Okuninushi volunteered to inform the High Heavens of the outcome. For sure, they will be pleased with the results. He was hoping he could do something for Yato, like revive him or something, although he already knew it would be futile. Even Amaterasu cannot grant this as gods are born from human wishes. And that human who wished for him was from long ago, and that lifeline had been severed.

What a waste, really. The god thought to himself. Yato was different. There's no one quite like him.

The meeting adjourned, and all that's left to do was to inform Ebisu, who, for some reason, didn't show up. She was preparing to go for a personal visit at his shrine when the latter showed up.

"Ebisu!"

"I apologize, Chijo-san, for being late. I have some news!"

"Is that so? I have something to say as well," She paused and regarded the reincarnated God of Fortune.

"I see. Since I'm late, you can tell me your news first."

"Are you sure?"

"Hai!"

"Yato succeeded with his plan of defeating the sorcerer. In doing so, he lost his entire existence. I'm sorry, Ebisu. I know he's your friend."

"He was your friend, too, right?"

"I...maybe."

"But you are, Bishamon-san. You're the one he regards the most amongst other gods."

Bishamon nods and replies, "Right. Your turn, then."

"I found Yato."

"What?" The blonde froze, in anger or annoyance, she wasn't sure, but she wasn't going to hit a child. "This is not a good time for jokes, Ebisu."

The young god didn't even listen to her retort and just continued, "He wandered off into my shrine. I didn't recognize him at first, but he's there. I asked Kunimi to watch over him so that I could come here and get you."

"You're certain this is the same, Yato?"

"Hai. There's no mistaking it."

"Let's go then."

Bishamon and Ebisu took off hastily and got to the latter's shrine in no time. There she found Yato, now a small kid, sleeping soundly under a futon.

"But how is this possible? I saw him fade away right in front of my eyes."

"My theory is that, perhaps, at the last minute, the person he called Father, cut his ties with Yato so that he could start anew as well. Maybe, despite all he's done, he still loved his son enough to let him go."

"Then, I'm relieved. It's just sad that he won't remember. Still, this is somewhat good. Have him transferred to the mansion, will you?"

"Right away." Kunimi acknowledged.

You think I'll let you die?

The words the god of calamity resonated in Kazuma's head as they fought Yukine and Fujisaki, going all out because of what's at stake.

Kazuma is disappointed at how Yukine turned out but somehow proud of what he had accomplished in the short amount of time under his strict training. Veena's shinki wished he could knock sense into Yukine, make him see the light, though perhaps, with the way things are, this was probably the only option left. And he's determined not to lose.

The last blow Yato made with Rekki chipped a part of Yukine, and that was enough for another slash that ripped the sorcerer's dominant hand.

The god of calamity held on to his father and delivered another stab on the latter's stomach so that he'll be weakened.

"You've gone out of the rails completely, Father. Sorry, but I can't let this go on."

"You know what will happen should I die, Yabuko."

"I don't care."

And he was about to finish him off when Bishamon came into the picture, trying to sway him from his resolve. Out of habit, Kazuma moved on his own and drew a borderline to stop his original master from closing in. She wouldn't be able to convince Yato anyway, for the god of calamity had made up his mind long ago. Yato strikes once more, and the sorcerer finally falls to his death.

We did it.

Kazuma cheered. He's also on the verge of death, yet he didn't mind. Everything will be forgiven.

"Come back, Kazune."

Rekki was surprised to be called back to his human form and was about to protest, but Yato's already commenced with the releasing spell, and the latter felt betrayed. That was the last thing he remembered, and as his consciousness betrayed him as well, he saw the borderline come down and Veena running towards the fallen god.

"Yato!"

Kazuma jolted awake and instantly regretted having done so, what with all the injuries he sustained during his epic fight with Yukine. He turned his head to the side, and there the young blonde was, still out cold.

So they both survived after all.

He tried to organize his thoughts. Was it a dream that Yato released him or...?

Kazuma looks at his chest to where his other name should be and found it gone. Then his eyes land on his right hand, afraid Veena might have done the same, but there it was. The name bestowed upon him by his Bishamon. At least, out loud, he won't say she's his.

The lead shinki of the Ma and Ha Clan wept silently. He didn't deserve this. Third time he's betrayed his master and yet. Why is she even allowing this?

Oi, Kazuma. Self-flagellation is a no-no. You don't want to sting that psycho, right? Stop it.

There's that voice in his head again, and it brought him back to his senses. At this point, all he could is not sting his beloved Veena.

I must get out of here.

Even though he's in pain, he grits his teeth and wills himself out of bed and then makes his way towards Yato's son. Kazuma spared him a glance before sneaking out into the hallway of the mansion he once called home.

A/N: Woohoo! Chapter 2! I had to read the manga to get a grasp of their personalities. Might still be OOC but I'm trying. ;) Again, why are there only a number of YatoBisha stories? T_T