Harukanaru Toki No Naka De ~Maihitoyo~: Movie Summary - Warning *SPOILERS AND NOTHING BUT*

[soubi]

This is for dear Cireus as a thank you for sharing. ^_^
*blows kisses* luv you!

Again, this is a summary of the movie as from what I hear there are no subs and sadly I do no have time to do a full translation.

Intro:
During a Mai (Japanese traditional dance) ceremony where a young boy and also one of the musicians is watching, the singular masked mai dancer suddenly collapses mid performance. The yokobue (flute player) runs to his aid as the boy watches and notices there is blood streaming from the mouth of the masked performer

---
{Skip to Akane and the gang}
Akane wakes up to find everyone gathered. They inform her that an evil spirit has been reported roaming about and they are about to investigate. Akane says she will go too but they tell the Miko (aka priestess, aka Akane) to stay behind as they will take care of it. They leave but Akane decides that there is something she must be able to do as she is the Ryuujin no Miko (Dragon Priestess) after all.

---Intro credits---
The various Hachiyou (eight "guardians") take off in pairs inquiring villagers about a malevolent spirit.

---

Akane dashes through the town looking for the Hachiyou then slows to a walk along a country road. She sees droplets of rain fall from the sky runs as it starts to pour. As she runs covering her head with her sleeve to avoid the rain she crosses a bridge. At the same moment another is running across the bridge in the opposite direction covering himself with a loose kimono. After they cross paths, they both pause and turn. Akane pauses to look at the young man who also turns to view her. He approaches Akane, and she flinches for a moment to find that he's placed his kimono over her to protect her from the rain. "You'll get wet." He says.

---

Later the rain has stopped and Akane is walking alone with the young man's kimono in her arms. Tenma and Yorihisa scold her for being out alone. Yorihisa reminds her that the Ryujin no Miko (Akane) is a very important person who will protect the town and must be protected. Tenma notices the kimono Akane is holding and looks disgruntled.

---

Akane is speaking to Princess Fuji and asks her what is is that she can really do to help. "Everyone calls me the Miko (priestess) and that I must be protected, and they take so many pains to protect me. But what am I to do?"
Fuji responds by saying that there will be a day when the Miko will protect the town and until then she need not do anything, and to please be safe.

---

Eisen and Tomomasa are visiting Eisen's brother (who is someone of power in the town but I don't recall what exactly sorry). They discuss that a Mai is not just an entertaining dance, it is a symbol of the strength of Kyo (the nation) and a Mai stage must be built to show the country's strength and presence.

---

Yasuaki and Takamichi are walking towards the very Mai stage that was mentioned as Takamichi explains to Yasuaki that the stage is cursed. There they meet Tomomasa and Eisen and Takamichi explains to them all that it appears the stage is cursed. There have been several attempts to rebuild it but each time results in a fire. They believe a dark spirit might be inhabiting the stage.

---

It is night and Akane sitting sullen in her room. Tenma comes and asks her if there is anything bothing her. She quickly forces a smile and says that there is nothing wrong.

---

Inori and about the town and notice that there are no children out and about. Inori asks a local woman why there are no children out. She responds and says "what? you didn't know?"

Later the Hachiyou discuss that there appears to be a spirit that is abducting only children. As the Hachiyou ready to leave, Akane shouts "wait, I'm coming too!" She tells Fuji that there must be something she must be able to do. Fuji responds and says that unlike Yasuaki, the Miko possesss the skill to purify and free a dark spirit vs. Yasuaki's method will banish the spirit and not free it (a method which sometimes can cause it to return). But Tenma is cautious, he asks Fuji why she has never mentioned this power. Fuji responds and says the danger is that the Miko must make contact with the dark spirit and feel it's pain before releasing it. If the angst of the spirit is too strong, it may harm the Miko.

Akane ponders this as she and the Hachiyou go to locate the spirit. It was her decision that she must go and help, and that it is her role. Fuji says she believes in her and that is why she has told her of her power.

