[you are my country]
[sept 30, 2007]
"My Country"
Written June 25, 2009
Yuui caught the snowflakes as they fell, uncharted universes vanishing in his palm like so many islands drowned beneath the sea; and then he extended his hand to show his twin. It was the winter solstice in Celes; it was not a night to roast peacefully before a hearth, alone.
He had taken his leave of King Ashura mere hours ago, and with a slight, conspiring smile, his sovereign disappeared into the woods nearby, to search for druids and bonfires. They would not meet again until tomorrow, when the holy net cast by the name of the solstice lay lost in the snow behind them.
Yuui sat crouched on the floor of his brother's chamber, arms tied around his knees, and listened intently to the sound of Fai's icy case crackling. I think this is home, Fai, he thought, but we can go if he breaks his promise. We can go to a warmer place, if you'd like, where the winds don't visit and the air doesn't move, only rests in place and swells with sunbeams.
Wherever you want to go, said Yuui.
Later, though Kurogane falters from Ashura's blows and finds his throat stopped with death, he waits for the mage to find him.
The solstice winds tear at the walls and howl through the castle like newborn banshees. Yuui can hear the sound of gates clanging open. He crouches before Fai and touches those frayed, broken pieces.
I'm sorry. I'm leaving now, says Yuui. I'll think of you, once I find a better place.
Sunbeams enough for the two of us.
A promise. Kurogane's name filling the empty halls. The sound of gates clanging shut.