======================================================================= A fanfic by Kichiri. Part of the infamous "Food Chain" series. I admit... I asked her to write it and kill Nakago and I off. *grin* All items between --- --- are things that are meant to be in italics. ======================================================================= A Mother's Love ...Sometimes it can kill you --- Somewhere in the afterlife, a solitary figure gazes wistfully down into the human world, where a birthday party rages on. Still... --- Mysterious Woman: What a beautiful palace the Emperor of Kounan has. ::watches as Tasuki zooms past, another group of fangirls hot on his heels:: They seem to be having so much fun. The young Emperor is so lucky to have friends to celebrate with. --- Her eyes fall upon a blond man in one corner, a slight blue aura crackling menacingly about him. --- Mysterious Woman: Poor Nakago. You don't have birthday celebrations like that. ::deep sigh:: I wish that I could wish you a happy birthday one more time, my dearest son. All I can hope now is that you are doing well. --- Down below, Nakago toasts another fangirl for getting drool on him. --- Mysterious Woman: (who will now be known as "Nak's Mom") Nakago, why do you force these people away when they care about you so much? I wish you would let yourself be happy. I now want to talk to you even more so that you can see the reason in that. --- A chime rings signaling the end of lunch and Nak's Mom goes back to work in the office. She walks by two young ladies chatting happily with each other. As she passes by, she catches some of their conversation and whirls around. --- Nak's Mom: Excuse me, I don't mean to interrupt, but is what you just said true? Young Lady #1: Ano, what do you mean? Nak's Mom: What you said about being able to see someone who's still alive. --- The two look at each other and then nod. --- Kourin: ::beams:: I was able to lucky enough to get to see my oniisan, Ryuuen, again, thanks to Koenma-sama. Kouran: ::nods:: Hai, atashi mo. Well, sort of. But I did get to pass on a message to him. ::looks down at fangirls glomping en masse onto Chichiri; she sweatdrops:: Not that it did a whole lot of good, I'm afraid, but at least he's not, er, lonely... Nak's Mom: ::eyes shimmer at the two:: Can you help me? I desperately need to talk to my son! Kouran: Who is your son? Nak's Mom: That blond young man in the corner. ::points at him:: Kourin: The vicious--er, reserved one in the corner? Nak's Mom: Hai. ::nods proudly:: That's my son, Nakago. Kourin: Nakago! The Seiryuu Shichi Seishi? He was responsible for my niisa-- Kouran: ::hushes Kourin and turns back to Nak's Mom:: Ano, I was lucky enough to have the great Koenma-sama ::glares at Kourin who is abruptly struck with a coughing fit:: to help me. I can take you to him, but it's up to him whether or not he'll help you. Nak's Mom: ::bows deeply:: Doumo arigatou! I truly appreciate your help! Kouran: ::also bows:: Douitashimashite. I'll arrange for you to meet Koenma-sama after work today. --- The three part and Kourin follows Kouran back to the office. --- Kourin: Ne, you didn't tell her how she's going to get to see him. Kouran: ::gets an uncharacteristically evil grin on her face:: That blond pervert's lusted after my Houjun in one too many fanfics for his own good. Kourin: Wah! I didn't know you had it in you, Kouran! ::also gets an evil grin on her face:: Serves him right, anyway, hurting my poor niichan like that. ******* --- Back in Kounan... --- Chichiri: ::shivers:: What was that evil ki I just felt no da? Kichiri: ::nods:: I sensed it too. ::glances up at the sky:: It almost felt it came from the Reikai... ::pales:: Ano, I wouldn't eat anything today if I were you no da. WMC: Chichiri! You're cold! Let me warm you up no daaaa! Chichiri: It's okay no daaaa--::is instantly glomped by the warmth of