To those who shed the tears for the late

'I'm really really happy...seeing you here...'



The cold touch of her frail hand caressing his cheek was like a lash of whip on his heart. Seeing her like this, reduced to nothing by a vegetable, waiting for her time. That ever smiling woman he loved, is now facing the threshold of her end, yet all she cares about is making him stop cry. Instead of worrying about herself, about death...



'Crying...doesnt suit you...I prefer...seeing you with that arrogant smile...'



But how the hell can he smile? She's dying for heaven's sake! How can she expect him to smile when he cant even utter a single word? When everything inside him is raging with pain and guilt, gnawing at his pride. How can she be so selfish?



'Seriously...I was happy that they....finally took that annoying vent machine off...and they had those monitoring stuff silenced...but here you are...bawling like an infant...'



He wanted to stop crying. He wanted to show her he's tough. But he cant. These tears kept on rolling down, his voice stolen by his guilt. He's so pathetic...



Her grip on his hand tightened, as that cute smile of hers appeared. 'Please, dont cry...you'll just make it harder for me...'



"I cant..."



'It's not your fault...I chose this...it was never your fault...'



"But--"



'During those times we were together, even though we were fighting, I was still happy. Because, you were the first person to accept me as who I am. Not as the daughter of some rich guy, or some crap. You made me feel alive. You were the reason I was living. And now, it feels like I can die in peace...'



"You cant die! You cant! There's so many things we need to talk about! And things we need to do! And, and...there's still so much more to do ...I cant live without you...."



'You can...And you wont be alone.... I'm going to be up in the sky...watching over you...just like...Tenshi...our dog...'



"That's not the same... its not the same! I want you here beside me. Here! I dont want to be away from you! I want to spend the rest of my life with you! So please...stop talking like that... Please..."



'I love you too...so much...'

ooooOOOOoooo

Her life finally ceased after a week. Two days after his first visit, she succumbed into a comatose state. Claire explained to him that there will be changes in her body around this time, and he will be able to tell when the time is near. Especially when her breathing would turn ragged and would pause for a long moment. Those times would be the most painful to bear. The doctor said she would be leaving anytime soon, but somehow she lasted through the week. She passed away around 1 AM. He was there beside her as her labored breathing finally ceased and the glimmer of life extiguished from her eyes. He held her hand through out tha night, even after Claire and her attending physicians declared her dead. Her sister, Cael was present at that time too. She stood there, quietly waiting for the last breath. Everytime she's in the room, she would have this stoic look in her face, as if she was watching some stranger die. But every time her breath would pause, Cael would leave the room and head out to the waiting room. There, her cries of grief echoing within the four corners of the room would burst out. She did that at least 5 times. Amazing how Cael can be so full of control.

Her funeral was held a day after. It was held in the family summer house, her favorite place. They plan to bury her by the lagoon at the back of the summer house, where other family relatives were buried. But for her case, they erected a special Memorial stone for her made out of marble, courtesy of the people she helped back in college. There were a lot of people who came, most of were their common friends, and people she helped during those outreach programs she sponsored. Her family, known for their mundane sense of perfection, shattered into pieces of grief and sorrow as they mourned. It was only her sister who didnt broke into tears, during the funeral. It was amazing that she was able to keep a straight face during the eulogy, considering the fact that she was the closes to her. It seems she had cried all the tears she could that night, with only dark holes to prove the existence of her grief.

"I'm sure, where ever she is right now--" He couldnt bear to hear Claire talk about her. He broke up with Claire on the very same day her found out of her condition. Claire, a usual didnt even batt an eyelash when he told her about Kaerie. Instead, she assigned herself to the case. And during those painful ordeals, Claire stood by him quietly comforting his tears. She was patient enough to accept all his anger and guilt as he lashes out. All those times, she was there...beside him...

As for him, he couldnt bear himself to enter the Summer House. he was afraid that he'll break down again. Or throw up. He hasnt been eating for the past few days, and lately he would throw up out of nowhere. Claire would give him some juice or snacks everynow and then, but he couldnt keep it in. It's like his body doesnt want to live anymore. He completely ignored his hygiene during that week too. If it wasnt for Cael splashing a sup of juice on his face, Claire wouldnt have been able to convince him to take at least a shower, if not a bath. Haggard and exhausted, too tired and empty, he stood outside the Summer House's gates mourning.

'Mister...why are you standing here?' It was a girl, pulling at his sleeve. He wanted to push the girl away but, somehow he cant. Somehow...

