Preface

In death, all are equal. Whatever the means, the end is the same - you will cease to exist. Causes of death, on the other hand, vary substantially. But isn't dying for the reasons you exist the best way to go? When it is the only means you know of defending them, won't you freely give your life?

I have been convincing myself that I regret nothing - nothing that led me to this situation, my death. I am ready to face my end, but I can't erase the nagging feeling at the back of my head that there is something I will lament over, if it were possible to feel in my afterlife - if there was one.

Chasing those who threaten the ones I am willing to die for is nothing. I will run after them to all the corners of the world to make sure they can't ever torment my loved ones again. Bravery is not a question. But now that I'm faced with death as inevitable as the looming war, I am forced to rethink. Will they finally be safe if I die for them?

As I ran, I saw one of my allies being simultaneously attacked by three of our enemies. I knew that this will not end until I get to my prey but when the fight broke a little, I saw who was getting mobbed and I instantly forgot my goal. I dashed to help him although I was sure he did not need my assistance. But I can't just let him fight alone.

When I got closer, I saw that he was actually struggling even when his movements were as fast as lightning. The ancients he fought were not inexperienced unlike their younger accomplices. And there were three of them.

The ancients looked at my direction when I was close enough to be heard amidst the bedlam.

"Two choices: leave or die." I told them calmly across two hundred yards.

The fight immediately stopped. They knew they were in the match nearest where my voice came from. The ancients turned and faced me instead, all in offensive, calculating stance.

"So be it."

My heart started to beat faster than before. Dread and excitement were coupled with relief. Come on, come and get me.

As my three adversaries sauntered towards where I stood, their previous target spoke weakly, transfixed and shaking his head slowly. "Don't."

I just smiled at him as an answer, my eyes blinded by tears.

He is the reason that I live. He is more than welcome to be the reason that I die.