Spoiler
Like the description says, this might be the ending of my series, "Shade". This is also an entry for this contest: topic75803.html
Teardrop, I apologize from the bottom of my heart for this being late! I had completely forgotten and hadn't written a thing! (At least, nothing I was willing to submit. XD) Then, suddenly, late last night (also known as the crack of dawn - 5:30 A.M.,) an idea struck me. I couldn't sleep because the idea wouldn't leave me alone! So, here you have it: My little bit of flash fiction for the day. Hope you enjoy! =]
Teardrop, I apologize from the bottom of my heart for this being late! I had completely forgotten and hadn't written a thing! (At least, nothing I was willing to submit. XD) Then, suddenly, late last night (also known as the crack of dawn - 5:30 A.M.,) an idea struck me. I couldn't sleep because the idea wouldn't leave me alone! So, here you have it: My little bit of flash fiction for the day. Hope you enjoy! =]
I watch from the swaying shadows of the Great Oak as my beloved kneels in front of my grave, his long black hair falling into his eyes. There is the usual bouquet of ruby red roses in his hands.
He comes every year at this same time, you see. Valentine’s Day. At times it almost seems silly to me.
“Why risk your life just to cry for me here?” I always want to reach out and ask. I know what could happen in the Eternal Forest if he isn’t careful in his journey…
But I never do say that, because I am trapped. If only he were to notice me standing here… But he never does.
Like every year, he lays the roses down and weeps. His shoulders heave and shake with the force of his sobs. I am destined to hopelessly watch, unable to move forward or back. Something is different about this year, though. I sense it in how he seems more weary - depressed. I hope that his alcoholic past hasn’t resurfaced.
Just then I notice him pulling a picture out of his pocket. Of course. Our family photo: Miyako and I were tangled together in a passionate embrace while Jade, our precious daughter, squeezed herself in-between us, her face aglow with joy.
That was before the illness struck - before I learned I had the Devil’s own curse. The doctor’s words still ring precisely clear in my mind: “You have AIDS…”
By some miracle, I hadn’t spread it to my Fated One. But that firmly put an end to our late-night fun. There was nothing that could be done at that point.
He cries over the picture and it flutters to the ground with a burst of the wind. Suddenly, still barely just crying, his face bears an apathetic, determined gaze. He places a hand on the hilt of his sword. And in that moment I know what he is about to do. I understand the difference in his behavior.
I struggle against the confines of the Spirit World, but a voice from nowhere says, “It’s his life. He must make his own decisions.”
No! I cry back with my mind, for my voice does not work here. He can’t do this!
The sword is raised in his hand now, delicately balanced over his heart. “I love you, Hotaru…” he whispers, so soft it’s almost inaudible. This is the first time I’ve heard this in over five long, trapped years. And it sets me free.
I am floating towards him now, desperate to reach him before he completes the terrible deed. I reach out and grab a hold of his wrist - but it is too late. The sword has already plunged through his heart and blood is pouring out of the wound. His body slumps to the ground, but his spirit rises, standing on its feet for the first time.
And he is with me again - even if it is in death. We embrace and hold each other, promising to never let go ever again. He tugs at my flaming red hair the same way he used to as we kiss. And for the first time in several years I allow myself to cry; even though no one can see except him, my Fated One; my Everything; my Forever.
Spoiler
And of course I, being the big baby that I am, cried as I was writing this. And editing it. And rereading it. And - you get the point. >_> I think I might love my characters too much.