'Say mister, my friend wants to talk to you...she said she wants to say good bye...' He didnt respond. He just allowed himself to be dragged by the little girl to where ever hell she wants to take him to.

'Mister..we're here.' He didnt want to look. But the familiar barking of a dog made him change his mind. The familiar reddish brown and white coat of a Malamute barking at him, by the lagoon. And beside the malamute was...

"Kaerie"

'You seriously look pathetic. Cael was right.' Her giggle seems so alive. So real...

'Tenshi and I wanted to say our last good bye to you. I really felt bad leaving without saying any goodbye to you, so I asked if I could get a chance to talk to you one last time.'

"Kaerie...kaerie...Kaerie..."With out any hesitation, he threw his arms around her, enveloping her in his tight embrace. Bursting into tears, while chanting her name...

'You look silly. It's not like you.'

"I dont care. I just want to be beside you."

'I cant. But someone can.'

" I dont need anyone else but you..."

'You'll be able to come into terms with everything. You'll be able to move on. And you wont be alone. She'll be right by your side, ready to catch you.'

"I want Kaerie, no one else."

'Geez. You're more of a whiner that Cael. Cael said the same thing. But you know better. I cant stay. But I trust you'll make the right decision. Dont make her cry ok?'

"Ms. Kaerie, it's almost time." The little girl appeared again, tugging at her sleeve, while playing with Tenshi, the malamute.

She gave him a peck on the cheek as she wiped his tears. 'You havent said a word to Tenshi. She really missed you a lot y'know.'

A smile was forced as he bent down to pet the malamute. "Looks like they're feeding you more than usual. You've gotten fatter and heavier the last time."

The dog barked as it began licking his tears. "I miss you a lot buddy~"

"It's time..."

'Well now, Good Bye...'

oooOOooo

He found himself laying in the hospital bed. Turns out he fainted during the lowering of the casket. Apparently out of exhaustion and dehydration. According to the doctor, he has been out for 2 days, and that his girlfriend patiently waited till he opens his eyes.

Girl friend? Kaerie?

No...

Claire...

For those who shed their tears for the late

It has been a week since he recieved that e-mail. At first, he was really suspicious about that e-mail, thinking it might be from her sister, flaming him in every way she could. From the last 16 e-mails he recieved from her sister, almost all of kinds of cusses, trash words can be read in those e-mails. To think that that woman came from such a well respected family! But to his surprise, it wasnt her sister who sent the e-mail.

It was from her.

At first it was a bit awkward, considering the matter between them, but he knew better. After all, they both came into the conclusion that their relationship would never work. His work eats more of his time, her distance, and the rumors of her cheating. Although she never cleared it, it was one of the factors that led to the end of a 5 1/2 years of their relationship. Such a waste.

Her e-mail was nothing new. Looks like she's back in the hospital again for a flu. As always, her health was as frail as ever. And that she might be staying in the hospital for a little bit longer. That she was hoping he could visit her whenever he's not busy. Another reason why he cant stay with her. Such frail health is considered bad for a business. Plus the expenses the hospital bills make...

Clicking his PDA on, he found the hospital's name. Turns out she's admitted in the same hospital his new date is working for.He began to wonder if by any chance, Claire, his new girl would be her doctor. That'll be really weird. Seriously.

Wait. Why am I here again?

He clicked his PDA again. His wallpaper was the picture of him and Claire eating a tail of lobster. She really looked cute inn that picture, that's why he made it his wallpaper. He clicked his PDA again, scrolling down to the MEDIA section. There, he found an old picture of her. Smiling that really cute smile of hers. A smile he cannot simply forget even though he already found someone new.

Argh. Stupid! You're here for Claire. Not for her. It just so happens that she's in the same hospital where Claire works. That's all there is to it. It's not a big deal.

Right?

He clicked Claire's number and left a message, before entering the hospital's lobby. As always, she'll make him wait at the lobby for an hour...AGAIN. But that's ok. The receptionists are really cute and fun. They keep him preoccupied everytime he comes over. But now...

"Hi. Remember me?" Flashing a smile at the receptionist, he gathered his guts for the next question he'll be throwing.

"Oh. You're Dr. Claire's boyfriend right? Do you want me to page her?"

"Ah, no. That's ok. I already left her a message." He could feel his heart beat racing faster. This is it.

"Ok then. Is there anything we could get you while waiting?"

"Ah. Actually, I wanna know if Kaerie Cain is still here."

"Is she a patient?"

"Yeah."

"One moment please."

"Sure."

