Author's Note: I was not expecting this story. In fact, I blame it entirely on the good people who have taken the time to review Like This (those people being MimiYamatoForever, Lost-Remembrance, and karone-sakura). I decided to go RW fanvid searching again and came upon an incredibly moving video entitled "Alive in Your Heart Forever." The first line of Alive practically knocked me out it hit so hard, and so I sat down and pumped out this oddly-numbered drabble (350 words). It is again Ryo-centric and admittedly dark. The video reminded me very much of something that would be done in honor of a close friend/family member who had recently died. This story therefore takes place on the night following the Ronins' final victory over Talpa and is AU as I am choosing to alter the ending: Ryo did not, in fact, survive the process of taking over Talpa's body and subsequently being attacked by his comrades. (Let's just say the Jewel of Life was stolen from Yuli and pawned at some American pawn shop....) Alive follows Cye's thoughts as he reflects on the recent events, including the angst of knowing he played a part in killing his leader. It is highly recommended that you watch the video that inspired this first (and a link has been provided on my homepage). I feel like the video says everything for the Ronins that I could not put into words. Thanks for taking the time to read this and I hope everyone enjoys. The boys don't belong to me. (Damn.) :)
--MK
Alive
There are some moments that are hard to forget.
The first love and the first kiss.
First best friend and your mischief together.
Making a goal and seeing it through.
Facing a fear and conquering it.
Some moments are just too precious to let slip away
Others I want to tear from my brain. Abandon. Destroy.
Some memories don't deserve immortality; some moments should be lost in time. Who decides which is which? When do I get a say?
One moment you're here; one moment you're gone. If a candle burns too brightly there are consequences to be suffered. Memories aren't good enough; memories won't bring you back. Images don't make dead hearts beat again.
Fighting through hell and back….Too young to vote, too young to drive…but old enough to die. Always Death is waiting.
Memories don't serve us right; memories can't return you to our side. Too bright to stay; too young to leave. The world is an impossible place. Selfless too often; devoted too much. You gave when there was nothing left to give; we cried when there were no more tears left to cry. Shining, burning, bright. Memories don't compare. To have known someone like you; to have called you friend; to have called you brother. And then to turn and expect you there, only to find the wind blowing at our backs.
There are memories that don't fade. Sometimes they're too bright, too.
That look in your eyes, the final cut….When you give too much you give yourself, and sometimes you aren't given back.
A candle that burns too brightly can't last. A person who leaps first with his heart isn't given the chance.
Tonight we say goodbye on this otherwise victorious eve. Think not of us and final moments, difficult breaths, and last goodbyes. Think not of pain. Dream of peace that has been found, of hope that has been restored, and remember…remember the memories that should never be forgotten. The memories that never were. The memories that could have been.
The memories in which you are still alive: our candle that burned too bright.