Kuri Hikawa was meditating in the Hikawa Shrine in what was once Chinatown of San Francisco.

Now it was called the Safe Zone, or Sanctuary.

She had erected her kekkai barrier, keeping the magical community safe from Wyatt Halliwell's evil here in her shrine and surrounding areas.

Kuri did not move, but suddenly ofuda, paper talismans, surrounded the person behind her.

"Hello Chris." Kuri said, still not turning. "I believe I refused to help you."

"I can help you Kuri." Chris said. "The only reason he's been able to take over completely is because of her—because of you."

He suffered a powerful shock from the ofuda, but did not scream.

"I have atoned." Kuri replied. "I continue to atone. This world cannot be changed."

"You will never atone for the lives you took!" Chris snarled at her. "My parents are dead because you were too weak to stop her!"

"And everyone else is dead because you could not stop your brother." Kuri replied coldly.

"We can still stop it. I have a spell—"

"I cannot leave these people to suffer!" Kuri whirled at last, her kimono in shreds, her body scarred from attacks; she had been beautiful once—no longer.

"Please. What more have you to lose?" Chris said.

"I could lose you, Baka." Kuri hissed at him.

Chris pulled her to him with telekinesis and kissed her.

"This world needs our help. Together we can save everyone."

"You've given me the worst possible gift, Baka." Kuri snarled.

"What is it this time?" Chris asked teasingly.

Kuri looked at him endearingly. "Hope