"Yes. She's still here. Are you a family?"

"Yeah. What's her room number?"

"207 ICU. Anything else?"

"Ah. Do you know how long has she been here?"

"Oh. I'm sorry, I cant give you that information. You could ask her doctor, if not her nurse when you get to the ICU."

"Ah. I see. Thanks then." He didnt wait for the receptionist's reply. He turned his heel and headed for the ICU.

ICU. Intensive Care Unit.

What the hell is she doing in ICU?

He felt a wave of anxiety as he made a turn towards a dead silenced corridor. The pungent scent of alcohol and medicine began to fill his nostrils as he continued walking. The atmosphere seems grim and tense, as the scent became stronger. According to the directions on the wall, the ICU should be at the end of this corridor. Why the hell is the atmosphere here so gloomy? And why is the ICU locatd at a such grimmy corner?

A small sign on the wall told him that the door he's facing right now is the way to the ICU. Another sign told him that he has to call the ICU nurses before he could enter.

Sigh.

What the heck is he doing here again?

While his brain raked his mind of a reason, a familiar figure exited the ICU. It was her sister. And she was crying. Crying as if...

He wanted to grab her, and ask her why the heck is she crying, but that weird feeling growing inside him held him off, as he unconsciously dialed the ICU number on the intercom. He wasnt aware of his own actions, until he heard the door click open, and the overwhelming scent of heavy medicine and alcohol snapped him back to reality.

This is the first time he felt this kind of uncertainty as he entered the ICU hall. He could hear the mechanical ventilators of the patients puffing, or their ragged breathing as the machines beeped life on their limp bodies. He saw all the machines, cables, tubing, and wires one patient was hooked on to. He saw how one patient limply laid on the bed, without any machine hooked on him. And around him, were his family. Crying, as if it was his time to go.

She couldnt be like that?

Even though she was always sick, there's no way she could be as sick as these people here...

There's no way.

There's got to be a mistake..She cant be here...

"Sir, you're looking for room 207 right? It's over here."

The nurse opened the door to the last room at the end of the corridor. WIthout even waiting for a response, she flicked the lights on, revealing the occupant's state.

He wanted to yell at the nurse for telling him that. Because obviously, room 207 cant be here. She cant be...

But the moment his eyes laid on the occupant's face, his voice disappeared into the void. The overwhelming feeling inside him suddenly bursts open, stealing away his strenght. He could feel his whole body shaking, as he approach the bed. And somehow, each step he takes sucks out all the reason in his head.

"No..."

Laying on the pale sea of sheets, was the woman he has loved for more than he could ever count. Her once flowing jet black mane is now but a dry, flaky mess. Her skin seemed paler than before, so pale that he could see the web of veins flowing under. And the face he always adored...is now a picture of a lifeless mask. Her beautiful eyes, are nothing but sunken rounds, and her young skin reduced to lines. Against the plastic ventilator mask, he could see her chapped lips, and her nostrils flaring as she despairs for a breath.

The rise and fall of her chest, following the steady rhythm of the ventilator behind her, as the monitoring machines continued to beep, mocking him of his crime. IV poles with numerous tubes dangling from those IV bags continued to her thin arms. Patches of bruises and bandages decorated her exposed arms, as another set of tubes flows under her bed, connected to the bags hanging under the bed.

Above her head, was a small sign saying DNR.

Do not resuscitate. Meaning...in the event the patients enters a state of any cardiorespiratory depression, no attempts of resuscitation shall be admimistered. In short. She is left to die.

His mind began to spin in spiral colors as his legs crumbled down. He could feel his tears rolling down his face, like waterfalls. His chest feels so heavy, so painful, he couldnt breath. Suffocating both his body and his heart. He could only touch her cold hands, hoping it could transfer some of his warmth to her. He wanted to embrac her so tight, but, he was too afraid that he might break her. He wanted to wake her up, to check that she's still alive, but he was to scared. He wanted to pick her up, and take her away from this cruel place, but...

He's too weak...too pathetically weak...

"So you finally decided to visit huh?" It was her sister.

"You asshole. All that matters to you is your friggin' job. You didnt even bother about her health. What? You think this just happened after you two broke up? Fuck that! She broke up with you cuz she realize her cancer has reached it's final state! That all those fucked up therapies didnt do her any good! That she was afraid she couldnt keep it a secret anymore! And you didnt even noticed a single thing, you bastard!"

He couldnt say anything. What she was saying was true. Everything was true. There's no point in denying the truth.