Akane and the Hachiyou search through the night for the evil spirit. Finally the spirit appears on the form of a young boy who says he is searching for his friends. He says they were playing Hide-and-go seek. He was supposed to find them but he can't. He ask her to help her find his friends. Akane recalls Fuji telling her that she must make contact with the spirit and also the spirit must be willing to be freed. She takes the boy-spirits and and he grabs her.
He tells her he was all alone and sad, amidst a whirlwind of (spiritpower?). The other Hachiyou try to reach her but are blown back. Finally Yasuaki dispells the spirit-boy and tells the Miko to dispell the evil spirit. He tells her not to be deceived and to dispell him. The boy pleads for Akane not to leave her alone. Akane breaks down and hugs him. The boy turns in to a demon and says now she will be a demon with him. Akane is nearly taken by the demon when Yasuaki dispells the boy-spirit-demon. He briefly turns to his young boy form before he is banished. Akane faints into the water and the Hachiyou shout out her name.


---TO BE CONTINUED---

Ok dang, that was just the first half hour so I guess this will be a rather LOOONG summary. ^^;

[soubi]

Whew! Where was I?

Back at Fuji's place. Tomomasa and Takamichi are explaining to Fujihime that the Miko was unable to dispel the evil spirit and that her kindness ended up doing her harm. They mention that they do not know what they would have done if Yasuaki were not there. Akane begins to waken as Tomomasa explains that things do not always go right the first time around, "such as many a first love." Takamichi asks "Sir Tomomasa, you mean (even) you have had an unrequited love?" Tomomasa grins and says yes, there has. Akane then listens both Tomomasa and Takamichi discuss that they "must not put the Miko in harm's way."

---
Shimon visits to find Akane cleaning the house. He brings her sweet dumplings to cheer her up. Akane tastes it and says they are delicious. Kotengu and Inori also have the same idea and visit here with dumplings. Akane says excitedly that it is a "dumpling festival" and eats heartily. Kotengu flies off to take dumplings to Princess Fuji and Inori and Shimon get up to leave as they must survey the town. Akane says she will go too but Inori says to "leave it to" them and they all tell Akane to rest and take care of her self. Akane waves goodbye and tells them to be safe.
She then recalls the boy-spirit when picking up a dumpling and drops it when she hears Yorihisa calling her. He tells her he will be heading out and for the Miko to please spend the day resting. Akane notices the injury on his arm and asks whether Yorihisa is alright. Yorihisa replies that she need not be concerned. Akane apologizes that it is her fault that he was injured. Yorihisa responds by stating that the Hachiyou exist as her servants. Akane becomes upset and says she has never thought of them as her servants. Yorihisa continues, "for the one who will save Kyo, I will sacrifice this very body - "
Akane becomes even more upset and says "Stop! Don't say things like that!"
Yorihisa, taken aback decides to remove the bandage around his arm and bows in respect to the Miko and leaves.
Akane says to herself. "I'm the worst, taking things out on Sir Yorihisa."

Akane decides to venture out (carrying the young man's kimono) and is happy to see that the young children are able to play outdoors in safety again. She returns to the bridge where she encountered the young gentleman earlier and sits by the riverbed. Time passes and it begins to rain.
Akane sits in the rain and says to herself "what am I doing?"
A kimono sleeve covers her head and she sees the same young man again, shielding her from the rain. "You'll get wet." he says.

The two sit by an old shed to stay out of the rain in silence.
Finally Akane speaks.
"Um, I'm sorry. I've gotten wet again. I thought I should return this to you and I thought that maybe if I went to that bridge again I would meet you."

"I also felt that if I went to that bridge I would be able to me thee (you)."
he responds.

Akane is surprised, and says "I sometimes wonder what it is I'm doing here. I know there is something I'm supposed to do here. I'm supposed to possess a certain strength but I don't know how to use it. I just end up being protected by everyone and being a nuisance. Why am I here? Why was I chosen?"
Akane begins to tear up.

The young man gently wipes her tears away.

"You've lost your way haven't you?" he says. "I too have lost my way."

"Who.. are you?" asks Akane.

The man reaches to bring out a mask that has been wrapped in cloth. Akane looks at the mask and asks, "What is that?"
"I do not know," he responds.
"You don't know?"
"Neither my name, or who I am. When I came to, I had only this mask, and I found myself here, awakening in the rain."
"You've lost your memory?" Akane asks.
"I've long felt as a young child who has lost his way. I too do not know why I am here." he responds.
"You've been alone this whole time?" asks Akane.
"If we are together, there is nothing to fear."
"Aren't you going to ask what/who I am?"
"I do not care who you are. Right now, you are with me. That is all I need. Whenever I meet you, it always rains."

