It was a nice breezy night in the Ne0-Japan Colonies. It was summer; school had just let out and everyone was preparing for the long haul. Spring's renewal had long since passed, and in its end, had taken the mother of Rain Mikamura. An unprecedented heart virus had taken her mother's life, and ever since then she had been determined to become a doctor and save lives.
And on top of a water tower stood Rain. Her childhood friend, Domon Kasshu, had requested to meet her here.
Rain took a quick glance at her analog watch. It was the latest fashion; everyone seemed to have abandoned digital. She heaved a sigh.
"Late as always, Domon," she breathed. Then, taking a step back, she backed right into the ambition five foot nine fighter.
"Domon!"
"Hey, Rain. Nice to see that you didn't forget," he replied. He had told her to meet him here right before the last day of school because he wasn't as smart as her so he didn't have any classes with her.
Rain sat down on the step, recovering from the shock Domon had given her. She was wearing a short red dress with matching pumps. She also had on pink lipstick; it was obvious she had dressed up just for him.
"So what did you call me here for?" she asked, staring ahead. The platform towered over the whole town, providing a very nice view.
"Oh yeah. About that. You see . . ." Domon broke off, looking uncomfortably around as if trying to find how he was going to break the news to his childhood sweetheart. Rain, noticing the awkward silence, looked over her shoulder.
"What is it?" she asked lightly, patting on the ground and motioning Domon to sit with her. Reluctantly, Domon obeyed.
"Well, you see. . . this'll be the last year I'll be in Ne0-Japan. I'll be going down there," he pointed at the blueberry planet. Rain nodded her head in acknowledgment.
"Oh. . . I see. A lot of boys your age are setting out to get jobs."
Domon shook his head. True, a lot of his friends were out getting minimum wage jobs, but that wasn't what he was going to do.
"You don't understand," he continued, surveying the town. He spotted his house, and how there was a small trail of smoke coming from the chimney. "I'm going to train with Master Asia."
Rain gasped. "The Great Undefeated of the East?"
Domon nodded. His future was close enough to grasp, and he decided to take it. Little did he know that it would be the biggest challenge of his life.
"Yes. . . I want to be a SOLDIER. No, not like any other. I want to be as strong as Master Asia."
"Oh. But that means that you'll be gone for a long time. . ." Rain trailed off, her head hung lowly, fighting the tears that was sure to come. Domon wrapped his arms around her delicate body in an embrace. Immediately, the tears stopped. Rain lifted her head. The tears gave her eyes the extra spark. They were like a set of fine sapphire.
"I will be back," Domon reassured.
"You promise?"
"Huh?"
"I want you to swear that you will."
"What?"
"Then does that mean that you don't mean what you just said? What if I ever need you to save me? Will you be there?"
"Yes, I will. I'll be there when you need me, and I will come back, but only when I'm famous."
"Will you write to me?"
"Every day."
Rain leaned contently on Domon's arm. She tilted her head so that she could see the constellations. A moving projectile in the sky caught her attention. It was a shooting star! She breathed deeply, awed at her fortune. She was with the man she loved, and even though they'll be separated for a few years, they will be happily together for an eternity.
I will be strong. Rain looked up. Domon's head was drooping, his eyelids closed. She smiled, and tugging on a blanket she had brought, wrapped it around herself and Domon. For his sake. . . .
To be continued. . . . .