bloodsong1 | Oh dear, dear, dear.

Sarah wrapped her arms around herself as she and Nephrite walked to the onsen. The food was lead in her stomach and her bowels were twisting, a sharp, painful response to high stress. What she had done, the power she had used, it was unforgivable. Nephrite had said it was self defense, but that was cold comfort. She had seen berserkers in anime, men and women possessed by a demon called the Spirit of Anger. They were incredibly dangerous when they lost control of their emotions. She had prevented that from happening, but at what cost? She had killed a sentient, intelligent being. She was a murderess. The epitaph rang in her ears.

"We're here." Sarah looked up. They had stopped at the wall bordering the outdoor pools. Waka-chan, how badly had she been hurt by the Ragna Blade? What little control Sarah had shattered and she fell to her knees. Arranging her fingers and thumbs into a triangle, she bowed her forehead to the ground.

"Wakamiya-sama, I am so sorry," She whispered through the lump in her throat. A loud POP rang in her ears and warm, damp hands smoothed her hair.

"When you are finished, Reiki-chan, come visit me," Waka-chan said. Sarah shook her head slightly.

"I am unworthy of bathing in your waters, Kami-sama. My hands are forever stained."

"What say you, Mother of Us All?" Waka-chan asked.

"Stand, Void Walker," The command was imperious. Sarah leapt to her feet. Standing beside a bruised Waka-chan was Amaterasu-sama, arms folded and looking very stern. Sarah promptly bowed her head.

"Amaterasu-sama, Mother of Us All, I submit to your judgement," She said.

"Wise. You are to continue."

"C...continue?" Sarah looked up, horrified. "But...but..."

"You said you submit to me. My judgement is that you are to finish your duty to the Guardians and the Prince and Princess. You are to climb to the height of Mount Misen and call for Fujin, the god of air. He will bluster and blow. Stand firm and he will cooperate."

"Yes, Amaterasu-sama," Sarah whispered, bowing her head again. Nephrite put his hand on her shoulder.

"Mother of Us All, what of the Shitennou?" Sarah tensed.

"The Void Walker has set her terms for you. You will know if they are met," Amaterasu-sama answered. Sarah kept her eyes on the ground and swallowed hard against the nausea still plaguing her. A warm hand tipped her chin up.

"If you insist on absolution, Sarah, appeal to the Sacred Flame at Reikado Hall." Amerterasu-sama smiled kindly. Sarah's eyes overflowed and she blinked the tears onto her cheeks.

"I haven't cried this much since my husband died," She whispered. Amerterasu-sama nodded and blew gently. Her warm breath dried Sarah's tears and soothed her bruised soul.

"The Sacred Flame." Sarah nodded. Amaterasu-sama smiled at Nephrite, still gripping her shoulder and vanished. Sarah blinked a few times and focused on Waka-chan. The water kami had a few bruises on her arms and cheek, but she grinned and held out her arms. Sarah tore herself away from Nephrite and rushed into the hug.

"I am so sorry," She sobbed, a few tears joining Waka-chan, who hugged tighter.

"There is nothing to forgive, Reiki-chan. I am so proud of you. I have never seen a mortal throw of a berserker spirit, let alone destroy it."

"You are my friend, Waka-chan, and I am blessed to know you," Sarah said, lifting her face. Waka-chan smiled cheekily, as best she could with her injuries, and kissed Sarah full on the mouth.

"You are my friend, Reiki-chan. Now off you go. I want all the details when you get back. I'll arrange for your lodging tonight. Don't worry about it."

"Never argue with a hot spring kami on a mission," Sarah said sagely and stepped back. Waka-chan pointed at Nephrite.

"Don't lend the windbag intimidate her!"

"I will be by her side the entire time, Kami-sama," Nephrite promised, bowing. Waka-chan nodded and disappeared in a cloud of bubbles. Sarah sighed heavily.

"Let's go."