Tamahome, Tasuki, and the rest of the Suzaku Seven rescue Miaka from Suboshi. They arrive in Sairou and stay with Tamahome’s master, Tokaki. Tamahome kisses Miaka and says that they cannot love anymore. Tokaki tells him he made the right decision and that their love would never have consummated. Miaka and Chichiri contact Hotohori through and magic mirror and provide him with a very brief (and incomplete) update on their situation. Suboshi returns Amiboshi to Makan Village. Nakago tells Yui that he loves her, Soi overhears this. Xing, Tokaki’s adoptive daughter, tells Miaka a legend that if two lovers kiss at sunset atop a tower next to a nearby temple nothing will separate them. Miaka helps Xing prepare dinner. Miaka’s cooking is horrible, but after she leaves the room Tamahome eats all of it. Xing is told by Tokaki to help Tamahome forget Miaka and when it appears they are about to kiss Miaka enters the room.
氏宿の幻覚を打ち破るも、角宿に襲われてしまった美朱。その窮地に駆け付けたのは、崖から落ちたはずの鬼宿と氏宿の幻覚に囚われていた七星士たちであった。再会を喜ぶ一方で氏宿に受けたダメージは大きく、一行は鬼宿のかつての師匠・奎宿（とかき）の家に身を寄せることに。西廊国へ入り、神座宝を手に入れるためにも決意を新たにする美朱。しかしそんな美朱に、鬼宿は思いもよらない言葉をかける。これ以上お前を愛してやれない……。別れを告げる鬼宿の真意とは……。
