretend to be happy as a coping mechanism but it's still obvious. No one was immensely affected by all of this but those two who had just found love in the midst of this unexpected battle, a war that shouldn't have turned out this way.

I don't know who the hell wrote or uttered that prophecy a long time ago. Good thing I don't because if I did, I would beat every crap out of that person to let him or her know that making such a prediction isn't funny at all. That prophecy was so powerful that it's enough to prevent Ayako's precognitive ability, even Yumi and Ryuuzaki-sensei's ESPs from being used. For how long? I don't know. And it's frustrating us even further.

Soon, only one between Riya and Kurama is bound to lose their lives. Though I do not wish to acknowledge that fact, I cannot deny it any longer. Their faith and determination began to falter as each minute passed. I can feel it but I'm afraid there's nothing I can do. It's so scary not being able to do anything at all…

…not because you're not sure of what to do, but because there's nothing you can do no matter what you think you could…

—Genkai

-x-x-

Kurama's letter

11:08 PM

As I sit here starting to put my thoughts in this paper, I couldn't help staring at the moon—the silver moon that still gives me hope and strength for me to accept what fate had thrown at me and my beloved Riya. But I know that this paper wouldn't be enough for me to fill it with all of my thoughts, most likely my fears, especially now that we are all about to face one of the greatest battles. Among those thoughts, I have to admit that I've never been this scared all my life. I've lost some of the most important people to me and it hurts, though I've managed to move on. But I can tell that I'll never be able to do the same thing if I lost Riya in this battle. Like what I said to my friends before, Riya is my life.

I never thought it would come to this. Though she silently changed my life when I met her more than five years ago, never did it come to me that she'll be the one whom I want to spend the rest of my life with. Yes, I know. Somewhere in my heart, I waited for her. Even though I didn't know her name at that time, I still waited. And now, she came. Fate brought her to me using the Snow Rose that symbolizes the fact that I'll never forget about her—ever. I just found her so why would they take her way from me? No matter how much I wanted to curse the prophecy regarding the battle, I don't have the power to do so.

Riya and I are an official couple for two weeks now, though I have been in love with her for five years and four months. And until now, I can't still believe it. She's a part of my life now. Her smile, he laughter, her hugs and kisses—all of it felt like heaven I've never experienced before. But sooner or later, everything about that would most likely disappear. I don't want that! I don't want to accept that. Up until now, I never said to Riya what really bothers me because I know it would make her worried and I don't want to see her worried. She's already afraid because of all this and I can feel it. I'm her boyfriend, after all. So it's natural for me to feel that way, right?

Everything about me and Riya was never normal to begin with. I was a fox demon and I still am, only concealed in the body of a human. While Riya belonged to a family of Elemental Spirit Summoners, whose members most likely consisting of every race imaginable. She was already born with powers and eventually trained to become even more powerful. But in the end, here we are, trying to spend our lives together as we share the love that we have for each other. And with each day that passed, I kept on wishing for the same thing over and over. I wish that our moments together would last forever. Until now, even though there's little hope, I still wish for it. Hope is hope, right? What else can we do now but hope for the better?

If there's one thing that this mission had brought not just to me but to all of us, I could say a lot. For one thing, Hiei fell in love with Yumi. I found Riya and we all found good friends and allies who will help us deal with the demon shinobi and Erithea. This mission brought me closer to my life—to my source of strength. And it'll be one heck of a torment if she decided to sacrifice her life in favor of mine. I know she'll decide something like that.

I can't let her go. There's no way I could. She's my world, my life, my everything. I know we just started our lives together and I wanted to make it last. So if she dies, my world stops, my life ends and where would that leave me? An empty shell of the man I once was? She wouldn't make me face that kind of life, I know. But I couldn't let her go. The same way she wouldn't let me. I made a pledge to her, after all. And I'll defend it with my life… because I don't want to give her up even if it's Death who would take her from me.

Either because of the curse of her powers or her destiny from the prophecy, no one knows. But I'm willing to fight just to prevent it from coming true. I'll hold on to her for as long as I could. I'll make her stay with me because she's mine and I refuse to let her leave me. I love her, and I'll never give her up.

We'll fight together. And after this, Riya and I will fulfill our destiny to be together forever. I'll make sure she'll come back alive—both of us.

That way, I know that we have at least forever to live our lives together and love each other.

