Breathe Into Me
It was two years later…two years was when everything started coming together once again. And when the horrible realization finally came to me…
(Two years later…leaving Mishima Polytechnic)
Asuka and I left school a little earlier than usual. Everyone was, so we didn't stick out. I was still in deep depression, but not as bad as I was before.
"Hey Xiao," Asuka said, keeping pace with me. "Do you wanna get some ice cream? It'll cheer you up, won't it?"
I forced a smile and said, "Sure, why not?"
"Are you still going to prom?"
I nodded; why would I miss my own prom? Now that's one event I wouldn't miss.
"Of course; I wouldn't miss it for the world!"
"Great; just wait here. I'll go get our ice cream."
She ran off, leaving me alone. For a moment, I was dragged back into my memories of Jin and Lars. I couldn't allow myself to be dragged into memories. I shook my head and looked out into the distance; the sun was touching the horizon with such warmth, I almost felt myself become me again…
Why am I trapped in my memories? Why can't I let them go?
Jun's power was still within me, which was a good thing. I passed my Tekken Force training with flying colors, giving me a three-star rank. I'm doing pretty well for myself, but there was a lot missing from my life.
"Here you go!"
I broke out of my musings and took my chocolate ice cream from Asuka. It was bittersweet, but I didn't really care.
"Hey Xiao, what's that in the distance?"
I looked up and saw Tekken force soldiers fighting against what looked like other rebel soldiers. I considered in rushing into battle, but Asuka was right here, and I didn't want to risk her wellbeing.
"It's not safe to go that way," I said, grabbing her hand. "We have to go another way."
I grabbed her and started sprinting in the other direction, away from enemy fire. It resembled what happened when Asuka and I first saw Lars.
"We're going to your house this time," I said. "It's safer this way."
She didn't argue. We both sprinted towards her house, desperate to get away from the battle that was ensuing. I didn't want to think about what caused it…