Kuzuno and Kuroyasha followed the trail of destruction until it eventually led them to an open field.
There, Murasaki and Queen Yamauba were engaged in yet another sparring match while Biki-Bi watched from a safe distance.
The sound of steel clashing against steel echoed throughout Hachiman HQ.
Kuroyasha and Kuzuno walked over and stood beside Biki-Bi, silently watching the battle unfold.
"So, how long has it been this time?" Kuroyasha asked.
Biki-Bi thought for a moment.
"Roughly thirty minutes, give or take."
Kuroyasha pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.
"She's becoming much more in touch with her Demon Ogre side these days. That's a good thing. She doesn't hold back anymore when sparring with her mother."
A distant explosion shook the ground beneath their feet.
"...The bad part is the more damage they do to HQ, the longer the self-repair magic takes."
Biki-Bi nodded.
"That's fair."
Kuroyasha folded his arms before turning toward him.
"Actually, I came looking for you."
Biki-Bi blinked.
"For me?"
"Yes."
Kuroyasha's voice suddenly became formal.
"Biki-Bi of the Tanuki Realm, son of Goddess Minoyama. You have been chosen to stand trial before the Guardian of the South Wing, the Ancient One known as Suzaku."
For a moment, Biki-Bi simply stared.
Surely he had heard that wrong.
"S-Suzaku?"
Kuroyasha nodded.
"It is a great honor, little brother. Very few are ever chosen by one of the Four Guardians."
He glanced toward Murasaki.
"That is how Murasaki became Seiryu's chosen partner."
Kuroyasha watched the young Demon Ogre battle her mother with obvious pride.
The girl who had first arrived at HQ had always held herself back.
Now she charged headfirst into battle without hesitation.
She had come a long way.
"I was originally going to ask Murasaki to guide you," Kuroyasha continued, "but I've learned it's usually best to stay out of a Demon Ogre family sparring match."
Another explosion erupted in the distance.
"...Especially when Queen Yamauba is involved."
Biki-Bi laughed.
"Smart choice."
Kuroyasha nodded before turning toward Kuzuno.
"If it's not too much trouble, could you let Murasaki know where we've gone?"
Kuzuno smiled warmly.
"Of course, my dear."
Kuroyasha immediately blushed.
Biki-Bi fought the urge to laugh.
Even after everything they had been through together, it was still strange seeing the Princess of the Fox Realm become so gentle around his brother.
Kuzuno then turned toward him.
"And good luck, Brother Biki-Bi. You'll do great."
The encouragement eased some of the anxiety in his chest.
"Thank you, Sister Kuzuno."
With that, the two brothers departed for the South Wing.
Kuzuno watched them leave before turning her attention back to the battle.
A moment later, Murasaki crashed into the ground directly in front of her.
The impact kicked up a cloud of dust.
Murasaki stood up, brushing herself off with a wild grin.
"I hope that's not all you've got after not seeing me for three years, Mother!"
Queen Yamauba landed moments later, Yamakiba resting casually across her shoulder.
The Queen wore an equally battle-crazed smile.
"Not even close, Daughter!"
Then her eyes shifted toward Kuzuno.
The grin widened.
Kuzuno immediately felt a sense of dread.
"Oh no."
Yamauba vanished.
A fraction of a second later, Yamakiba came crashing down toward Kuzuno.
CLANG!
Kuzuno barely blocked the strike with Hiyuki.
Queen Yamauba laughed loudly.
"I see you've learned the sacred traditions of Demon Ogre family reunions, Princess Kuzuno!"
"Unfortunately."
"Good!"
Yamauba pointed Yamakiba toward both young women.
"Then come at me, both of you! And don't either of you dare hold back!"
Murasaki grinned.
Kuzuno sighed.
Then both nodded.
Kuzuno's mana erupted around her as she transformed into her Four-Tailed Snow Fox form.
Beside her, Murasaki entered her Seiryu Dragon form.
The two young warriors stood shoulder to shoulder.
Ready.
Queen Yamauba felt a surge of pride.
Neither of them showed fear.
Neither hesitated.
Both had become true warriors.