The rains have passed and Akane and the young man walk together. Akane requests to take the mask so that she might find out something about who the young man is. "I want to know your name." she says. She hears Tenma calling and starts to run towards the voice. "Oh it's Tenma! He'll be upset with me again!" she says. As she makes to run, the young man reaches out for her arm and in the moment of contact Akane suddenly sees a vision of a younger version of the gentleman, as a boy, practicing a mai/dance by the same shed where they had taken cover from the rain. She also sees a symbolic mark appear on the boys cheek. The vision passes and Akane turns to face the young man - who has disappeared.
Tenma comes to greet her and finds Akane in a daze. He is concerned and asks if anything has happened to her. Yorihisa also comes to tell her that Fuji is concerned for her and that they should return to the estate. The young man stands in the shadows and says dazedly "Miko...." and the same symbolic mark appears on his cheek.

---
Tomomasa and Eisen are at the Mai stage. Tomomasa states that there are only five days until the Mai stage "christening."

---
Fuji and Yorihisa discuss with concern that the Miko is not sharing any of her thoughts with them and has barely spoken recently. Tenma is also concerned.

Akane wonders about the vision of the dancing boy. "I want to know that person's name." she says.

---
The young man sits by the riverbank. "Miko (priestess)..." he says, as he begins to dance a Mai. Suddenly the mark on his cheek flares and he cries in agony.

---
Akane visits Takamichi. She brings out the mask as "something she is keeping for an acquaintance" and wanted to learn more about what it is? Takamichi is at first shocked and asks here where she got it. He then asks if her acquaintance is a Mai dancer. He then explains the story of a young prince who was know for his beauty, however to have the enemy fear him in battle, he wore a mask that effaces great ferocity to instill fear. He continues that the Mai dance that depicts this story is when such a mask is worn. He states that the Mai dance of the prince is a very difficult dance to perform and he has never witnessed it. He mentions that there is also rumor that the mask is cursed, causing whomever performs the dance while donning the mask to meet his death. He says that perhaps the curse is from the lives of the many who had lost their lives to the masked prince. Takamichi explains that this is probably old folklore, however as a precaution - the mask should not be in the Miko's hands. He states that the Miko is an invaluable person and must be protected no matter what. As Akane leaves, Takamichi ponders where she may have come across the mask.

Akane walks in thought and when asked by Yorihisa if something is wrong, she quickly mentions some things she had planned to do with Fuji later in the day and walks briskly away.

---
Back at the estate, Akane requests Kotengu to deliver a parcel in secrecy. "Please be careful not to tell anyone." she requests.

Kontengu scutters off only to be plucked midair by Yorihisa. Yorihisa begins to enquire about what Kotengu is up to when he is distracted by the the young man Akane met at the bridge. The young man continues to walk past the estate. Yorihisa sees a dark aura emanating from the man and wonder "what kind of being he is"'

Oy, that was only fifteen minutes v.v but it was important dialogue so translated the speech.

--TO BE CONTINUED--

[soubi]

Moving on....might be a bit more summary-ish now if I can help it - typing hands getting tired. XP

Yasuaki is at the Mai stage. Eisen, Takamichi, and Tomomasa approach. Yasuaki asks them if they remember what Fuji said about onmyouji like himself dispelling a spirit. They answer by saying that an onmyouji cannot fully banish a spirit, whereas a Miko can purify and release it as part of the energy force that protects the city. Yasuaki responds by stating that even if he dispells the dark spirit that has attached itself to the stage, it will not be fully banished and undoubtedly return and possess the stage continually.

---
Kotengu flies through the woods and leaves the parcel/box at the ruins of the shed/possibly shrine where Akane and the young mad took cover from the rain. "There we go!" he says and leaves.

---
Fuji and Eisen discuss how Yasuaki mentioned that the Miko should dispel the spirit possessing the shrine. Eisen asks about the Miko and Fuji mentions she is taking a bath/shower. Eisen blushes.

Yasuaki continues to say the spirit possessing the shrine is of a far greater caliber than the boy-spirit they encountered earlier, and that only the Miko can dispel it. Tenma is upset and asks why she must be place in such a dangerous situation. They then discuss that Akane has been very untalkative as of late, and also venturing out in secret.