his fans:: Jyuuhachigou: Is that better Chichiri? Can't have you catching cold now, can we. Chichiri: Ack! Can't... breathe... no... da... Kichiri... tasuketeeee... Kichiri: Sorry, gotta find out what Miaka's up to no da. Kristi: ::wicked grin:: You know, if he doesn't warm up properly, we'll have to resort to warming him with our bodies directly. Chichiri: ::sweatrains:: I'm warm no da! I'm warm no da! Miome: Poor thing! He's all clammy and sweating! Must be a fever! We can't let him catch cold. Time for Plan Kristi! WMC: Whoohoo! Chichiri: Daaaaaa! ******* --- Author's Note: Sorry, it was just getting to serious at the start, so I had to throw in a random, senseless bit of seishi torture. Gomen nasai Chichiri-san no da... ^_^;; --- Chichiri: Why me no da? ******* --- After work in the Reikai... --- Kouran: Koenma-sama, I've brought someone to see you. ::shows Nak's Mom in:: Nak's Mom: Thank you for taking the time to see me, Koenma-sam-- Koenma: Right, right. I'm a busy man. What is it? Kouran: ::whispers to Nak's Mom as she leaves:: Gomen nasai. It looks like he's in a foul mood today. George: ::whispers to them:: Hai. ::sigh:: I'm afraid the rumours are true. Kouran: You mean he got dumped again? George: ::nods sadly:: Koenma: Oi! What are you talking about over there? Kouran: ::gives Nak's Mom a sympathetic hug:: Ganbatte. Nak's Mom: Don't worry about it. I can handle it. ::smiles:: I'm Nakago's mother, remember? --- Kouran leaves and George escorts Nak's Mom to Koenma's desk. --- Nak's Mom: As I was saying Koenma-sama, I really appreciate you taking the time to se-- Koenma: You already said that! I'm very busy today, so hurry it up. Nak's Mom: Well, Koenma-sama, Kouran tells me that you graciously allowed she and Kourin to contact their loved ones in the human world and I was wondering if I could contact my son, Na-- Koenma: Forget it! I don't have time for trivial requests like that! Just wait till he dies. Nak's Mom: I realize that it doesn't seem important to you, but-- Koenma: I said no and that's that. You're dismissed. Nak's Mom: ::stands up tall and towers over Koenma:: Young man, I think you have a lot to learn about manners. I have yet to meet a ruder person in either the Ningenkai or the Reikai. Koenma: Nani? Nak's Mom: :: gives him the Mother Look (TM):: It is not trivial. You will do it now, while being exceptionally polite to your elders, and perhaps your father will not here of this-- Koenma: Are you trying to blackmail me? Nak's Mom: --or any of the other little incidents that have occurred around here in the last little while. I can't imagine Enma-daio-sama being all that impressed to hear that his son is wasting valuable resources and time to have his own web shrine created. ::leans in close and stares him down into his chair:: And what did I say about being polite? Koenma: ::cowering under the awesome power of the Mother Look:: H-Hai. I'll get on it right away. Ma'am. Nak's Mom: That's better. I will expecting a report from you most expediently young man. ::turns around and strides out of the office, Koenma and George staring after her:: Koenma: Ko-Kowai. Ne, George, who is her son? George: Him. The blond shogun of Kutou. ::points to Nakago, who is giving a very similar glare to his mother in the direction of a fangirl:: Koenma: NAKAGO? You can sure see the family resemblance. How the heck am I going to kill him? ::sits down and puzzles over the problem:: --- The Goddess of Inspiration descends upon him and a demented grin spreads across Koenma's face. --- Koenma: Poetic justice. I can see it all now. Perfect... Ka ka ka... ******* --- The next morning, in the aftermath of Hotohori-sama's birthday party... --- Kai Ling: What a wonderful party that was! Nellie: Absolutely! Everything was just perfect for Hotohori-sama's birthday. Kay: And entirely uneventful too. --- Everyone looks at Ritz. --- Ritz: Nani? Why are you all looking at meeeee? Jill: Because Kichiri's not here and you're the next best thing. Priya: And evil too. ::Ritz pouts:: But that's a good thing. ::Ritz beams:: Ritz: Arigatou! --- A hand reaches out from kasa space and hauls Ritz away. --- Ritz: Nani? Ki-chan! What are you doing? Kichiri: Shh! I don't mean to alarm you, but Chichiri-san and I both sensed something evil coming from the Reikai, and you know what that means no da. ******* --- Speaking of the Reikai... --- Koenma: Botan, are you ready? Botan: Hai Koenma-sama! ::leaps on oar and zooms out of office:: Koenma: Excellent. ::Mr. Burns'-like cackle:: ::looks down at party:: Now, who will I have deliver the fatal blow. ::eyes fall on Tamahome:: It's only appropriate. ******* And back in the palace of Kounan... Ritz: ::pales:: Where's Miaka? Kichiri: That what I'm trying to find out right now no da. Ritz: Let's hurry before-- Nuriko: Sorry to keep everyone waiting! Here's some breakfast! Ritz: Whew. Looks like that's safe--Nuriko made it. Kichiri: You're lucky he's a good cook no da. Ritz: Yeah, he--wait a minute! Is that some sort of crack about the Miaka Syndrome again? Kichiri: Never mind that right now--here comes the real thing no da! --- Miaka enters, carrying a glass. --- Miaka: Tamahome! Here! I made this for you! ::hands him the glass:: Tamahome: ::looks at the glass and then at Miaka. You get the impression he's deciding between love and his life...:: Miaka: ::glares at him:: Nuriko helped me make it. Tamahome: ::visibly relieved:: Ha ha! Of course! Ano, what is it? Miaka: ::beams:: It's a Nuriko Special. Kouji: Ano, Miaka-chan, isn't it a little early in the morning for that? I mean, even Genrou and I ain't drinkin' yet. Tamahome: It's okay. (Maybe it'll make my headache go away). ::raises glass:: Itadakimasu! --- Miaka watches eagerly as the glass approaches Tamahome's mouth, her eyes on full shimmer for her brave (read: foolish) beloved. --- Tamahome: ::stops and turns around stiffly:: Oi! What the heck? Miaka: Tamahome! What are you doing? Why are you running away? Mitsukake: His survival instinct must have kicked in and overridden his heart. Miaka: Wah! Tamahome! Hidoiiii! ::drops to her knees and starts sobbing:: Tamahome: Wait! Miaka! It's not my fault! My body's moving on its own! Tamahome walks over to where Nakago is sitting with his fans clustered protectively around him. Priya: Oi, whipped boy, what do you think you're doing? Nakago: You know Tama-chan, they were only kidding in those fanfics--I really have no interest in you, so trying to get me drunk won't do you any good. Priya: Who was kidding? Miaka: Waaaaah! Tamahome really does like Nakago! Tamahome: Urusai! Miaka: Waaaaaaaaaah! Tamahome yelled at me! ::cries even louder:: Bishounen no Miko: ::notices glass in Tamahome's hand:: We're not stupid--we know Miaka made that! Seimei: You're not getting one step closer to Nakago-sama! Marron: We'll protect Nakago-sama! Ne, Seimei-sensei? Seimei: Exactly, Marron. ::pats her disciple on the head:: You're learning quickly. Tamahome: But it's not my fault! Someone's controlling my body. Priya: You can't really expect us to believe that. Annette: Well, considering the people involved, a cheap plot device like that isn't that unlikely. ::ducks glares from authorspace and the Reikai:: Hey! It's not like that's an exaggeration! Nakago: Che. As if I need weak little girls to protect me from a Suzaku Shichi Seishi. ::begins to power up:: Priya: Whoohoo! It's about time. Tama-chan hasn't been fried yet today. ::watches eagerly for the fight to start:: Marron: Yeah. As if holding a glass in front of you is going to save you. Jill: Ano, Marron-chan? I think there's something you don't understand here. That's not just any glass of booze. Miaka made-- Nakago: ::gets evil glint in his eye as he forms a ki ball; he smirks at Tamahome, who pales:: Shi