Disclaimer. Fushigi Yuugi is the copywrite of Watase Yuu, Tokyo Television, Flower Comics, Pioneer, and others. No infringement was intended in the writing of this fanfic.

Chiriko, I hadn't know for very long, but I did know that he was sweet and kind. The kid was unbelievably intelligent. Yet, he never flaunted that intelligence over the rest of us. And we all owed him a lot of graditude for helping us when we were slowly being killed my Amiboshi's flute.

Mitsukake was as gentle as any person could be. The love he showed for animals and those he tended, proved that. In the time that I had known him, he never lost his temper. He didn't talk much, only when he felt it necessary. Even though he never talked of it, I knew he still suffered from the death of his love.

Chichiri was the most unusual person I ever knew! I never really understood why he wore that mask. I knew he had a scar over his left eye, but he never said why. And I never asked. I knew he would say when the time was right. For all his strange and silly behavour, I knew there was a serious side to him. I could almost sense pain somewhere within him, as if something tragic happened in his life at sometime.

Tasuki always acted so tough, but I knew better. I knew he was very caring, he was just afraid of others finding out. He probably feared that others would laugh or accuse him of not being a man. And as for him saying he hated women, I didn't believe it for a moment. Nobody would go through what he went through to save Miaka. He couldn't fool me, I knew he cared for all of us. We had gotten to become close friends, maybe that was why I could see through that rough exterior and see what kind of person he really was.

Tamahome. Tama-chan was pretty much the first seishi I actually met and got to know. His bravery knew no end. And his love for Miaka was boundless. Even though I also loved Miaka, I knew he would make her happy, and that made me happy. I knew he loved Miaka before he knew he loved Miaka. His love for his family was as deep as mine was for Kourin. It would take him a long time, perhaps his entire life, to ever let go of the pain of losing them.

Like Tasuki he was stubborn and terrified that anyone would not think him a man. Those two were as alike as two peas in the same pod. Maybe that was why they fought so much. Like two little boys. Most of the time, I never knew whether to laugh or being annoyed at their fighting. But they needed each other. For in that fighting, they had the will to keep going, even if it was just to prove to the other that they were strong.

Hotohori-sama. What is there to say? He was beautiful, gentle, and caring. A lesser man would have kicked me out of the palace, if he didn't outright kill me, for my deception. But he didn't, instead it seemed we grew a little closer. I knew Kourin would have loved him, as I once did. No, I still loved him, but that love had changed. Even though I was no longer gay, if I ever was, I still held a fondness for him in my heart.

Over time, I had grown to love all of them. Not as I might have once, but as a family. They had become my brothers. I think that maybe the closeness of them helped me put the pain of losing Kourin behind me. I don't think I would have traded any of them for anything in the world. I was proud of them all and proud to be a seishi.

Miaka. When did I actually begin to love her? I was never sure. It just seemed that one day, I loved her. How could I not? She wasn't beautiful, but she was cute. She was so cheerful, caring, optimistic, forgiving, and loyal. She was special. I knew that from the start. She just seemed to bring the best out of people. She always looked for the good in them and forgave whatever wrong they did her. With all these good qualities, who could not love her?

Okay, I'd grant it. The girl was clumsy as anyone alive. She was a bottomless pit when it came to eating. She could be exasperating at times. And she did dote a little too much on Tamahome. But when you love someone, you can't help but want to be with them all the time. I wanted to be with Miaka, but I knew she loved Tama-chan and he loved her. I accepted that. I had gotten used to loving someone, who didn't love me. I hoped that someday, I would be loved like those I loved.

Up ahead I saw the entrance to the cave. I had finally reached my goal. My legs were wet and cold, but that no longer mattered. I had finally reached the cave. It had a hugh boulder in front of it. Well that could be expected considering what was inside. But all I have to do is move that boulder, and the way would be clear for Miaka. This was going to be easy.