"But even though she knew how much of a dickhead you are, she still loved you. She skipped most of her chemos just to be with you. She was hesitating to take chemo because she was afraid she might lose her hair, and it might blow her secret. That dumb fool. And in the end, all she wanted was to see your sorry ass...I dont get it. Why...Why did she choose you? You sorry piece of shit..."

"I'm sorry...I'm sorry...I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." He could only chant those words of forgiveness, hoping that they could reach her. That somehow, it could open her eyes, and cure her of this sickness...That it could ---

"We already decided...if her condition does not improve,we will take her off life support. " With that, he heard her footstep fade away into silence. Leaving him alone in his despair. In his pain. In this sea of suffering...

"Please...stop...crying..." He felt her hand tighten against his. And that cute smile of hers, radiating against the mask. "It's not...your fault..."

Empty of words, he could only bury his face in the small palm he loved so much...

I'm so sorry...

Fade Me

Watching the endless pitter patter of the rain as night falls silently across the moving city, I watch in feigned innocence as my soul shatters into pieces. An unnerving chill rushes through my veins, numbing my heavy heart, as I took another gush of life into my empty shell.

Another minute of senseless existance has added itself into the long line. Another minute wasted, as this pitiful shell of mine continues to exists.

Why does Death wishes to have this feigned soul to exist longer?

I exist for the reason of nothing; I exist for the reson of burden; I exist as a reason for pain. I am merely a thorn in the paths of those who surrounds me. Nothing else.

I lost the reason to know happiness; I have nothing to bargain Love for; I am nothing but an existance of emptiness. Another useless trash existing in this world.

I have no use, I have no sense. I exist in those around me as an illusion ready to fade and disappear by a ripple's command.

Cast me.

Exile me.

Abandon me.

Banish me.

Kill me.

Drown me in my tears.

I have no meaning, I have no worth.

Allow me to cease my existance. I am tired of living this false happiness. It'll only bring pain and suffering. Allow my mind and soul to break in the silent darkness. I do not want to feel anymore false warmth or happiness. Let pure sorrow and pain swallow my remaining heart, as the mask of feigned smile hides my torture soul.

Let this sinner fade away, oh glorious Death.

Let oblivion swallow my existance.

Let infinite darkness erase the memories I hold.

Let the bitter cold swallow my life.

Grant me this plea...

Abandoned laughter

Laying naked against the cold embrace of the white snow, wondering if someone out there would hear her tears. Patches of bruises against her porcelain skin, scratches on her tear stained face. With empty eyes, she stared back at the mocking starless night, waiting for Death.



Her body shivering against the cold, limbs robbed of their strenght, she patiently hoping for her life to cease.



Life has brought nothing but pain and suffering.



Dignity lives no more in this soul's heart, as it was robbed years back after her was ruthlessly massacred in front of her innocent eyes. Stripped from the comfort and thrown into the darkness in one Spring night. From a day of laughter, turns years of fear and pain.



She grew only knew how to satisfy the lusts of those filthy men who ravaged her bruised body day and night. The same men who robbed her of her family and comfort. And now, the very same men who had cast her away in the bitter cold of the night.



Why have they not just slash her throat and empty her blood into the ground like what they would usually do to their captives? Why let her go through such cold torture? Why not just end her life then and there.



Why?


Another drop of tear rolls down her bruised cheek. The numbing cold has finally conquered her body, as it began to weigh against her consciousness. Her mind, hazy with empty thoughts and memories of the past began to numb away. Her eyes, slowly losing the light of life...



'Hang in there...' A voice radiating with warmth beckoning to her.



Why save such pitiful stranger? I am nothing but a trash...



'I finally found you...after so long...'



Who...are you?



'I heard about what happened to your family two years ago. My father sent his men after the bandits but they lost track of them...'



Are you what they call...Angel?



'I denounced my title and vowed to look for you. You meant so much to me, that no matter how much stained or tainted you are now...'



Why?



'You accepted me for me...and now...It's my turn to accept you as who you are...'

Promises of the Azure Skies

"Next time, I'll be able to show you the world outside the city. Till then...take care."

Those were his last words to her. He couldnt bring himself to say goodbye to her, fearing that it might be his last. Inside, he wanted to believe that he'll be able to see her again. That after all this fighting is over, he'll be able to stay by her side and watch the clouds float in the azure skies. But as he lay there helplessly waiting for Death's verdict, he felt the fangs of regret and hurt settling inside his heart. There were so many things we wanted to say to her, so many things he wanted to show her, so many things he wanted to do with her...