"You two have grown so much."
For a brief moment, her smile softened.
"I am proud of the warriors you have become."
Then Yamakiba swung.
The battlefield exploded into motion.
The sound of Yamakiba colliding against Sumire and Hiyuki echoed throughout the field.
And unfortunately...
Through several more sections of Hachiman HQ as well.
Meanwhile, Kuroyasha and Biki-Bi continued toward the South Wing.
As they walked, tremors continued to ripple throughout Hachiman HQ.
A distant explosion echoed behind them.
Kuroyasha didn't even bother turning around.
The Fox Link was already informing him exactly what was happening.
He sighed heavily.
"Kuzuno somehow got dragged into the sparring match."
Another tremor followed.
"You know what? That one is on me."
Biki-Bi chuckled.
"How is that your fault?"
"Because I know Queen Yamauba."
Kuroyasha rubbed his forehead.
"If something breathes within twenty feet of her during a sparring match, it becomes part of the sparring match."
A louder explosion shook the hallway.
Kuroyasha groaned.
"At this rate, HQ is going to need a week to repair itself."
Biki-Bi laughed.
The nervousness in his chest eased slightly.
For a few moments, neither spoke.
Then Biki-Bi finally asked the question that had been bothering him.
"Brother..."
Kuroyasha glanced over.
"Hm?"
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"What is Suzaku like?"
Kuroyasha answered immediately.
"Stubborn as hell."
Biki-Bi blinked.
"...That's your answer?"
"It's the most accurate answer."
Kuroyasha folded his arms.
"He speaks in riddles."
Pause.
"He rarely chooses partners."
Another pause.
"And the few people he does choose almost always fail."
Biki-Bi immediately regretted asking.
"That somehow made me feel worse."
"Yeah, I figured."
The young tanuki sighed.
"Any advice?"
Kuroyasha was quiet for several moments.
Finally, he shook his head.
"Unfortunately, no."
Biki-Bi looked surprised.
"You don't know anything about the trials?"
"No."
Kuroyasha's expression became thoughtful.
"Each Guardian is different."
His eyes drifted toward the distant South Wing.
"Seiryu values courage."
"Genbu values perseverance."
"Byakko values conviction."
"And Suzaku..."
Kuroyasha shrugged.
"No one has ever figured out exactly what Suzaku values."
That answer somehow made Biki-Bi even more nervous.
Eventually they reached a massive set of ancient doors.
The doors were unlike anything else in Hachiman HQ.
They looked far older.
As if they had existed long before the headquarters itself.
A crimson symbol was carved into the center.
The mark of Suzaku.
The Guardian of the South.
The ancient protector of life.
Kuroyasha stopped walking.
Biki-Bi stared up at the doors.
The pressure radiating from them was immense.
Ancient.
Timeless.
It felt as though something on the other side was quietly watching him.
Waiting.
Kuroyasha stepped beside him.
Then he placed a hand on Biki-Bi's shoulder.
The young tanuki looked up.
Kuroyasha smiled.
A genuine smile.
"If Suzaku chose you, then you've already accomplished something most healers never will."
Biki-Bi blinked.
Kuroyasha continued.
"You've spent years helping people."
"You've trained harder than anyone realizes."
"You've saved more lives than you can count."
His grip tightened slightly.
"So don't walk through those doors wondering if you're worthy."
For the first time since learning about the trial, Biki-Bi felt some of his fear disappear.
Kuroyasha smiled proudly.
"You are."
The words hit harder than any compliment he had ever received.
Coming from Kuroyasha...
They meant everything.
"Thank you, big brother."
His voice was quiet.
But sincere.
Kuroyasha laughed.
"You're welcome."
He stepped back.
Then nodded toward the doors.
"The trial awaits."
Biki-Bi took a deep breath.
Then another.
Finally, he stepped forward.
The ancient doors slowly began to open.
Darkness waited beyond.
For a brief moment, he hesitated.
Then he remembered Kuroyasha's words.
You are worthy.
Biki-Bi straightened his back.
And walked inside.
The doors closed behind him.
Silence followed.
The chamber was completely dark.
