While taking refuge in Yoruki's and Deshin's home, Yokiro remembers that he may have to go his separate ways from the others. Determined to tell Sikue his feelings for her, our three protagonists realize that their departure from one another looks a lot sooner than they anticipated.
Completed November 2011
The final book in the story, aside from the epilogue, I've had much of the climatic points plotted out to a degree. It's choreographing them and perfectly translating the mood and flow of the scene into comic form that were most challenging.
A battle of willpower rages within the staff
"Deshin was really, REALLY insistent that I keep this particular sweater" -Yokiro
If you're wondering why the art has a dramatic change from page 27 to 34... (and briefly on 22)
The ending I originally posted here was very awkward, abrupt and I was unhappy with it for many years. While re-reading the comic 10+ years later, I was bitten by inspiration and redrew/padded it out a bit to a place I'm a lot happier with. :)
It goes back to the older art in the epilogue.