ne. --- The ki blast rockets through the air toward the unwitting Tamahome. --- Tamahome: Yaddaaaaaa! ::tries to run away but his body won't move:: The ki blast connects and the Nuriko Special explodes. Seimei: I'll save you Nakago-sama! ::leaps in front of her beloved Nakago in a vain attempt to shield him from the blast:: BOOM! ... --- From amidst the rubble that once formed one of the palace's main halls, a kasa appears and from it, a girl gets out. --- Kichiri: Boy, doesn't this look familiar no da. Kai Ling: Hotohori-sama! Daijoubu? Hotohori: Hai, I'm fine. Just a little dirty ::twitch:: Kai Ling: Gomen nasai Hotohori-sama! I thought it would be safe here! I never meant for this to happen! And even worse, you've got dust on you! Kay: Good thing his fan club is big enough to have shielded him from the blast. ::looks at pile of SHFC members lying around, their eyes in spirals:: Nellie: Don't worry Kai Ling, it's not your fault. Someone's just unlucky. ::looks pointedly at a certain Amazon priestess:: Thea: Or evil. Jill: Or both. Kichiri: Oi! It's not my fault no da! Ritz: Is everyone present and accounted for and, er, in one piece... ^^;; --- Several feet away, the members of Nakago's Ruling Class are pulling their beloved shogun from the rubble. --- Marron: ::leaps at Kichiri:: What have you done to Nakago-sama and Seimei-sensei! Kichiri: ::sweatdrops as Marron gives her a potentially fatal glare:: Ano, do I know you no da? I don't think we've met yet. Watashi wa Kichiri and I--Ack! Marron: ::throttles Kichiri:: Bring them back to life! Bishounen no Miko: Ano, Jill, weren't you going to explain this to her? Jill: ::shrugs:: I didn't get a chance before the explosion happened. Kai Ling: And she's usually so nice and polite too. Tomite: Oi! Let Kichiri-san go! ::grabs Marron and tries to haul her off Kichiri:: Marron: ::belts him:: Pervert! Ritz: Ano, that's ice-making pervert. Marron: Whatever! --- A mad dash ensures as various fangirls rush to the, ano, aid of Nakago-sama... --- Marron: Oi! Wait for me! ::drops Kichiri, who is gasping for breath and runs off to help resuscitate the fallen Nakago:: ******* --- Somewhere between life and death, two souls hang in the balance... in fact, one is hanging on very tightly... --- Seimei: Wah! Nakago-sama! Don't let me fall! ::clings onto him as the oar zips through the Reikai:: Nakago: ::glares at Botan:: She will not fall. Botan: ::eep:: H-Hai. ^^;; ::slows down and cruises very, very evenly:: Seimei: ::sparkle:: Nakago-sama, kakkoi... After an extended but extremely safe ride, the oar and its passengers land in front of the great doors of the Reikai. Seimei: ::a little green from the scenery of the afterlife:: That was rather, um, scenic. Botan: Let's get a move-on. We took a little longer than usual, and you still need to see Koenma before you can be restored to your bodies. Seimei: That's fine. Besides, I'm sure Nakkie-poo has something he'd like to discuss with him, don't you? Nakago: ::blue ki begins to crackle around him as he powers up:: Botan: Ano, could you please not do that? I think it's shorting out the electricity. --- They follow Botan through the office to Koenma's door, the various Oni making a wide arc around the Seiryuu Shichi Seishi. --- Koenma: Darn TV's on the fritz again. And Usagi was just about to kiss Mamo-chan! Botan: ::polite cough:: Koenma-sama, I've brought them here, (except there seems to be an extra one) so I'll just be going now. Koenma: ::anxiously:: It-It's okay, Botan. You can stay. You'll be taking them back soon, anyway. Botan: ::tries to think of an excuse to get as far away from the fireworks as possible:: Demo, Koenma-sama, it's not my place to-- Seimei: Oi! Who do you think you are killing us off like that! Shut up and tell us why we're here! And for that matter, what the heck caused that explosion? ******* Kai Ling: So what exactly