No light.
No sound.
No movement.
Just endless blackness.
Biki-Bi stood still.
Many people would have panicked.
Others would have called out.
Some might have tried searching blindly.
Instead, Biki-Bi calmly sat down.
He crossed his legs.
Closed his eyes.
And focused.
If his eyes could not find the answer...
Then he would use his mana.
Slowly, he extended his senses outward.
Searching.
Listening.
Feeling.
Minutes passed.
Then he found it.
A tiny flame.
Small.
Almost invisible.
Yet somehow brighter than anything else within the darkness.
Biki-Bi approached it within his mind.
The closer he came, the warmer it felt.
The flame wasn't destructive.
It wasn't dangerous.
It felt comforting.
Protective.
Life-giving.
As though the flame itself wished to nurture rather than burn.
He reached out.
His fingers touched the flame.
And a voice echoed throughout the darkness.
"Welcome, son of Goddess Minoyama."
The chamber trembled.
The tiny flame expanded.
Growing larger.
Brighter.
Until it illuminated the entire space.
"I am Suzaku."
The voice carried both warmth and authority.
Like a parent.
Like a king.
Like an ancient god.
"I must admit I am impressed."
The flame flickered.
"In a room designed to provoke fear, you remained calm."
The warmth increased.
"You trusted your training."
The fire grew brighter.
"You trusted your mana."
And brighter still.
"You trusted yourself."
For the first time, Biki-Bi smiled.
Suzaku's voice became serious.
The warmth remained.
But now it carried weight.
Power.
Authority.
"The trial begins now."
The chamber darkened once more.
"There will be no turning back."
Biki-Bi slowly stood.
His heart pounded.
Yet his eyes remained steady.
He nodded.
"I'm ready."
The flame pulsed.
"Then let us begin."
Darkness returned.
Silence followed.
The battlefield was gone.
The screams had vanished.
The smell of blood and smoke had disappeared.
Only stillness remained.
Biki-Bi slowly opened his eyes.
The chamber was no longer dark.
A warm crimson light filled the room.
Standing before him was Suzaku.
For a moment, Biki-Bi forgot to breathe.
The Guardian was magnificent.
Wings of living crimson fire stretched behind him.
Each feather seemed forged from both flame and sunlight.
Golden-red embers drifted through the air around him like falling stars.
His eyes held an ancient wisdom that felt older than kingdoms, older than realms themselves.
Yet despite his immense presence, there was warmth in those eyes.
Kindness.
Compassion.
The same compassion Biki-Bi had devoted his entire life to.
Suzaku studied the young tanuki for several moments.
Then he spoke.
"You have solved a trial that countless healers before you could not."
His voice echoed gently throughout the chamber.
Biki-Bi lowered his head respectfully.
"I simply followed the lesson you were trying to teach."
Suzaku's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Oh?"
The Guardian took a step forward.
"Tell me then, son of Minoyama."
His gaze sharpened.
"What was the lesson?"
Biki-Bi closed his eyes briefly.
Then answered.
"The battlefield was designed to force me into making a mistake."
Suzaku remained silent.
Listening.
Biki-Bi continued.
"My instinct was to run to my brothers."
Pain briefly crossed his face.
"To save them."
The images of their deaths flashed through his mind.
Again.
And again.
And again.
"But every time I tried, I failed."
Suzaku nodded.
"And why?"
"Because I was thinking as a frightened brother."
The Guardian's eyes widened slightly.
Not many reached that conclusion.
Biki-Bi looked directly at him.
"I wasn't thinking as a healer."
The crimson flames around Suzaku flickered.
"A healer who dies cannot save anyone."
The chamber remained silent.
Biki-Bi continued.
"The trial wasn't testing my healing ability."
"It was testing my judgment."
His voice grew stronger.
"My healing magic can work across great distances."
"My Mind's Eye allowed me to observe the battlefield."
"My role wasn't to rush into danger."
"It was to remain where I could save the most lives."
The warmth in Suzaku's eyes grew.
Biki-Bi gestured toward the crimson flames surrounding the chamber.
"And your flame taught me something else."
Suzaku tilted his head.
