Disclaimer-I do not own Dais and/or Kayura. Both characters belong to their respective owners and producers. The title of this story is taken from the song "I Wish I Could Have Been There" by John Anderson. This song belongs to its respective owners, singers, and producers.
I Wish I Could Have Been There
Isabel Night
Dais and I have been coming to Anubis' grave for quite some time now, but the reason as to why the both of us are here today is because on this day, six months ago, Dais, Cale, and Sekhmet laid Anubis in the earth. I didn't attend the funeral, but if I had been there, I don't think I would have been able control myself.
Anubis' headstone is very simple; it is carved from expensive black marble in the shape of an obelisk. Blooming cherry trees tower over the headstone as Dais and I stand before the grave of the man who saved our lives. As we stand together, I notice that the Warrior of Summer looks devastated. I wish I could say something to him, but what can I say?
As I close my eyes, Dais turns towards me. "I wish I could have been there."
"There was nothing you could do Dais, you were trapped in that tower," I reply, still looking at the headstone.
"I know. I just...wish I could have done something."
"He would have stopped you...you know."
"And since when did he decide as to who lives and who dies?"
"Dais," I sigh, "for the past four hundred years you have decided on who lives and who dies. Don't get too upset just because something didn't go your way. Besides...there have been times, you've flaunted your ability to make that choice."
"I am not that hypocritical," the former Warlord of Illusion snaps, "every person has the power to make a choice in his or her own life."
"Then you do realize that Anubis' final act was his choice, and his choice alone?"
"Of course I do, Kayura," the former Warlord replies, "it's just that...I'm beginning to remember some of the good memories that all four of us once shared together. The most vivid memory was the moment when all four Seasons were finally united under Talpa's banner. That was probably the biggest day of my life, and I...I must have been the proudest man in the Nether Realm. I was so happy that I finally had somewhere where I could be myself."
"Dais, even with the promise of a family and emotional stability, Talpa still fooled you. At least Anubis was able to break free from Talpa's hold."
"I know," the Summer Warrior replied, "but even if I had been lied to, I still had something to hold onto. The other Warlords have been and always will be my family. The well being of my family has always been my biggest priority, and I would have done everything in my power to keep us together. If that meant murdering someone, then that's what it took. If it meant doing something far worse, then I did that as well."
I look at Dais and nod, but I continue to let him speak. "I did what I had to do. It may have forced me to kill off a large portion of my soul, but I don't regret anything. However, when I look at this headstone I...I feel like I failed the one person who cared enough about me to sacrifice himself for me...and for all of us."
"You didn't," I tell him.
"Then why is he dead?"
"If he hadn't died, then maybe you wouldn't have realized that you were being taken for a fool."
"I know," Dais sighs. "But I wish I could have been a better big brother figure to Anubis. If I had been, then maybe he would..."
"Still be alive," I finish. "I understand."
"Do you have any regrets?" The Summer Warrior asks.
"No, but what's done is done. I didn't know him like you three did, but if he hadn't given up his life for me…
"I know," Dais answered. "But still...I wish I could have been there..."
THE END
I Wish I Could Have Been There
Isabel Night
Dais and I have been coming to Anubis' grave for quite some time now, but the reason as to why the both of us are here today is because on this day, six months ago, Dais, Cale, and Sekhmet laid Anubis in the earth. I didn't attend the funeral, but if I had been there, I don't think I would have been able control myself.
Anubis' headstone is very simple; it is carved from expensive black marble in the shape of an obelisk. Blooming cherry trees tower over the headstone as Dais and I stand before the grave of the man who saved our lives. As we stand together, I notice that the Warrior of Summer looks devastated. I wish I could say something to him, but what can I say?
As I close my eyes, Dais turns towards me. "I wish I could have been there."
"There was nothing you could do Dais, you were trapped in that tower," I reply, still looking at the headstone.
"I know. I just...wish I could have done something."
"He would have stopped you...you know."
"And since when did he decide as to who lives and who dies?"
"Dais," I sigh, "for the past four hundred years you have decided on who lives and who dies. Don't get too upset just because something didn't go your way. Besides...there have been times, you've flaunted your ability to make that choice."
"I am not that hypocritical," the former Warlord of Illusion snaps, "every person has the power to make a choice in his or her own life."
"Then you do realize that Anubis' final act was his choice, and his choice alone?"
"Of course I do, Kayura," the former Warlord replies, "it's just that...I'm beginning to remember some of the good memories that all four of us once shared together. The most vivid memory was the moment when all four Seasons were finally united under Talpa's banner. That was probably the biggest day of my life, and I...I must have been the proudest man in the Nether Realm. I was so happy that I finally had somewhere where I could be myself."
"Dais, even with the promise of a family and emotional stability, Talpa still fooled you. At least Anubis was able to break free from Talpa's hold."
"I know," the Summer Warrior replied, "but even if I had been lied to, I still had something to hold onto. The other Warlords have been and always will be my family. The well being of my family has always been my biggest priority, and I would have done everything in my power to keep us together. If that meant murdering someone, then that's what it took. If it meant doing something far worse, then I did that as well."
I look at Dais and nod, but I continue to let him speak. "I did what I had to do. It may have forced me to kill off a large portion of my soul, but I don't regret anything. However, when I look at this headstone I...I feel like I failed the one person who cared enough about me to sacrifice himself for me...and for all of us."
"You didn't," I tell him.
"Then why is he dead?"
"If he hadn't died, then maybe you wouldn't have realized that you were being taken for a fool."
"I know," Dais sighs. "But I wish I could have been a better big brother figure to Anubis. If I had been, then maybe he would..."
"Still be alive," I finish. "I understand."
"Do you have any regrets?" The Summer Warrior asks.
"No, but what's done is done. I didn't know him like you three did, but if he hadn't given up his life for me…
"I know," Dais answered. "But still...I wish I could have been there..."
THE END