happened here? Nellie: A big, big explosion from Nakago's ki. =P Kai Ling: Um, thanks, but you know what I meant. Priya: I know Nakkie-poo is powerful., but I didn't think the ki blast was that big this time. After all, all he needed to do was nuke Tama. Tamahome: Urusai. Chiriko: What was in the glass Tamahome-san was holding? Nuriko: It was a Nuriko Special that I helped Miaka make for him. ::everyone glares at Nuriko:: Ch-Chotto! I basically made it for her! I watched her every second and there was nothing strange that she put in it. Kouji: Only one way to find out. Here Genrou. ::forces a decent-sized gulp of the Nuriko Special down Tasuki's throat:: Tasuki: ::hackcough:: Aho! What'd ya--Waitaminute, this tastes pretty good. Gimme that. ::takes another swig:: Hey, that does taste good! Kouji: Yer full of it. Give it here. ::grabs the drink and cautiously drinks a little:: Oi, you're not kidding! It IS good. Rence: Like those drinks that taste better after you light them on fire, I guess. Kichiri: ::snickers thinking of the Flaming Homers on The Simpsons:: Kay: Except this one is a little more /explosive/. Annette: Alcohol is flammable, after all. Nuriko: ::beams:: Wai! Another way to prepare my Nuriko Specials. Hotohori: Ano, Nuriko, I don't think that's a good idea. ::gestures at the rubble:: My palace can't take much more of this. ******* Seimei: That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard! You mean to tell me that Nakago actually killed himself by firing a ki blast at Tamahome's Nuriko Special? Koenma: Sorry--I was under some time constraints. Seimei: What kind of crappy excuse is that! Nakago. ::Nakago gathers his ki:: Nakago: Shi-- Koenma: Tasuketeeeee! ::dives under his desk:: Matte! --- Nakago freezes as he hears that voice. He turns around slowly and his eyes widen as he sees her. --- Nakago: Okaasan... Koenma: ::meekly:: That's what I've been trying to tell you. Seimei: Well, why didn't you just come out and say it? --- The two continue to yell at each other, with Seimei having the upper hand. Nakago, meanwhile, stares entranced at his mother. She smiles and walks to him, folding her arms around him in an embrace. --- Nak's Mom: Nakago, how I've longed to see you again. I've missed you so much. ::looks up at him and touches his cheek:: Are you doing well? I know you've been through so much since I left you. Nakago: ::hugs his mother tightly:: Okaasan... I've missed you too. Nak's Mom: I was so worried about you that I asked Koenma-sama to bring you here so that I could talk to you. I'm sorry for the suddenness of it all, but apparently there was no other way. Nakago: That's all right, Kaasan. It's good to see you. Nak's Mom: I worry about you being so lonely, Nakago. After all, you have Soi and the other Seishi as well as lots of other new friends. I just wish you'd let yourself be happy and enjoy the life you have now. Nakago: It's not that easy, Kaasan. Nak's Mom: ::gently:: I know you've been through a lot, Nakago, but you can't be miserable forever. I'm just glad you have friends like her to keep you company and stop you from being too melancholy all the time. ::gestures to Seimei who is currently yelling Koenma into the floor:: Nakago: Ano, Kaasan, they're actually fangirls. They're not there to cheer me up. All they really care about is seeing me nak-- Nak's Mom: ::ignores him and goes over to Seimei:: You seem like such a nice girl! I hope it's not a bother taking care of my Nakago. What's your name? Nakago: All she does is drool on me-- Seimei: I'm Seimei, and it's my pleasure, ma'am. ^_^ Honto ni. ^_^ Nak's Mom: And what is that cute little nickname you have for him? Seimei: Oh, that? It's-- Nakago: ::Death Glare at Seimei:: Seimei: ::sweatdrop:: ano, Shogun? Nak's Mom: No, that's not it. Koenma: ::helpfully:: Asshole? Nak's Mom: No, that's not it either. Ah! I remember! Nakkie-poo! Nakago: ::sigh:: Please don't call me that, Kaasan. Seimei: Ne, okusan, there's something I've been wanting to ask you. Nak's Mom: What would you like to know, Seimei-chan? Seimei: (Wai! Nakago's mother called me 'Seimei-chan'! Ureshi!) Ano, I've always wondered--what is Nakago-sama's real name? I mean the one you gave him at birth? Nak's Mom: You mean you don't know? Well, it's-- Nakago: Kaasan! Nak's Mom: Oh, Nakago, don't tell me you're still embarrassed over that. He's just being silly, Seimei-chan. It's-- Nakago: OKAASAN! Nak's Mom: Mataku! You don't have to yell so loud, Nakago. I'm not deaf. Anyway, it's good to see you show a little spirit. Nakago: ::blush:: Nak's Mom: Well, I'm glad to see that you're okay, dear. I've been hoping that you would grow up to be strong, despite your circumstances. Koenma: ::under his breath:: Actually, he's an evil, twisted asshole bent on revenge on mankind. Nakago: ::grabs Koenma:: Nanda? Nak's Mom: What are you doing, Nakkie-poo? Nakago: I'm thanking him for letting me see you. And please don't call me that kaa- Nak's Mom: What a good boy you are! Now, let him go and give me a hug good-bye. ::tears glisten in her eyes:: I hope you have a good life Nakago, and that it is a long, long time before you pass through these gates again. --- Nakago hugs his mother, and if one didn't know better, one might almost think that there were tears in his eyes too. --- Nakago: Good-bye, Okaasan, and thank you. Nak's Mom: ::pulls him down and gives him a kiss on the forehead:: Good-bye, my little one. Remember what I said, and that I always love you. Botan: Ano, I'm sorry to break this up, but we really need to get these two back into their bodies before they're here permanently. Nak's Mom: Sou. You should be going back now. ::shooes him off:: Seimei: Oi! What about me? What do I get? Koenma: Nani? Seimei: ::advances on him:: Don't play dumb with me--you kill me off, I get something. Koenma: It was your fault that you threw yourself in front of him! Only Nakago was supposed to die! Seimei: How dare you penalize me for trying to save the life of my beloved Nakkie-poo! Nakago: ::sigh:: Please don't call me that. Koenma: Tough luck. You're lucky you're being resuscitated at all, considering you weren't even summoned. Seimei: NANI? ::goes to throttle the brat--er, the manager of the dead:: Nak's Mom: ::puts hand on Seimei's shoulder to gently, but firmly restrain her:: Now, now, Seimei-chan. Let's be civilized about this. Besides, I'm /sure/ that Koenma-sama will compensate you accordingly. ::gives him the Mother Look (TM):: Nakago: ::gives him the Death Glare:: Seimei: ::looks at Nak's Mom and Nakago:: The family resemblance is just eerie. Koenma: ::sweatrains under the dual glares:: Of-Of course! What would you like, Seimei-chan? Seimei: Chan? Koenma: Seimei-sama? Seimei: That'll do. Now, what to ask for... Nak's Mom: I have a good idea, Seimei-chan. Since you need a little more, ano, /room/ for your anime supplies at home, why not have a special anime room created for your exclusive use in the Reikai? Seimei: Sugoi! Make that in authorspace and we've got a deal. Koenma: Whew. Done! Seimei: Yatta! ::begins to mentally plan the house-warming party she'll throw:: Botan: Ano~ Ritz: ::pops in to yell:: It's not open till May 1st, darnit! Botan: Not /that/ Ano~! I meant 'Ano, we should be getting back now.' Seimei: Hai! ::bounces along happily following Botan and Nakago out of the office:: --- After they had gone, Kouran cautiously peeked her head inside the door and motioned for Nak's Mom to follow her out. --- Kouran: ::after they were a safe distance away:: I think Koenma-sama needs some time to re-cooperate from that. Nak's Mom: ::grin:: Maybe it will keep him out of trouble for a while. Kouran: Not likely. ^_- Ano, you didn't really mean that about Nakago being a good boy and such, did you? Nak's Mom: I've been