"What was that?"
Biki-Bi smiled.
"Healing alone isn't enough."
"Life must also be protected."
"The wounded needed my healing."
"The healers needed protection."
"The soldiers needed hope."
His gaze remained unwavering.
"Only by combining both flames could the battlefield survive."
For several moments, Suzaku said nothing.
Then...
The Guardian began laughing.
A deep, warm laugh filled the chamber.
Biki-Bi blinked in surprise.
Suzaku's wings spread wide.
"Remarkable."
The ancient Guardian shook his head.
"Truly remarkable."
His eyes shone with approval.
"Even among the greatest healers in history, few have reached the understanding you possess."
Biki-Bi bowed respectfully.
The Guardian's expression suddenly became serious.
"You fail."
The words struck like a hammer.
Biki-Bi froze.
For a brief moment, disappointment stabbed through his chest.
Then he lowered his head.
Despite everything, he smiled.
"Then I thank you for the lesson."
Suzaku blinked.
Biki-Bi continued.
"Pass or fail, I learned something valuable."
He bowed deeply.
"And for that, I am grateful."
The chamber fell silent.
Then Suzaku's eyes softened.
"You fail..."
A small smile appeared on the Guardian's face.
"...is what I wanted to say."
Biki-Bi's eyes widened.
Suzaku laughed.
"You passed, Biki-Bi."
The young tanuki stared.
For several seconds, he couldn't process what he had heard.
Then realization struck.
"I... passed?"
Suzaku nodded.
"You passed."
A wave of relief crashed through Biki-Bi.
His knees nearly gave out.
The Guardian stepped forward.
His massive wings folded behind him.
"I have watched countless healers throughout history."
His voice carried immense pride.
"Most sought power."
"Others sought recognition."
"Many sought to become heroes."
The Guardian stopped directly in front of him.
"But you sought only to help others."
Biki-Bi stood speechless.
Suzaku smiled.
A warm fatherly smile.
"Biki-Bi, son of Goddess Minoyama."
The chamber trembled.
Flames filled the air.
"I, Suzaku of the South Wing, would be honored to become your partner."
The young tanuki felt his breath catch.
The Guardian extended one of his wings.
The brilliant feathers glowed with divine fire.
Biki-Bi looked at the offered wing.
Then smiled.
A genuine smile.
One filled with joy.
He stepped forward and extended his hand.
"Then it's you and me, Partner."
Suzaku's eyes softened.
"Yes."
The ancient Guardian lowered his wing.
"You and me, Partner."
Their hands touched.
And the world exploded.
Blue flames erupted from Biki-Bi.
Crimson flames erupted from Suzaku.
The two powers surged together.
Neither consumed the other.
Neither dominated.
Instead, they merged.
Perfectly.
Harmony.
The chamber shook violently.
The ancient doors of the South Wing burst open.
A pillar of blue and golden-red fire erupted into the sky above Hachiman HQ.
The heavens themselves seemed to tremble.
Biki-Bi cried out.
Not in pain.
But in awe.
His mana expanded beyond anything he had ever imagined.
He could feel life.
Everywhere.
The trees surrounding HQ.
The birds flying overhead.
The fish swimming beneath distant rivers.
Every heartbeat.
Every breath.
Every living soul.
Life itself sang around him.
And for the first time...
He could hear its song.
Suzaku's voice echoed within his soul.
"Open your eyes, Partner."
Biki-Bi obeyed.
His eyes opened.
They now glowed with brilliant blue and golden-red light.
The transformation had begun.
And a new god was being born.
Outside the South Wing, everyone felt it.
The moment Suzaku and Biki-Bi became one.
A pillar of blue and golden-red fire erupted into the sky above Hachiman HQ.
The divine energy surged throughout the entire headquarters.
Even the very air seemed alive.
Far away, Goddess Minoyama paused in the middle of taking a sip of sake.
A smile slowly spread across her face.
A proud mother's smile.
She raised her sake dish toward the heavens.
"Welcome to godhood, my son."
For perhaps the first time in many years, there was no teasing in her voice.
No jokes.
No mischief.
