The sky is so beautiful tonight. Bare wisps of clouds drift along the breeze while twinkling stars shine brightly against the velvet canopy above. Inevitably, my gaze wanders to the southern hemisphere, the section that holds my set of stars.

My eyes following the dancing sparks, an immense sadness washes over me. Yet I must be strong... for you, for myself. To face what is to come. My heart grows heavy and even then I cannot weep. I must be there to catch you when you fall. I never imagined this would be so difficult, to stand aside and watch, yet do nothing.

Seven stars, seven souls, seven lives- to be spent and used at my discretion. I never wanted this. I never wanted the responsibility. I never wanted this fate- not for me, not for any of you.

I sense your pain- your doubts, your fears. More than anything, I long to comfort you, but I know I cannot. For that is not the way. It has never been the way. Not for any of us. No matter how much I wish it weren't so.

The wars, the pain, the suffering- I've never understood it. Nor the need for it in our world. It's always been there- existing since before time began. And yet, I cannot bring myself to condone it, no matter how favorable the outcome.

Such peaceful, beautiful souls... I hate to see any of you marred by the scars I know will come... the wounds I will inflict upon you against my will...

Your courage, your goodness, your determination- I know you will accomplish the task I have set for you...

If there is only one thing I can tell you now... something to give you comfort and shelter from the storms you will face...

It would be to never give up, to believe in each other. And to know someday you will all be reunited again.

Oh, but why must I even be a part of this? Tears form in my eyes every time I see a bird with a broken wing... I do not think I can go through with what has been asked of me. I do not want to be a player in this game... and yet...

It is your laughter that brings joy to my heart. Your smiling faces that drive away my tears. And even though I know it is selfish of me to do so, I cannot help but take pleasure in your happiness.

Maybe someday when this is all over- when the world is at peace and everything is alive again, I will be able to come to you and let you know how much all of you mean to me. And tell you how much I love and admire you.

Even so, I wish with all my heart that I didn't have to put any of you through this. But alas, this is something I cannot control. Your destinies were ordained when the universe was born and it is up to me to carry them out.

But that won't ever stop me from trying... nor will it stop me from crying every time one of you is lost...

Whatever I can do to ease your pain, I will do it... if it is within my power to do so... even if it will cost me my own life...

No matter what happens, you can always turn to me... I will always be here for you... to comfort you, to guide you...

Just as you are mine, I am yours for eternity... never doubt that you will always have my love.

The dragon is restless and the time of our confrontation is near. I cannot stop it, just as one cannot hold back a crushing wave. These events were set in motion, long before you and I were created and I am powerless to affect them.

But when the time comes, I will fight by your side. I will join you, protect you, and give my life for you. For you are my seishi. And I am your god. And together, nothing will stand in our way.

Tamahome- be brave... when all seems lost, love will give you the strength to overcome any obstacle no matter how great...

Nuriko- be strong... believe in yourself, you alone have the power to fulfill the task I've set before you...

Hotohori- be faithful... though your loyalty and devotion will lead to tragedy, in the end, the stars will shine upon your beauty...

Chichiri- be wise... let go of the past and learn from your mistakes, for you must be their strength and guidance...

Tasuki- never doubt... either yourself, your abilities, or your friends, for no matter what happens, they will believe in you and so will I...

Mitsukake- never fear... though your road is full of pain and suffering, you will be healed and your duty will set you free...

Chiriko- stay true... though your sacrifice will be great, your legacy will be greater, for within you lies the fate of the seishi...

Together, you will triumph over whatever is to come. In you lies the fate of our world and those beyond. And should you ever lose faith, remember...

I will always be here to guide you. No matter where you are, just look up to the sky and call my name. I will not abandon you or turn against you. In times of strife, my wings will always be open to offer you shelter from the storm.

The mountains may crumble. The oceans may split apart. But within each of you lies a star, a star that shines brightly in the midnight sky. And this light has the power to overcome the darkness and chase away the shadows from this land. Remember that... and believe in yourselves.

With tears clouding my vision I look up to the sky again. Your stars are still there, twinkling against the dark expanse of emptiness. Suddenly, a light streaks across the void. I blink once... twice, hovering over the brink of indecision. Should I dare? Would they even answer?

Throwing all caution to the wind, I close my eyes and make a wish upon that unnamed star. The corners of my mouth bend upwards in a faint smile as I recite the childhood rhyme:

Star light, star bright,
First star I see tonight,
Wish I may, wish I might,
Have the wish I wish tonight...

As the light fades into the horizon, a warm light bathes me confirming their assent. Soft breezes caress my face and I smile softly, turning back to your constellations. After this is over, I wished for all of you to find happiness. And that someday, your lives would be filled with the same beautiful light your stars shine upon me.