Now...

They're nothing but lost promises and hopes.

Just like the hopes and dreams that were lost along with the lives of the men who lay along side him, lifeless.

The gray clouds began to cover the once blue heavens. He could hear the distant rumbling of thunder, and the faint flashes of lightning, along with the threats of the looming storm.

No. Please Let it not rain. Please. Let me see the azure skies, at least once more...

But the heavens pay no heed to his pleas, as soft drops of rain began to touch his face. Softly, slowly, it began to fall. Washing away the crimson stain the senseless fighting has brought upon the lands. Washing away all the dirt the humans had cast upon these barren lands. And...

Washing away his tears...

The skies continued to rumble, as so the rain. He wondered if would still survive the rain, or will he pass away during the rain fall. He wondered if he's going to die of bleeding, or of hypothermia. He wondered...

Is she seeing the same skies as he is?

No. Please, at least let her have a serene azure skies. She gets sick easily when it rains, that's why she had to move in that walled city, at the price of her freedom.

The same freedom he promised to her.

Despite the rain falling down his face, he could feel his own tears rolling down his cheeks. He must be looking so pitiful. Or in her eyes, funny.

Come to think of it, she always laugh at him during his most serious times. Even when he's mad, or irritated, she would smile, and ease that emotion away. Then laugh. And he too would start laughing. She has this infectious laughter that can soothe away his most negative emotions like they were nothing.

Goddamnit.

Reaching for the skies with his blood stained hand, he wished the heavens will grant him his last wish.

Let her have an azure sky...let her see the skies she loved the most...

A faint smile formed on his lips, as the rain slowly stopped. Tiny rays of sun began searing through the gray sky, as if it was showing him the way...

The way to the ever eternal Azure skies.

"Look! It raining but the skies arent that clouded." Just hearing the word 'rain made her stop in her tracks. But how strange. It doesnt look that dark and gloomy outside.

"It is" She smiled. The sun was still shining and the skies were still glittering in it's beautiful azure hue. Clasping her hands in a prayer, she uttered a small wish.

'May the azure skies always be wherever he is...'

"Hey! That dude you're dating...He hates the rain too right, or was it the thunder?"

She smiled shyly. "Although he's a soldier...he's actually scared of the thunder. But, that what's makes him human right? He accepts the fact that he is scared of something!"

"Yeah yeah...whatever..he's still a wimp if he's scared of the thunder. Anyways, what do you think he'll bring when he gets back? "

She felt a sting in her heart, as she heard the words 'gets back'. And somehow, tears began to pool in her eyes, as she struggled for an answer. She felt this weird pain tugging in her heart, as she opened her mouth in reply.


"The eternal Azure sky."

"

Again under the Winter Skies

The muffled screams of help ringing from a far awakened his consciousness, as the strong scent of burning flesh and the metallic taste of blood filled his senses. Slowly opening his eyes, as he struggled to move his weak body, to venture the source of such disturbance. At first, everything was white and blurry. Then, as he squinted his eyes for clarity, blurry figures began to appear. He could now tell, that there was a fire burning behind the blurred figures. As his vision improved, his horror and anger intensified.

The blurred figures, turned out to be two the rogue bandits who had been terrorizing the villages, setting them on fire while raping its women and killing its men.

And now such fate beholds the familiar figure lying helplessly on the crimson stained snow. Her blonde hair, like spilled ray of sunshine was stained with blood, as the rest of her ever immaculate white robes. Her beautiful face was a picture of pain and suffering but---


"Now tell us! Where can we find that goblin tengu?"
"You...can take my life..."
"Bitch!Tell us! Or we'll burn you alive!"

"I' rather...die than have him....suffer." Despite the horrendous fatal wounds she had, and the unimaginable pain she's going through...she was still...smiling.

He wanted to rush by her side and swoop her away to safety. He wanted to crush the skulls of these worthless lowlifes, and leave their rotting cadavers for the wolves and crows to feast on.

But--

His glorious black wings are bounded in a sealed cherry tree. He has no choice but watch in mute terror while the one he had treasured amongst all expire in the most horrendous way. He could only watch...helplessly...

The bandits saw her pure innocent smile, and thought she was taunting them. His eyes widened in pure anger and pain, as he watched in such still time, his beloved's head roll down the snow capped ground. Her crimson blood, pouring out of her lifeless body began to dye the ground in red. Unsatisfied, the bandits took her decapitated head and impaled it unto a rusty sword, while her body was thrown to the burning village.

