Xxxholic, Volume 13

Although we get several reminders of the disaster currently befalling the Tsubasa gang over in their series, this volume of xxxHOLiC is largely devoted to wrapping up the story of the girl who has become like a little sister to Watanuki. As it begins, we find that at least one good thing has come from Sakura's situation, as seeing what Fai has unintentionally done to her by trying to handle his problems alone has given Watanuki the resolve not to make the same mistake. The result is the priceless sight of an utterly stunned Domeki presented with a young man baring his soul and ready to confide in and work with him. His new determination to look before he leaps and ask for help before situations reach critical mass has not dampened his compassion, however, and it's with dread and fear that he and Domeki spring into action when Kohane's situation with her mother rapidly deteriorates... The end of Kohane's story is just about perfect, in keeping with what she represents to Watanuki's life and the series as a whole, and gives us some beautiful scenes between herself and Watanuki; as well as some welcome relief from the larger issues on the horizon that the Holic boys will have to face before the story is done.