Kotengu attempts to sneak past Yorihisa and is plucked again. Yorihisa asks what he was up to before as it seemed he was carrying what looked like a letter. Kotengu tries to deny it until he is plucked by Yasuaki who demands and answer. He starts to cast a spell on Kotengu and Kotengu gives in, telling Yasuaki and the other Hachiyou that he was asked to deliver a letter and knows nothing else. The others ponder why she must be acting so very strangely. At that moment, Tomomasa guesses that perhaps she is in love. Yasuaki suggests that the logical course of action would be to make her stop being in love. Tomomasa replies that that is very much like Yasuaki to say.

Tenma gets hot and bothered "Akane in love? Is it true?!" and approaches Akane but ends up saying nothing. Shimon follows quickly after and then has Akane join the Hachiyou to discuss. They tell her about the evil spirit possesssing the stage. The others argue whether it is a good idea to place the Miko under such duress as the last experience was painful for her and they do not want to see that. Tomomasa reminds them that only the Miko can dispel the spirit. The others worry that it would place her in danger and Eisen suggests that Yasuaki do something to quell the spirit in the shrine in the meantime. Takamichi remind them that it would only serve as a temporary solution.

As they argue, Yasuaki remind them that it is their duty to protect the Miko. At this Akane stands up, apologizes and leaves. They call her name but she doesn't respond.

"They all call me the Ryuujin no Miko, but..."

Tenma comes to tell her that she doesn't have to play the role of the Miko if that is not what she wants. He tells her that they can always leave the estate and live as three with Shimon, and then somehow find their way back home. He asks her to think about whether she would like to stop being the Miko, and then leaves.

----

The young man reads Akane's letter, that explains the roots of the mask. The young man has a flashback to his dance and then cries out in agony as the mark on his cheek reemerges. "Akane.."

---

Akane stands outside in the night and states.
"I am the Ryuujin no Miko. I am Motomiya Akane."

---

Takamichi thanks the caretaker of an estates and leaves with a look of consternation.

---

Tomomasa is viewing the Mai stage and murmurs that there are only three days left until the stage is complete. He looks through the crowd and does a double take as he sees the young man in the crowds. But he is distracted by a passer by and when he looks again the man has disappeared.

---

Takamichi is in discussion with Yasuaki when Tomomasa and Eisen enter. Takamichi mentions there was something on his mind he wanted to discuss with Yasuaki.

---

Akane approaches Yorihisa who notes that her eyes are red. She denies this and tells him she has a request for him.

---

Tenma and Shimon are looking over a residence. Tenma mentions that it might be a good place for the three of them to stay. When Inori reacts and asks if he intends to have Akane stop being the Miko, Tenma says she was brought against her will and he doesn't want to see her suffer alone. Inori says she's not alone because the Hachiyou are with her. When Inori mentions that the role of Miko is the most important role to the welfare of the town, Tenma says he doesn't care about that and Akane's welfare is what is most important to him. Inori is thrust against a wall by Tenma, but reponds that Akane is most important to him too.

---

Yorihisa guides Akane throug the forest. They stop once and he offers her water which she thanks him for and gladly accepts. Yorihisa mentions that it is just a bit further. When they reach the top of an incline, they reach a spot where they get a clear view of all of Kyo (town). Yorihisa states that there is where one can get the best view of Kyo. Akane thinks about all of the people who are waking up and working, spending time together with family, in Kyo. She thanks Yorihisa for allowing her to see the town and feel the lives of its people in her heart.

---

The young man approaches the Mai stage only to discover that when he ventures upon the stage, where he steps erupts into flames. He suddenly recalls Akane who says "I want to find out your name!" and retracts. The flames disperse.

---

During the evening Akane is in the garden with Tenma and she explains to Tenma that she loves the people of Kyo and she possesses a power that can help the people of the town. Therefore she will be the Miko and it is not something she was forced to do. Tenma says that if that is what she has decided, then that is fine yet leaves perturbed.

----

Akane and the young man cross paths but are separated by the walls of the estate.

---

Shimon asks Yorihisa where Akane is, and he responds that she has cleansed her spirit in the water (Misogi). Fuji then explains to the Hachiyou that the Miko has place herself in solitude in order to focus her thoughts on the task ahead (meditate).

