http://clampfix.fanworks.net/x-fix/gambit-e.txt </head><body><pre>This part is a sort of resolution, so nobody dies. Yeah, I didn't kill Keiichi in this fic despite the temptation. *smirk* Anyway, thanks for all the wonderful support I've received, whether over here or through private email. You've kept me going. Now that it's finally done though, I'd really like to know how you feel about the fic as a whole. Thanks all round again. It's time for me to get some much needed rest to unknot my brain from all the twists. All characters are property of CLAMP. Standard disclaimers apply. --- Gambit (Epilogue) An "X" Fanfic Presented by Alison Koh He moved the last box aside with the rest. He never knew he had so much stuff with him. On a certain level, he felt reluctant to leave though. The place might have given him many sad memories, but there were just as many happy ones. He missed Sorata and Arashi, the two Seals whom he met from the very beginning. The monk represented unfettered enthusiasm while the Holy Maiden was the epitome of self-control. They were so different and yet so tightly bound by the same fate. He hoped that they had finally found happiness together in a better place. He looked at the clock on the nightstand. It was almost time. Subaru would be waiting. He stepped out of the room, closing the door behind him, and went down the stairs. * "Thanks for the dinner," Subaru said. The men left the dinner table while Yuzuriha helped Shimako to clear the dishes. Seiichirou replied, "Don't mention it. I still haven't had a chance to thank all of you properly for saving my family. Anyway, Kamui and you will be leaving tomorrow. So how's the packing coming along?" "Most of the essential items have already been sent back. Imonoyama-san will try to arrange for the rest to be transported to Kyoto as soon as possible." "Will you be coming back to Tokyo?" Kusanagi asked. Subaru shared a quick look with Kamui, who was playing with Yuka-chan at one corner, and said, "That depends. This place has too many troubled memories for us, especially Kamui. Perhaps we might return again when we're ready. For the time being, we'll just have to be content with short visits. In any case, I still need to come back occasionally for work." The rest of the evening's conversations were similar. Talks of plans and expectations for the future, but never about the past. That was too painful. Perhaps they might do so on another day, when the passage time had erased the pain but not the memories. Suddenly, the quiet mood was broken by Yuka-chan's childish giggles as she pointed at Kamui's feet. The youth was perplexed and looked to Subaru for answers. The Sumeragi merely cocked his head aside to indicate that Inuki was there. Kamui forced a smile, but Seiichirou immediately carried his daughter aside and apologised for her rudeness. "It is all right," Kamui replied. He ruffled the girl's hair and smiled, calming the frightened child who did not understand her father's extreme reaction. "I see that she has inherited your powers. Do you plan to train her as a windmaster too?" Subaru asked. Seiichirou shook his head, "I want her to lead a normal life. Besides, our family is no longer called upon to protect the Dreamgazer." Everyone turned quiet as they remembered Daisuke, who was killed by the Dark Kamui while trying to protect Hinoto. Soon it was time to leave. As the silhouettes of his guests disappeared into the shadows of the night, Seiichirou wondered if they would ever meet again. * That morning, Keiichi visited the mansion for the first and last time. There was much sadness in his eyes as he watched his friend about to leave, but he had always known that he could never hold on to Kamui. He was almost certain of that when he first saw Kamui with the Sumeragi. Thus he kept to being a friend. At least this way, there would still be pleasant memories. "Remember to write," he said. Kamui nodded silently. "And please accept this," he presented a nicely wrapped package to Kamui. With Keiichi's permission, Kamui undid the ribbon and opened the wrappings to reveal a small framed picture done in watercolour. It depicted Kamui sitting under a beautiful Sakura tree in full bloom. Keiichi chuckled self-consciously and said, "I couldn't get that dream I told you about out of my mind, so I decided to paint it. Hope you like it." "It is very well-done. Thank you," Kamui said, "But I am sorry that I do not have anything for you." "It's okay," Keiichi beamed, "I have your friendship and that is the best present I could ever have." * They were approaching the gates to the grand Sumeragi mansion when Kamui hesitated, causing Subaru to eye his companion questioningly. Kamui explained, "I am a little apprehensive about meeting your grandmother. What if she doesn't approve?" Subaru smiled, "I'll let her know that your father did warn that he'll haunt me forever if I ever let you down." "I am not joking," Kamui pouted. "Neither am I," Subaru said with all seriousness, "You are as much a Sumeragi as I am a Sakurazuka now. She will understand. If you wish, you could wait for me in the gardens while I talk to her in private first." Kamui readily agreed. * Subaru had not returned to Kyoto for almost nine years. During that time, Lady Sumeragi had certainly aged since he last saw her but she still looked much younger than her age. However, she was still confined to the wheelchair, a result of an attempt to save Subaru from the Sakurazukamori at the conclusion of the Bet. "I heard that Kuzuki Kakyou has refused to take over Hinoto's role to chart the course of Japan's future," she said. Subaru nodded, "Kakyou-kun believes that it was a combination of absolute power and politics which had corrupted Hinoto's soul and brought about this tragedy. He does not want to repeat that same mistake. In any case, he prefers that humanity take responsibility for its own future. If mankind becomes more aware of their own actions, they will try to be more responsible in their treatment of the Earth. For the same reasons, Kakyou-kun has chosen to travel the world and learn from the experience rather than to live in seclusion as Hinoto had done." Lady Sumeragi absorbed the information thoughtfully and said, "I have been discussing the matter with the Stargazer of Mount Kouya. He is of the same opinion that Kakyou-san has chosen the best course of action. "By the way, how is Kamui adjusting to it?" "He is doing fine," Subaru replied, "There was some getting used to during the initial period but he has now accepted the fact that he no longer has any powers. Once he made his decision to choose a new future for the Earth, it was inevitable that he had to give up all his powers to the new Guardian in order to rebuild all the Kekkais that have been destroyed, as well as to strengthen the ones that are still standing. In any case, I have sworn to protect him no matter what." "Where is he now?" "He's waiting anxiously outside. He is rather nervous about meeting you." "Really?" she remarked, "Show him in." A few minutes later, Subaru returned with Kamui following uneasily behind him. He greeted Lady Sumeragi in a halting voice. She observed him with a warm look of amusement, surprised by his mannerisms that somehow reminded her of Subaru in his younger days. She also did not fail to notice that Kamui's hand was grasping tightly onto Subaru's for support. "So my divination that Subaru would be enthralled by the Sakura came true after all," she remarked. Subaru stared at his grandmother in surprise. She indicated to the couple to approach her. She then held their free hands in hers and said, "You have my blessings." Subaru smiled while Kamui stammered shyly, "Thank...you...Lady Sumeragi." Lady Sumeragi feigned a look of mock irritation, saying, "You should be addressing me as 'Grandmother' from now on." Kamui blushed furiously, and turned positively crimson when both Subaru and his grandmother began laughing at his amusing reaction. Deep in his heart though, he knew he had found true happiness. Losing the power of 'Kamui' was a small price to pay compared to that most precious of gifts. ----- Dreams of Sakura Home -- http://www.starhub.net.sg/~alison X Shrine -- http://www.geocities.com/asuka_sg</pre><p><a href="./">Back</a></p><p><a href=http://www.dreamhost.com/donate.cgi?id=216><img border=0 alt="Donate towards our web hosting bill!" src=https://secure.newdream.net/donate1.gif></a></p></body></html>