Only pride.
Pure pride.
Near the South Wing, Kuroyasha watched the pillar of divine fire rise into the sky.
For a moment, he simply stared.
Then a huge grin spread across his face.
The kind of grin only an older brother could wear.
"He did it."
Relief washed over him.
Followed immediately by pride.
His little brother had succeeded.
Not because he was strong.
Not because he was chosen.
But because he had earned it.
Kuroyasha folded his arms.
"Damn right you passed."
Elsewhere, the battle between Queen Yamauba, Murasaki, and Kuzuno came to an abrupt halt.
All three women felt the divine surge.
Yamakiba stopped inches from Kuzuno's face.
Hiyuki froze in place.
Sumire lowered.
For a brief moment, silence filled the battlefield.
Then all three looked toward the South Wing.
The pillar of divine fire continued to rise.
Kuzuno smiled immediately.
"He did it."
Murasaki's eyes widened.
A proud smile slowly formed.
Queen Yamauba crossed her arms.
"Hmph."
The Queen's smile betrayed her true feelings.
"Good."
Several minutes later, the doors to the South Wing slowly opened.
Everyone gathered nearby.
Kuroyasha.
Kuzuno.
Murasaki.
Queen Yamauba.
And countless others.
Footsteps echoed from within.
A figure emerged.
For a moment, nobody spoke.
Biki-Bi stepped into the sunlight.
No longer mortal.
No longer merely a healer.
He had become the God of Divine Suzaku Healing.
A brilliant prabhavali halo of blue and golden-red fire floated behind him.
His eyes shone with divine light.
His hair had transformed into a Shikhanda style, glowing with the same sacred colors.
Blue and golden-red flames danced harmlessly around his body.
His divine vastra flowed elegantly around him.
Massive wings of blue and golden-red feathers extended proudly from his back.
His tanuki ears and tail carried divine markings that seemed almost alive.
The sacred flames surrounding him radiated warmth.
Not destruction.
Not fear.
Life.
Pure life.
In his hand rested his divine weapon.
The Trishul.
A magnificent golden trident wrapped in blue and golden-red fire.
Two ribbons flowed from its upper shaft.
One blue.
One golden-red.
Despite its imposing appearance, everyone could immediately sense its purpose.
It was not a weapon of war.
It was a weapon of preservation.
A divine instrument created to protect life itself.
The newly ascended god slowly approached the group.
His divine eyes scanned them.
Immediately, he noticed something.
Cuts.
Bruises.
Minor injuries.
The aftermath of a certain sparring match.
Biki-Bi sighed.
Even as a god, some things never changed.
The sacred flames around him gently expanded outward.
Blue and golden-red light washed over Kuzuno.
Then Murasaki.
Then Queen Yamauba.
Every wound vanished instantly.
Bruises disappeared.
Cuts closed.
Fatigue faded.
The three women stared.
Kuzuno blinked.
Murasaki flexed her fingers.
Queen Yamauba looked mildly impressed.
"Not bad."
Coming from Queen Yamauba, that was practically the highest praise imaginable.
Biki-Bi smiled sheepishly.
Then his gaze settled on Murasaki.
The world suddenly became much quieter.
Murasaki looked back at him.
For a brief moment, neither spoke.
Then Biki-Bi did something nobody expected.
Including himself.
He stepped forward.
Placed a hand gently on her shoulder.
And kissed her forehead.
Silence.
Complete silence.
Murasaki froze.
Her brain completely stopped functioning.
A deep purple blush immediately spread across her face.
Steam practically threatened to erupt from her ears.
Biki-Bi smiled softly.
"I'm glad you're okay."
Then his eyes rolled back.
And he collapsed.
Face first.
Directly into the ground.
The transformation vanished instantly.
The divine flames disappeared.
The wings vanished.
And Biki-Bi passed out cold.
For several seconds, nobody moved.
Then Queen Yamauba burst out laughing.
A loud booming laugh echoed throughout the field.
"Hahaha!"
She pointed toward the unconscious tanuki.
"Right after becoming a god, the first thing he did was make sure you were safe!"
Murasaki's face somehow became even darker purple.