Tomomasa then mentions with Yasuaki that they have identified the spirit possessing the Mai stage. Eisen explains that ten years ago, on a beautiful fall evening, he was still a child attending a Mai (dance) performance and a young Tomomasa was playing the flute for the performance.

During that night, the perfomer was one who was considered one of the most skilled of the country. He was to perform the dance of the warrior which was rumored to cause death to the performer. The Mai dancer gave a performance of great skill that exceeded the expectations of all. However...

(the dancer collapses to the stage and the young Tomomasa rushes to his aid and gasps as blood trickles from the performers mouth from beneath the mask)

"Did he... die?" asks Inori.
"Yes, by the time I had held him, his life had ended." replies Tomomasa.

Tomomasa also explains that it is since that time that the Mai stage in the town has been burning down after every attempt to rebuild it.

Takamichi adds that the Miko had visited him with the Mai dancer's mask.
Shimon wonders why she had that mask to start with whereupon Takamichi replies that she said she was holding if for someone. He continues that he inquired about the mask and found that the young dancer who died was named Oou no Suefumi and that he was not the only one who died. After the young dancer had collapsed to his death, his siblings at the estate all lost their lives one by one shortly thereafter. Shimon asks if it was a curse.

Yasuaki responds that it was not, Suefumi died due to a spell cast on him by his siblings, and the siblings who cast such a dark spell were then killed by the darkness of the spell they had cast.

Inori asks if they were really siblings out to kill another sibling, and Eisen becomes very saddened at the thought. Takamichi mentions that during his visit, they tried desparately to find the mask but where unable to. The others wonder why Akane possesses the mask and also whether she knows that the young man is a cursed spirit.

Yasuaki cautions that the spirit may have approached her knowing that she was a Miko (priestess).


Yeah, I know, getting more interesting - but time for a break. ^^;;

-TO BE CONTINUED-

[soubi]

Not too much longer!

Yasuaki states this spirit rise upon the stage unless with the presence of a Miko. Shimon and Inori are still in doubt that Suefumi could be with Akane just for the purpose of using her. They also wonder if he was killed by some divine intervention, but Yasuaki states that it was Suefumi was killed by a curse placed on him by his siblings.
As they ponder Suefumi's motives, Tomomasa interjects and states that he actually saw the young man starting up at the Mai stage - and he had not changed a bit from ten years past. Takamichi agrees that his motive cannot be fully determined but the evidence points that way. Shimon worridly suggests that perhaps they should not attempt the ritual (to dispell the spirit) that is meant to occur the following day. Takamichi agrees, as if the Miko's thoughts are not collected, she may come to harm as she did before. Yasuaki then reponds that he will dispell the spirit but there will be a possibility that it will reemerge. Fuji agrees that that is all that can be done for now.

At this Eisen decides that he will approach the Miko and explain the situation to her. He visits Akane and speaks outside her door. Eisen explains how there was once a marvelous Mai dancer 10 years hence who was killed by a curse, and it is likely that due to his passing by a curse that he turned into a wandering spirit. He explains the young man's name was Ou no Suefumi and that he passed as he performed the legendary dance of the prince right before his passing. Akane then realises that the young man she has cared for and the wandering dark spirit are one and the same. She falls to her hands and begins to cry.
Eisen continues to describe that that Mai dancer had a grace and form that was to be admired and would be difficult for anyone to acheive, and as a young boy, he was entranced by the Mai dancer's skill.
As Akane continues to cry, Eisen calls out to her "Miko?"
"He was the only one who didn't call me "Miko (priestess)." Akane cries.
"He didn't mind who or what I was."
Eisen calls out "Miko", then realises that he too has not called Akane by her name. "Lady Akane..." says Eisen, and leaves.
"That man... is a dark spirit?" Akane cries in angst.
"Why?! Why am I the Ryuujin no Miko?!!" she shouts.

Akane remembers Suefumi's words.
"If we are together, there is nothing to fear...."

She repeats his words, "If we are together... there is nothing to fear."
and is suddenly calm.

---

In the morning Akane awakens and as the Hachiyou gather before her she turns to them with a look of determination and says "Let us go."

Akane and the Hachiyou leave for the Mai stage and Fuji states that she will stay at the estate and await her safe return.
Meanwhile the mask suddenly disappears from the shelf where it was stored.

