Hazy

This must be the shortest piece I've ever written in my entire career. In response to The Narrator's challenge, written in 10 minutes. The POV can be guessed after reading. Takes place after Akira's fight with Kubira, in the manga. Minor spoilers to those who don't know.

Disclaimer: SDK doesn't belong to me.

Bitter.

That was the taste on my lips, even though I knew what I was drinking was sweet sake.

Lonely.

That was what clenched my heart, even when the merry voices of their laughter reached my ears…they didn't seem to reach my heart. My lips curved into an automated smile, cheerful and blinding as ever. Happily attended to Akira's self-inflicted wound (he did ask for it, Akari was just being fair) even when I felt like I could do nothing but just curl into a corner and cry.

But no, he had told me not to cry. Didn't he say I was stronger? I cannot hide behind tears, I must face my fears like the others.

None of them have a past like you.

True, my past was traumatic, but I know theirs are equally disturbing. Yet they are still alive, they are still fighting, they are still LIVING. I have so many shining examples around me.

Kubira's gentle parting reminded me so much of Saisei. In this world of war and bloodlust, there are pure hearts that seem to give me the strength to push on.

For what? To avenge your brother's death?

A chill traveled down my spine. Technically, that vendetta seems null now that I have seen him. A part of me wanted to believe that apparition truly was Nozomu, but the other part fiercely declared it was an imposter.

My gaze traveled to Akari. The shaman was berating the other two Shiseten ( for good knows why; Akari always seems to find something wrong in their words). My heart lightened to see them behaving as if nothing had ever happened. Glad that Akari was back to her playful self, not the serious fighter who disintegrated a man into dust. Glad that despite her shock, she carefully hid it behind that Kyo-obsessed mask.

I finished wrapping up my bundle and finally noticed Santeira looking at me. Her troubled eyes, always full of compassion was directed to me. The message in them was clear.

I quickly looked away to prevent any unwanted emotion from floating to the surface. These people, they need me to be strong. They need me to smile and cheer, to insist that what they're doing is justified. Even when I myself do not know if it's true.

The pink-haired shaman caught my eye again. She had left Akira and Hotaru kissing the floor, twitching in pain. Hai, It seems that I must open my medicine box again.

Her eyes caught mine and she smiled. Don't lose faith, I could hear her say. We'll get through this and find the truth.

I wish I could pretend to forget, pretend that everything was fine and join in their laughter but…

Memories remain like bitter tears…before they fade away.

I hope.