Ch.14 (Saya)

I knew I was about to do something incredibly stupid, but at this point I was willing to do anything to escape. His eyes began to close and I noticed there a fork laying on the table along with some dirty plates. I knew it was a long shot, but I couldn't just give in to him.

I reached for it slowly and the second I picked it up, someone grabbed my wrists and held me close. When I turned my head instead of Satoru, Katashi was looking at me with a serious expression. His smile warmed my entire body, but when I closed my eyes and opened them again...Satoru looked at me with a strange expression.

I loosened my body and remembered something important that I had forgotten. I am insignificant and without Katashi there by my side...what is the point in this all! He was always there always protecting me, encouraging me to do my best, he taught me the value of life, friendship, and most importantly he reminded me of how wonderful it is to love someone.

I remembered the first time that I realized how deeply I actually cared for him. We were in the lake and held me up in his arms, our noses touching he kissed me and I knew I was safe...that I wouldn't have to be afraid of people any longer. At that moment I knew I had something to live for and even during his last moments...was still concerned about me.

"Live for the both of us"

His words echoed in my mind, enabling me to think. Sotaru continued to look down at me with a baffled expression and I realized the fork was still in my hand. Katashi's smile...warming me, holding me in his arms, his endless love.

"Fight"

At that moment his words flowed into my subconscious. I turned the fork over and instead of jabbing him I used it to defend myself. I grabbed a plate and smashed it into his head. It broke into hundreds of small pieces and scattered across the floor. He had gashes in his side and now feet as he attempted to grab me. I grabbed the other two plates and ran for the nearest exit. I threw the plates onto the floor, making it nearly impossible for him to catch up. After a few minutes of running I could see a dim light, but instead of the outside, I saw Katashi arms extended he welcomed me. I ran into his arms, but in reality I was running away from the tunnel entrance as fast as I could.

"Fight"

"Fight"

"Fight!"

His words echoed continuously, as if reminding me to never stop running. I turned around and was relieved to see no one was following me. I walked for a another 30minutes, until I reached a river bank. I was completely exhausted and noticed there were young couples all around me staring. I realized my clothing was drenched in Satoru's blood. I walked up to the river's edge and at the top of my lungs screamed as loudly as I could, tears streaming down my face...but not because I was sad...but because I knew Katashi was watching over me, protecting me, caring for me.

I jumped into the water and washed off the blood still crying loudly, watching the sun set behind the mountains. I still didn't know where I was or what I would do next, but what I did know was that I would survive. I had been so selfish, not understanding what Katashi had met...I would live for the both of us Katashi, I will make it a life you would be proud of..so rest easy. I know where to go from here.

(Amaya)

I had been training day and night with Hayate and collapsed onto my bed. My phone suddenly began to vibrate and when I answered I could hear Saya's muffled cry.

"S-Saya!" I yelled out.

"Hey, I don't really know where I am right now and I escaped from where he was holding me. Pl-please come pick me up," she mumbled, it sounded like she was shivering.

"Don't move!" I ordered.

I had Ryou track her through the call and in was on the next train to the country side. In a few hours I had arrived at the station and sprinted to the riverbank, tears falling from my eyes as I saw Saya sleeping on the grass. A blanket was wrapped around her and I sat down next to her.

"You really are a pain," I laughed.

"I'm sorry Amaya. I-I am so sorry!" she gagged suddenly throwing her arms around me.

"You idiot! I was so worried!" I screamed hugging her back, tears falling down my face. Finally I was at ease. My best friend was safe.

"Amaya!" She sobbed into my shoulder as we both cried.

"You're safe now. And If Satoru ever tries anything again... I swear he's dead."

Before I knew it we were both crying and laughing at the same time. Saya wasn't just my best friend, but she was the only reason I was living the way I do today. She and Hayate were more important than anything else in the world and I would never let anything happen to them again.

"Saya!" I heard someone call out from behind us. When I turned, I saw Ryou waving his hands and to my surprise, he was crying.

Saya gently let go of me and extended her arms to Ryou. He lifted her up and they both cried onto each other's shoulders. As I watched them Hayate sat down next to me.

"Look who finally decided to show up." I said.

"You were out of the house before we knew what had happened." He defended, laughing a bit. He pulled my head onto his shoulder and put one arm around me. "but yeah. I am happy she has something to live for now," he said, letting out a long sigh.

" She isn't trying to forget Katashi, but she isn't clinging to him either. She knows that he is with her and will never forget him either." I answered, smiling brightly. "Finally"

"Amaya..." He turned himself so his face was facing mine. His eyes was the usual, dark and sad. But they were different... somehow.

Before he could say another word, I ran off towards the others and punched Ryou in the gut as he continued to hold Saya in his arms.

"Long Enough Ryuo!"

"I don't think so." instead of letting her go, he extended his other arm and pulled me up with Saya, Causing the Three of us to explode in laughter. Watching Saya laugh so easily, instead of being afraid to...it was a miracle. She was finally free of her fading memories.