The royals await news of Akane's arrival at the Mai stage.

---

Akane arrives at the stage with the Hachiyou and Yasuaki tells her to proceed on her own. Akane rises to the stage determinedly. Suddenly, the skies cloud and it begins to rain. Akane closes her eyes and then senses a presence. When she opens her eyes, she sees Suefumi standing before the foot of the stage.
Suefumi is looking up at the rain.
"Akane" he calls, as he sees her.
Akane is in shock, "it (the spirit) really is you isn't it?"
As Akane is visibly upset, the other Hachiyou gather to guard her.
Eisen says sadly "Sir Ou on Suefumi."

Upon hearing his name, Suefumi has a flashback to his own death.
"Yes.. My .. name is ...Ou no Suefumi..." he is aghast.
"I was said to be the best (dancer) in all of..." he screams in shock and at the same time the dark curse overtakes him. Suefumi's form transforms as he becomes more like the demonesque dark spirit. Akane runs to him as Tenma warns her that he is a dark spirit and not a man.
The others are blown back by the dark force of the cursed spirit and Akane is thrown to the grown.
"Ryuujin no Miko. Take me to the stage." he says.
"What?" responds Akane.
Inori and Shimon come running. "So you really were just trying to reach her so that you could step upon that stage!" shouts Inori.

"I was meant to become one of legend." growls the darkened Suefumi. "With the Miko I shall be able to rise to the stage and complete the dance that is my masterpiece!"

Tenma charges Suefumi and attemps to stop him but he is thrown back by Suefumi's power. "Look upon my Mai (dance), that was said to be the best in this land!!!" shouts Suefumi.

Akane attempts to run towards Tenma, but Suefumi's spirit grasps her sleeve. As they makek contact, Akane sees Suefumi's painful past. His being left by his mother as a young child with a Mai family, then being ostracized by his step-siblings. She sees a young Suefumi practicing the Mai relentlessly alone in the woods, and receive acclaim from an audience, only to have his costume torn to bits later by his own siblings. Akane watches as in his despair, Suefumi reaches for the cursed mask of the prince in order to hide his visage and perform the most difficult and cursed of dances.

"Don't place that mask on your face!" she cries desperately, and falls unconscious to the ground as the flashback ends.

---TO BE CONTINUED---
Probably one more post ought to do it. ^_^ Stay tuned.

[soubi]

Final stretch! Woo! Woo!

Tenma cries out to Akane but cannot see well through the spirit's spell. Suefumi carries Akane to the stage and says "Now I can finally perform my ultimate dance!" However he notices the stage again begins to ignite into flames where his feet have made contact. He drops the Mai mask. "Why?" he asks.

In his moment of distraction, Inori dashes to the stage and yells at Suefumi to let go of Akane. He throws himself against Suefumi and calls out to Tenma to grab Akane. Tomomasa is impressed at Inori's ability to charge in "like a man."

Tenma grabs Akane and flees while Suefumi stands aghast and in despair.

"Why? Why am I never accepted?" He recalls his painful childhood again and the moments when he has been ostracized.
"Even you will not accept me?" he asks as he approaches the Hachiyou and Akane.
"Then you too shall all be turned to ash with this Mai stage!" he roars as he leaps off the stage towards the Hachiyou.
Tenma leaves Akane to Shimon and joins Yorihisa and engaging Suefumi.
Meanwhile Tomoma asks Yasuaki if he can quell the fire consuming the Mai stage. "I shall attempt it." says Yasuaki.

Tenma and the other Hachiyou attempt to fight Suefumi's darkened spirit but they are no match. As Suefumi leaps about the Mai stage, it continuously under his feet.

Takamichi calls for all of the Hachiyou to fight together but is quickly overtaken by Suefumi.

"Give me the Miko!" shouts Suefumi.
"The only one who can quell these flames is the Miko! Awaken! Miko!" he shouts only to be taken aback by Eisen who suddenly begins to play the Mai song on his flute.

"Sir Ou no Suefumi." calls Tomomasa.
"Tachibana no Tomomasa." responds Suefumi.
"So you remembered me," says Tomomasa.

"Hand me the Miko, and then I shall dance the (ultimate) Mai dance. That is the reason I have come here." states Suefumi.

