As the waves of blue light continued to echo each other, Shinbe could see the returning waves sparkle with the slivers of the guardian heart crystal. He couldn’t feel them enter his chest, but he knew they were joining the heart of the crystal that was nestled there. He had no power over this, for it was the crystal's choice to reunite.
Shinbe strained against the power, wanting only to reach Kyoko, but he couldn’t break the hold the crystal had over him.
Hyakuhei felt his power fading as his body weakened. Black wings sprang from his back, already shedding its ebony feathers. His eyes glowed like rubies as he turned Kyoko around within his arms. Face to face with his desire, and knowing he could not keep her, made his grip tighten in denial.
This was neither her doing, nor the guardian