The Queen slammed Yamakiba onto her shoulder.
"That tanuki has my blessing!"
Murasaki immediately spun around.
"M-MOTHER!"
Queen Yamauba ignored her completely.
"When the day comes, he may have your hand in marriage!"
The Queen grinned.
"A true warrior knows what is worth protecting."
Her eyes drifted toward the unconscious healer.
"He showed that today."
For a moment, her expression softened.
Far softer than anyone expected.
"You found a good one, Daughter."
Murasaki stood frozen.
Speechless.
Embarrassed beyond belief.
Yet...
As she looked down at the unconscious tanuki lying on the ground...
A small smile appeared.
One that nobody noticed.
Except Kuzuno.
And unfortunately for Murasaki...
Kuzuno immediately noticed.
The Snow Fox Princess practically lit up with excitement.
"Murasaki!"
"No."
"Murasaki!"
"Absolutely not."
"Murasaki!"
"Stop smiling like that!"
Kuzuno's grin only grew.
Murasaki groaned.
Then carefully picked Biki-Bi up into her arms.
The young god remained completely unconscious.
She looked down at him.
Then shook her head.
A warm smile escaped despite herself.
"You somehow got my mother's blessing."
She began walking toward the hospital wing.
"And honestly..."
Her smile grew slightly.
"...marrying you someday doesn't sound so bad."
A fierce blush immediately returned.
"N-Not that I'm thinking about that right now!"
The unconscious Biki-Bi, thankfully, offered no response.
Murasaki sighed.
"Let's get you healed up first."
And with that, she carried him away.
Behind her, Queen Yamauba watched proudly.
A smile hidden beneath her usual battle-crazed demeanor.
"You are blessed, Murasaki."
Her thoughts drifted toward the past.
Toward another warrior.
Toward another love.
Toward Murasaki's father.
"I didn't find your father until much later in my life."
For a brief moment, nostalgia filled her eyes.
"My only regret..."
Her smile softened.
"...is that I couldn't find him sooner."
A few hours later, everyone gathered within what remained of Hachiman HQ.
Or rather...
The parts that were still standing.
Kuroyasha stared at the destruction.
Several walls were gone.
Part of the ceiling had collapsed.
Entire sections looked as though a natural disaster had struck.
The Hachiman of Realms slowly pinched the bridge of his nose.
Kuzuno looked deeply embarrassed.
Murasaki looked away.
Queen Yamauba looked completely innocent.
Which somehow made it worse.
Kuroyasha sighed.
"It's going to take three days for HQ to fully repair itself."
A painful silence followed.
Then Minoyama stood up.
Holding a sake dish.
A different sake dish than the one from earlier.
Kuroyasha immediately noticed.
And immediately regretted noticing.
His mother smiled.
"Oh! That reminds me!"
Everyone suddenly became nervous.
Minoyama clapped her hands together.
"Since HQ is under repair, I booked us all a stay at the Dai-Tanuki Springs Resort!"
The room became silent.
Minoyama continued cheerfully.
"We have nothing else to do while the repairs are underway."
She pointed dramatically at everyone.
"You have all been training, fighting, studying, saving realms, becoming gods, and nearly destroying headquarters!"
Her smile widened.
"So we are taking a vacation!"
Kuroyasha immediately felt danger.
A deep spiritual danger.
The kind only a child of Minoyama could recognize.
"I have a very bad feeling about this."
Minoyama gasped dramatically.
"Son!"
She clutched her chest.
"You wound me!"
Kuroyasha deadpanned.
"Not enough."
The room erupted into laughter.
Minoyama ignored them.
"I simply require the perfect sake dish every day. Is that truly so unreasonable?"
"Yes."
"Very."
"Absolutely."
Minoyama pointed at them accusingly.
"You all lack culture."
Then she smiled proudly.
"Oh, and I invited Tamamo and Toba as well."
Kuroyasha closed his eyes.
Of course she did.
Once Minoyama made a decision, resisting was pointless.
The vacation was happening.
Whether anyone was ready for it or not.
And somehow...
That worried him more than any Guardian trial ever had.