“Oh, bloody HELL!” There had been an explosion, one we couldn’t stop. Our plight began to seem hopeless, but we were not ones to give up hope. Our lives, before hope.

But so many innocents were dying. That recent blast had murdered so many people. The power of our enemies was overwhelming us; we were slowly loosing this battle.

I felt a presence behind me and swung around to face him. He was fast and had disappeared. He was playing with me.

How could he have done this? Why did he do it? I scanned the bruised and battered terrain for my opponent. He is there, I know he is.

In the blackness surrounding me, why could I not see his lightening-blond hair? Where is he?

Slowly, unbidden, a small droplet of salted water journeys down my cheek, touching the corners of my mouth and dropping away. A single tear from eyes that should never have shed such again.

Fool. Such memories will be your downfall. As a leader, I have to ignore the pain, forget the memories, forget my soul and empty heart.

I close my eyes, momentarily, and I see stormy gray ones shining back. I remember the feel of strong arms wrapped about me. Hands, lips caressing my body. Whispered promises, passionate kisses.

I choke on the pain in my chest, wrought on by the torrent of memories.

Your fool’s heart will destroy you.

A betrayal so complete.

I force open my eyes. He stands before me only a few feet away.

His regal appearance seeming unblemished. A strange figure amidst the surrounding death and destruction. His eyes burn with a cold gleam. They are steel.

An explosion distracts me. It is the nearest shelter. “No!” Children, men, women. All were gone in a single blast. “No,” I whisper in denial.

Turning, I grab my chain and lash out with all the pain and anger inside of me.

His hand shoots out and lightly plucks the whip from mid-air. A wicked grin graces his handsome lips, and he jerks his hand and I stumble towards him. I am in his arms. God, no. Not his arms, as strong as they always were. His face is so close. He is mocking me. I feel so weak; he knows me too well.

He kisses me, then releases me. My weakness carrying me to the ground. He laughs, drawing his sword. My hand brushes against my chain. I whip it again towards his hand. He laughs as it wraps around his blade, believing my aim to be off. I am so tired.

But I wanted the blade.

I pull hard, and it falls towards me. Without thinking, without breathing, I grasp its hilt and plunge the steel deeply into his chest.

He instantly seizes my neck, thumbs crushing my throat. God, were does he get the strength? He should already be dead!

But it is his last wish.

And mine.

He is fading, but not before me. My vision goes black.

I smile.

Don’t be too long in joining me, my Love.

~owari~