—Kurama/Minamino Shuichi

-x-x-

Riya's letter

11:16 PM

Here we are. Finally… we are about to finish this endless battle. It's about time that this long night would come to an end. But as each minute passed by, my heart couldn't help but to beat faster as it make me nervous and anxious about what could possibly be looming ahead. Recalling the words stated in the prophecy was what making it worse and I hate it big time.

Five months ago, I discovered that my powers began to devour my life force. Mama, Haruka-neesan and Grandpa couldn't accept that. No healing powers nor magic could stop this from killing me. It made them all worried and scared. But so am I. even my warriors felt the same after I met them and told them the real reason why they have the weapons in their possession. I wanted to live my life like I'm not dying at all. That's why I can't stand that they're so jumpy around me. I don't want to die but it was the hand that fate dealt me. There's nothing I can do about it. But still, I didn't want things to change. I didn't want to be treated any differently and I still don't. Good thing they understood me.

But still, it pains me to know that I'm hurting them with this. Of course, only my family, the wielders, and the demon shinobi siblings Ren-kun and Sei-chan knew about my situation. It was just recently that Yusuke and the others found out about this. Though they didn't find this out the hard way, the pain and disbelief it inflicted to them was just the same as much as it was thrown in surprise. Anger and desperation loomed around them, unable to accept it. And I can't do anything to remove that from them.

For the last five months since I've first accepted what fate first threw at me, I've been wondering about what I did to deserve this. Though I'm aware that I've kept a monster inside of me nurtured because of my hatred when Papa and Onii-chan were killed in front of me. It was a monster I called revenge. But when he came—the gentle fox demon who melted the ice surrounding my heart by his kindness, care and love—that monster was slowly vanquished. I'm aware of his past as well as his identity and I find it hard to believe that he was once the ruthless and cold-hearted leader of the Demon World Bandits a lifetime ago. It's amazing what love can do to change someone's life, huh? At first, I thought I was okay with the fact that I'm dying… I thought I could handle this, but I was wrong. Dead wrong!

I don't want to die! Not now that I finally found the extension of my soul, the largest piece of the puzzle enough to complete me. Despite what I did to hurt him, he still wanted to love me—to be with me. Completing me wasn't enough, he said to me once. He'll do everything to love me completely, to make me feel love I'll remember for eternity. One that I could treasure beyond my grave. He wanted to do everything he could to save me. But I don't want him to get caught up with this anymore. Stupid prophecy! Why would it have to include Kurama with this? He has nothing to do with all of these commotions going on. He still has a life to live.

I still haven't decided about what to do about the passage in the prophecy. I know that this battle we're about to face tomorrow is just the first of the two parts of the real battle. The second and the real final battle will happen on the rise of the second full moon of the month—the rare blue moon which unleashes some of the most destructive powers of the universe. That's when the true battle will begin. A battle that should've ended 500,000 years ago. Even Koenma-sama and King Yama could never do something to prevent this battle from happening. This is what fate had set to us, after all. Our only duty is for us to face it heads on—no matter the sacrifices to be made.

But I'll never allow Kurama's life to be sacrificed in this. I don't care if he'll be mad at me. He can hate me. He can curse me. I'll just do it. I'll save him even if I couldn't save my life after this. I will no longer fight the oncoming death. I'm willing to do as much as that if it will prevent Kurama from becoming a sacrifice for the sake of this mission. You see, Kurama is the extension of my soul, similar to the situation of a Siamese twins who share the same heart. Weird example, huh? But in this case, our hearts and soul became one the moment he passed the trial. And it always will be.

Besides, we're already married. Or so he said to me once. How? He said he married me a long time ago… in his heart. He promised that he'll give me the most memorable wedding ever, one that will always stay in our hearts.

But how will it happen if I'm bound to lose my life after the first full moon? Can he still fulfill that promise? I don't know. But I realized one thing the moment I admitted to myself that I love him.

I couldn't have picked a better person for me to love. I love him truly because he made my life the loveliest one to live in spite of everything. And in my guess, he'll be the one person I'm bound to love forever.

That's all I know and I'm happy with that.

—Miyuzaki Riya

-x-x-

Their battles sure made them all like this. What will happen to Kurama and Riya now that the battle they've all dreaded to happen will finally begin? Will they be able to make it out alive? Or as it was stated in the prophecy, one of them will die for the sake of victory?

Tune in for you to know. And please your reviews. I need to know what people think about this story and this chapter, too.