watching him--I know what he's been through, but for the brief time I had with my son, I wanted him to feel loved and special again. I know he's ashamed of a lot that has happened to him, and of what he's done in his life, so I wanted him to forget all of that for a moment and just be my little boy again. Kouran: ::nods thoughtfully:: So Seimei-san got an anime room, but what did Nakago get? Nak's Mom: Simple. ::gazes wistfully down at the earth:: A chance to be happy. ******* --- In transit between the afterlife and the mortal realm... --- Seimei: Your mom's a really nice person, Nakago-sama. Nakago: Sou. Seimei: She certainly loves you a lot. Nakago: ::fidget:: Un. Seimei: And I did promise to take care of you. ::wicked grin with just a hint of H-rays:: Nakago: ::something between a Death Glare and a sweatdrop:: Seimei: ::laughs:: So, how about coming to my anime-room warming party? I promise to have a shrine set up so others can worship your greatness too. Nakago: Hmph. I will consider it. Seimei: Honto ni? Wai! Ureshi! Ureshi! ::throws arms around him and plants a quick kiss on his cheek:: Nakago-sama dai suki! --- The oar lands and Seimei leaps off and runs to tell everyone the news. --- --- Nakago watches his crazed fangirl race off to announce her news to her friends. He stands still for a moment, watching her bounce around, and then walks away to the east. --- Marron: Seimei-sama! You're all right! ::hugs her:: Jill: Thank goodness. It was a little longer than usual. Seimei: Well, Botan took the /scenic/ route. Marron: Poor Seimei-sama! And to think it's all her fault. ::points at Kichiri:: Kichiri: ::exasperated:: It's not my fault no da! (You know, this is really getting a bit much considering who's writing this. =P) Marron: So who's fault is it then? --- Seimei demurely adjusts her halo and looks innocent. --- ******* --- In the outskirts of Kutou, amidst the ruins of a village, a young man with blond hair stood silently in the dusty light of the sun. Before him is a mound of earth, unmarked, and worn down over the years. In his mind and heart, he remembers his mother's counsel, her pleas for him to be happy and he deeply wishes the same for her in her new life. A tear rolls down his cheek as he tenderly places a single flower upon the grave. --- --- A girl, with hair just a little deeper blond than he, bounces upon to him and throws her arms around him, embracing him tightly. --- Seimei: Ne, Nakago-sama, you promised to go to my party. Nakago: ::quietly:: Hmph. I said no such thing. Seimei: Come on, Nakkie-poo. Everyone's waiting for you. ::smiles up at him:: It's okay to happy every once in a while. I promise you it won't spoil your image too much. ::wink:: Nakago: Che. --- But he let himself be dragged along. --- --- From the heavens, a voice softly whispered to her dearest child. --- "Be happy, my son, and enjoy life while you have it. I will always be here for you, and I shall love you forever." --- --- Owari no da ^_- --- ==================================================================== Dedications and Explanations: 1) First of all, I should let you know that it actually is Seimei's fault--she asked me to do this. Hence, it is hereby dedicated to the lovely Seimei. 2) I would also like to thank the wonderful Kai Ling for her aid in reading this as I wrote it, and also for her suggestion to put in that line about Koenma watching Sailor Moon. Doumo arigatou! You learn well, my student. =P 3) For those who aren't aware of why Kouran and Kourin are here, they appeared in earlier Food Chain fanfics (although Kouran was called Tenmei in that one, but I thought what with the Chichiri novel being out, I should be accurate with her name). 4) No, I don't really know what Nakago's real name is. I thought about coming up with one, but it was easier to suggest that it was horrible and let your imagination run wild. ^_^