Overwhelming pain, anger, and hatred began to rage inside him, ravaging his consciouness and senses. It was giving him enough power to break free. But---

"When we meet each other again, I hope it will be a Spring's season..."

Hearing her voice from a memory soothe his raging anger, numbing his pain. And as her distant voice faded away, his nulled senses began to succumbed into an eternity's sleep, with a heart believing in a promise.

Winter Sky Promise

The bells of war had finally calmed down, as finally a victor emerged from the crimson laced battlefield. With snow gently falling down from the serene gray skies of winter, the man stood up, dragging his blood stained sword behind him. And even though the battles had long ended, the cries of war still vividly rings inside his ears as the play of swords came to view inside his mind. With each step he makes, the war would replay itself again, over and over again. But such sight didnt bothered him. Nor the taunting distorted faces of the men he slew, or the dismembered bodies of his comrades that lay down on his feet. Not even the mocking white frost on his bloodstained armor, or the biting pain on his side. Not a single one of them.

As he walked pass by the scattered remains of the warriors from both sides, another memory from before began playing inside his mind. The night of her land was slaughtered. The same land he vowed to protect with all his life. The same land that was once flourishing with life, vibrating with serenity. but now, it was nothing but a barren wasteland. A graveyard for all the innocent souls who perished that night. Those poor souls who suffered in his stead.

If only he did not let his emotions betray his judgement, those people, would be still....

Alive.

Alive and breathing just like him. Not cold and decaying under the charred remains of the ruins of their beloved village. They shouldnt be...

A stray piece of shield caught his foot, sending his rolling down the corpse strewn hill. He was back from where he started.

Lying in a pool of blood and corpses.

He tried to stand up, but the gnawing pain from his side forced him down. He tried again, but with same results. It seemed his body just wants him to lay here, along with his comrades. To watch the Winter sky shed theirf frozen tears for him as he lay there waiting for his Shinigami.

He wondered as the cold began creeping to his lower extremities, if the same shinigami that took her life would come and take his. He was thinking if he cold strike a bargain with that shinigami so that he could ask it to take him to where she is. He's not gonna stay to whatever place she's in of course, he just want to talk to her.

What would you say to her?

"I"m sorry. I'm sorry for not betraying your trust."

Is that all?

"No, I want to thank her the most. She gave me so much, so selfishly, to someone who did not deserve a single drop what she so wholeheartedly gave me. She deserved someone else, yet she continued on believing in me."

Why do you say that?

"I rebuked her feelings, because I was afraid that I'll just hurt her more. And the fact that I was still in love with her sister, and the rage of vengeance inside my heart and mind, I am simply not worthy of her..."

Yet she believed in you right?

"Yes. And I betrayed that trust."

What makes you think you betrayed her trust?

" I caused her so much pain and suffering. I took forgranted her feelings and watched her sold herself to that filthy warlord. I sent her beloved land to hell, and lead her army to their end."

Did anyone blamed you for that? Did anyone pointed a finger at you and accused you of their murder?

"No one did..."

Then why claim such harsh pretenses?

"Because I knew my sins, I dont deserve this life, yet I'm still breathing..."

These people gave their live protecting you, yet you choose to waste their sacrifice?

"I did not deserve this life their giving me..."

Everyone has a right to live...

"I am not one of that 'everyone'..." He closed his eyes, as a warm drop of tear began it journey down his cold cheek. His pale lips felt so cold, and his whole body feels so numb and heavy. Although his mind was getting blurry, he could still see clearly.

Clear enough to see who was kneeling beside him.

Her long dark hair fluttering against the cold winter winds, as the light pecks of snow flakes covered her head. Wearing the same lilac and white cherry blossom kimono she favored so much. Her bright sun gold eyes vibrating with life stared down his, filled with questions yet remained silent with answers. He tried to lift his arm to caress her face, but he was too weak to move. She smiled, as she picked up his near frozen arm and held it close to her warm cheek. With such a simple and gentle act, he felt that same familiar warmth embrace his body, filling his cold senses. Life began to ring loudly in his ears, as her apparition began to fade.

"Live...and find me..."

Those were the words were enough for him to stand up to his feet, struggling fiercely against the blinding pain on his side. He took of his armor and ripped a hem of his suit and tied it across his gaping wound. The pain was slightly quelled as he strapped back his armor on.

Taking a deep breath, he began climbing the hill again with much vigor and enthusiasm.

How can he forget that promise?

The same promise that fueled his fight for life...that same promise that kept him alive...