Fire Bird

25

Kai hovered over Nagisa, heart clenching, while Tokagawa held her, uttering heart wrenching sobs

Akira was stunned.. She felt as if she was watching something else

Suddenly, he Tokagawa had an idea, he looked at her pleadingly: Akira..

Kai seemed to come out of his stupor: Of course! The tears of a Hinotori

The tears of a Hinotori had a healing quality, even to the deadliest of injuries. This was one of the reasons the Imperial family bound her to them, but alas, it only worked if the Hinotori in question wanted to save that person, it could not be cohersed..

Akira looked at his pleading eyes, for him, she would do it, even if the death of the priestess could give her a chance

But she couldn't be that selfish, she could see how losing her would kill him, Tokagawa had a tender heart. He loved unconditionally, with all his being, if he lost her, he would never recover. He will become only a she'll of the man she once loved

For a fleeting moment, her gaze flickered towards Kai, he too seemed to be pleading with her

She took a deep breath, and wordkessly kneeled above the cradled Nagisa. She didn't particularly care for the girl, but she had to admit, through their journey, she had come to know her, she really was a good person, she made Tokagawa happy, and would make a wonderful empress

Akira willed her love of life and everything good to fill her, expelling all thoughts of hatred and vengance from her mind and soul, for her to be successful, she had to at least like something about the subject, and as a human, Akira thought, Nagisa was a very good example

So she concentrated, letting her tears flow freely over the girl's wound

Both men were still, mesmerized, she was glowing with a warm golden light. She had never looked this beautiful before

Nagisa stilled in his arms, and Tokagawa felt scared, seconds later she gasped, opening her eyes

He couldn't help himself, he hugged her hard: Thank God!

He was crying tears of joy

Nagisa spoke in a hoarse voice: Tokagawa..

He gazed at her, lovingly: I thought I had lost you

Nagisa: What happened?

He replied: Akira saved you.. The tears of a Hinotori have healing qualities

They all looked at Akira now

Nagisa looked at her in awe: Thank you

Tokagawa looked about to burst with love for Nagisa and gratitude for Akira: Thank you..

Kai watched her, she looked sad, but resigned.. And yet she still looked fragile: It was nothing. I only did it for you..

She looked at Tokagawa while she murmered that, and if finally dawned on him, what she had meant by it, when she turned her back and retreated. She couldn't face them anymore..

Tokagawa looked at Nagisa and Kai, he was surprised by the realization that she had loved him, but he only saw sadness in their eyes

Tokagawa: You knew..

Nagisa nodded

Tokagawa: Why hadn't you told me?

Nagisa: It was not our secret to tell

He ran a hand through his disheveled hair, making it stick up even more: Oh.. Akira.. What have I done.. All this time.. Now it makes sense, why she had never seemed to warm up to you.. Akira.. I am so sorry

Kai: It wasn't your fault. You we're a bit dense, but people are usually so when it comes to themselves. She knew you loved another, but it is hard to give up..

His gaze flitted towards Nagisa for a brief second

Tokagawa: I must make it up to her..

Kai sighed: Do not hurt her more by apologizing for not noticing or not loving her. She is a proud being, it is bad enough you know now, but she wanted you to know she had really loved you.. Although now, I can assure you, she had finally given up and conceded..

Tokagawa nodded

Kai left them together, to discuss their next course of action

He walked to where she was sitting, and plopped himself next to her: It was a very selfless thing you did there..

She looked at him, and tried to smirk: I beg to differ, I thought it was quite selfish. I did it for him, so he can be happy. If he is happy, then so am I, so you see, it was still selfish

Kai shook his head: Was it only for him?

Akira averted her gaze, murmuring: It was for you too

She only whispered it, but he caught it, his smile was so big he though t his face would split

He dropped a soft kiss on the crown of her head

She blushed perfusely, which only made him chuckle

Kai: So, I guess you dropped your hatred for her..

Akira: You could say that, but I cannot say I love her now, that will be stretching it too far

He laughed: You will come around

She huffed, then in a serious tone, told him: You know, it was not just that she was his love, or a priestess. She's descended from the same priest that tricked me and bound me, all those centuries ago..

Kai bristled: Are you sure?

She nodded: I could recognize that aura and power anywhere.. But I know, she had nothing to do with it, so it is not fair to hold her responsible for something her ancestor had done..

Kai looked at her, full of pride. She had come a long way..