"Even if you are able to complete your dance, you spirit will probably not be quelled," replies Tomomasa.
"What?" says Suefumi aghast.
"The flames that arise from the Mai stage are the flames of your sadness. Those flames are trying to consume you." cautions Tomomasa.

Eisen finishes playing his song. He says to Suefumi that "indeed your dance was the best I have ever seen, and I would have like to have watched it to completion, however-"

"did you really come here just to complete your dance?" completes Shimon
"Didn't you just want to receive someone's love?"

Suefumi ponders "these flames are the sadness the lies inside me?..."

"No matter how much you may attempt to utilize the Miko's powers, as long as the pain you feel inside of you remains, the flames will not disappear." says Tomomasa.

Suefumi cringes in pain and the Hachiyou watch as they recover.

Akane awakens in Shimon's hands and sees Suefumi upon the burning stage suffering.

"What are you waiting for? Hurry up and disperse his spirit!" shouts Inori.
"I can't do it..." Akane responds tearfully.
"I can't do it."

"He is a dark spirit!" shouts Takamichi, to which Tenma rushes to Akane "This is enough. Yasuaki, you do it."

"If I dispell him, the Miko will cry." responds Yasuaki.

"The only one who can save him is the Miko" says Eisen.

"Save?! He's an evil spirit! Why do we have to save him?" shouts Inori.

"Because that is the Miko's wish" responds Yasuaki.
Shimon agrees, however Yorihisa worries that this will put the Miko in greater danger. "What should we do?" says Takamichi.

"The only one who can decide this is the Miko," responds Tomomasa.
Upon hearing this Tenma clears the way and the Hachiyou wait as Akane heads towards the stage. Yasuaki dispells the flames leading to the stage as Akane walks towards the suffering Suefumi.

"Miko, are you going to dispell me?" he asks.
Akane shakes her head no and says "I will stay with you."

"Is this the truth?" he asks, and Akane smiles yes.
Suefumi touches the mark upon his cheek (the mark that has made him beastlike) and says "is.. this.. me? How naive and pathetic am I?"

"Yes, this is you." Akane responds kindly, "but you are also the kind person who protected me from the rain. I know many different sides of you."

As she says this, Akane reaches out to the cursed mark and it disappears at her touch.

"Suefumi. I'm finally able to call your name." says Akane.

"There has never been anyone to call my name." say Suefumi. "Yes, I just wanted to be called by my name, in a kind voice."

"It's going to be all right Suefumi." Akane says as she buries her face into his chest and cries. "Suefumi." "Suefumi!" she cries repeatedly.

"There is nothing else I need," responds Suefumi.
He raises Akane to face him, "please watch my Mai dance - however I do not want you to watch my dance in such a state. Please dispell my spirit." he asks. "I am glad you were the one chosen to be the Ryuujin no Miko."

"I shall release your spirit." responds a teary eyed Akane.
"Thank you Akane," smiles Suefumi as he wipes a tear away from her eyes.

At this Akane stands and says to the Hachiyou. "Please I need you all to lend me your strength!" The Hachiyou stand in acknowledgement.

The rain stops and Akane and Hachiyou free Suefumi's spirit. Suefumi stands smiling in the flames.

After the stage has burned to the ground, the Hachyou light candles where the stage had been and Eisen and Tomomasa perform the Mai song as Akane sits by the remains of the stage. She watches as Suefumi's purified spirit performs the Mai dance for her. After he completes his dance, he walks towards Akane and looks upon her before his soul disappates into the night sky.


Epilogue (post credits)
Akane, the Hachiyou, and princess Fuji travel to the viewpoint where Yorihisa took Akane and view the town from up above. Eisen comments that it is a wonderful view, and Takamichi that Miko knows a wonderful place to view the town. Tenma comments that he hasn't heard of this and Yorihisa coughs embarassedly. Tomomasa comments that it is a nice place to come with a lover. "That again?" asks Inori. "Not a problem." responds Yasuaki.
Shimon, Akane, and Fuji comment on how nice it is that they live in such a beautiful town. At this Akane thinks of to each of the Hachiyou, Kotengu, and Fuji and "they are all important people to me. ... And one more...." she pauses as she recalls Suefumi. "He was a very kind person."
-The End-


WHEW!!!!! ^^; Done!