Disclaimer: I do not own any of the RW characters.

Author's note: New to writing. Would love your reviews-good or bad!

A Desired Peace

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"I can do this," he thought to himself,"I am the leader of the Ronin Warriors, for the love of Pete." Ryo Sanada let a long breath escape through his lips as if he were about to engage in a battle. Ryo of the Wildfire was known for his strength, his stubborn heart, and for being a protector of so many. It had been his destiny, his life calling to defeat Talpa. He had done what he was asked to do: protect humanity.

Five years had passed since the warriors had closed that chapter in their lives. The fighting had ended. No more weapons, no more armies, no more carrying the burden of protecting so many. Some may call it "selfish", but it was time for the warriors to live their days out focusing on their dreams...on their desires.

The Wildfire stopped pacing the boat dock and looked up. The sky had turned into a dark blue, the stars were scattered across the heavens. Crickets chirped in the serene night. It was peaceful. This is what he had longed for so much. To be at peace. To find a meaning to this life.

The past five years had been full of laughter, joy, and peace. Things that Ryo never thought he would see again. But here he was...in his heart, he knew that even though the battle was over, the nightmares never ended. Every single night, images and fears creeped in his mind that he couldn't shut out. Couldn't control. Ones that woke him as he cried like a child. Would there ever be a peace that comforted his soul? A balm to ease the painful past? For now, the peace in the day was enough to help him get through his hellish nights.

"Ryo," a voice called a little too happily,"I have something to tell you!" Mia Koji seemed to have a skip in her step as she made a beeline for her friend. Her auburn hair was pulled up into a tight ponytail. A few strands curled around her face. She had a look of pure delight.

A smirk snaked across Ryo's face. This was his best friend. He studied her. She wore capris, a button down blue top, and a pair of slippers that she normally wore in her rather large home when she was relaxing. At this hour, Ryo knew she would be curled up in front of the television with the news playing, but her nose would be stuck in one of those romance novels. Her tea that she normally made before bed would've been cooled to the touch because she had forgotten to drink it while she finished just another chapter. She would then warm it in the microwave, drink a few sips, then fall asleep on her brown recliner as she did every other night. Yes, he knew her inside out. That's what best friends did.

He broke his thoughts,"You're outside in your slippers, Mi. You must have something very important to say. Did Kento eat all of your hidden ice cream?" A teasing look spread across his face.

"No," she beamed,"something special happened and I had to tell you." She rested her hands on her hips. She wanted him to guess. Oh, he knew her so well! Ryo felt his cheeks flame for a moment. So, she had read the letter then?

Only an hour ago, the brave Wildfire made the decision to confess it all on paper. Well, not all, but enough to where his dear friend would get the hint. He had tucked the paper meticulously in her book at the exact chapter she was on. As soon as she opened her book, it was suppose to fall out and she was suppose to know all of it.

Every. Single. Thought.

Mi,

I maybe the bearer of the Inferno, but I am a chicken. Too chicken to tell you.

It's been five years.

You've been there with me every step of the way through this battle.

You're my best friend.

I think I want more.

I think I love you.

He held his breath. He smiled at her. His cheeks instantly flushed red as he tried to answer her question. She had read the note. And she seemed very happy about it. Could it be that he had been nervous for no reason? Had she feelings for him as he did for her?

The quiet got the best of her. Just like a little joyous child, she grasped her best friend's hand and jumped into his arms. It didn't take long for Ryo to respond. Instantly, he drew her tighter into his embrace. The smell of lavender teased his nose. Her head tucked perfectly under his chin. This was his desire. This was his peace. This was what he wanted.

Mia pushed away from him ever so slightly, her eyes gazing into tiger blue eyes she had come to memorize. It seemed almost natural for Ryo to lean down, to brush his lips against hers. Man alive, heaven knows he had imagined kissing her on more than one occasion. But something inside stopped him...so he waited...

Mia bit the bottom of her lip as she surrendered her secret,"Sage and I are going on a date!"

Time seemed to stand still. The plan of finally pouring out his heart to her, finally being selfish and going after his desire, aching for a peace for his soul...it all came shattering around his feet like thousands of pieces of a broken mirror. Silence.

"Did you hear me?" She pulled on his arms to pull him back to the present,"Are you not happy? I was sitting down to read my book when he came in and we started talking. He asked me to go to the club this Friday! Oh, Ryo, someone finally noticed me!"

Those big green eyes were pleading for acceptance from him. Begging him to be happy for her. This was the job of a best friend: to support them no matter what, to always be there, to listen...even if their hearts rebelled. His hand touched her cheek lightly,"I'm very glad, Mi...you deserve to be noticed."

And that was a moment Ryo knew he would never forget. His dreams of a balm had deceased. His heart laid at his feet in pieces. Never would he open his heart again. It had taken years for him to open up. The death of his family left him in a cold, calloused state growing up. Never did he think a woman by the name of Mia could teach him to open up, to love, to feel alive again...

Every single battle he faced, it was his desire to protect her. Every injury he ever endured didn't hurt as much, as long as she was okay. Every smile she had gave him gave him a peace, even if that smile was because of another man.

"Some plan, Ancient One...is my life always to be a sacrifice for other's happiness?" So he did what he knew would make his best friend happy...he smiled...

The Ancient One had continually told the leader of the Warriors that it was his job to protect them. Not only the people of the world, but his fellow warriors. It was his job to keep them inspired and motivated. To keep them united. So why would he divide the team now...even if it meant sacrificing his desires? His Mia?

So, just like a good leader, he accepted the burden on his shoulders.

Mia Koji never picked up her romance book again. It remained untouched as her life moved on. She never found out about how Her best friend really felt. Days turned into months, and months into a year.

And just as life went on and Mia turned her heart towards the Warrior of Wisdom, the Armor of Wildfire allowed his heart to grow distant from her and climb once more into a shell of loneliness.

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