A/N: Due to the alarmingly lack of BardoxKonoe fics, I thought I would give a hand and try my best to contribute a share.
It will consist of ficlets at less than 1000 words each, following no real or true narrative structure. Some may be connected and some are not. I hope you will enjoy these little snippets, and forgive any spelling mistakes or grammatical errors.
1:Comfort
Several years has passed since the fight with Leaks had ended. Life in Sisa has steadily returned to normal as the Sickness and the Void, that had once been slowly draining the very essences and life, has disappeared and no longer held Sisa within a death grip.
Cats all over Sisa are now able to travel and enjoy life to the fullest without fear of death touching them.
The only fears warranted now are from other Ribika, like bandits preying on unsuspecting travelers, or getting involved with territorial disputes. However, life in general has become more enjoyable and peaceful.
That is mostly in Konoe's opinion or maybe this stems from having suffered through a tough experience in his life. That period in his life when his life was placed into grave danger and had to leave the life he once had in his home village, Karou, forever.
Konoe never expected he would leave Karou but circumstances had forced him to abandon the only home he knew. He never left willingly but he wasn't given a choice.
Now that Konoe has the time and the chance to really think it through. Having left Karou maybe was the best choice, even if it was a forced decision.
He never truly felt regretful for leaving his home village, but maybe the only regret he felt towards his village is its destruction was partly due to his fault, or rather the work of Leaks, who is now him or was a segment of himself.
Leaks, the powerful magician that created the Sickness and the Void, no longer exists in the general sense but that cat still lives. The conscious that was once Leaks is gone, but the memories, feelings and guilt still exist. It exists within Konoe that has to now bear the burden of the pain until the end of his days or when he no longer can cope.
It isn't truly a good existence to bear all this suffering Leaks had created on others and to himself, but Konoe never regretted the decision to continue on living. This was the price he had to pay if he wanted to live, to live a life as 'Konoe' for just a little longer.
The cat 'Konoe' was created by Leaks as a separate existence from the magician, even if Konoe was once Leaks. He is still Konoe. And that is the life he wishes to live. A life he will lead by his own choice and decisions.
At times the pain may be unbearable and leave Konoe waking up and night from terrible nightmares. It can get overwhelming but Konoe believes he can bear it all, because he now knows he is no longer alone.
If he was alone, like he was in Karou, these memories and pain would eventually overcome him sooner, but he can bear it a little more because he isn't alone for there is another existence that helps ease his suffering.
Konoe was awoken by another nightmare. The nightmares don't come every single night but it will happen and it will never go away entirely.
A warm and strong arm was wrapped around his slim waist. On the back of his neck, Konoe could feel an even and gentle breath of another cat. Konoe didn't need to turn to see for he knew who it was holding him in such an intimate and comforting manner.
Konoe would place his smaller hand on the larger one that rests on his stomach. His smaller palms could be easily crushed by these other much larger and stronger hands. But Konoe knew these hands are always gentle and would never hurt him.
Bardo...
Konoe may have never said it or is too embarrassed to say it but during those nights when the nightmares come. What helps soothes his frantic beating heart and help ease the tension in his body and bristled fur, was the feeling of this gentle warmth.
Konoe could always feel Bardo's warmth and kindness.
He once told Bardo that the cat's greatest strength is his kindness. Konoe is always appreciative of it. Those nights after experiencing and suffering through those terrible nightmares, just being wrapped completely in Bardo's kindness helps ease Konoe back into a restful sleep and calms his frantic beating heart.
Quietly Konoe squeezed Bardo's larger hand.
He can't say it but he will try his best to show how he appreciates the older cat.
Konoe thought Bardo was fast asleep but the striped-cat drew him even closer and tighten his hold on Konoe. Bardo didn't speak but he did not need to say anything as his action spoke more than words could ever.
Feeling Bardo's warmth seeping through his skin on his back, Konoe closed his eyes and felt completely relaxed and content. His nightmares were placed all the way back of his mind. The only thing that was in Konoe's thoughts and focus was this warmth, and the name of a single and treasure cat.
Bardo...
Konoe started to go back to sleep.
His dreams this time weren't filled with darkness and pain, but it was filled with a bright light, and in the distance Konoe believed he could hear a beautiful melody being played. A very familiar and nostalgic melody played through a voice and lute instrument.
Konoe didn't need to know who was playing. Deep within his heart he already knew.