Sinensis's P.O.V.-
Laying there, I knew what was happening…. I could feel it; I could feel the life quickly leaving me. I had no idea where Rido was right now and at this point, I didn't really care. I couldn't kill him; of course I couldn't kill him. I acted out of anger, for the first time…. my body acted on pure, unadulterated rage. And now… I'm going to die; after all this…. The hemlock isn't going to kill me. But I still managed to kill myself, accidently this time. I couldn't save Ban… I know why Rido killed him; he didn't want me to be attached to another human. He must have killed Ban in his sleep, after that sleeping spell he put on him. Oh Ban…. I winced my eyes shut. I'm so sorry! This is all my fault; if it wasn't for me and this stupid potion…
Wait! My eyes shot open. The Fountain of Youth! It's still here. With the upmost pain, I lifted my head up off the ground to see it intact. Yes! Yes, it's still here; I can still use it! With what little magic I had left, I summoned the elixir over to me. Taking the goblet in my hand, I moved in such a way to look at Ban. My gaze fixed onto him. Despite it all, he still looked like he was sleeping soundly. Good, my eyes lowered softly. This is how I want to remember him; peaceful, serene. Quickly running out of time, I used what strength I had left to crawl over to the bandit.
"Ban," my hand tenderly pressed against his cheek; it felt cooler than usual. My lips parted a tad as they trembled. My body was shutting down faster than expected. "I love you," I managed to say. "I love you…." This was the last thing I ever said. With a faint smile, I poured the elixir into my mouth. Then I immediately transferred it into his mouth. It took a second but, with my hand on his chest, I could it start to move again. But I didn't see him open his eyes. Everything started to get really fuzzy and I lost control of my thoughts. I gazed at Ban one last time then shut my eyes. I felt my body fall downwards again landing on something. The world around me became deaf-less and all bodily sensations disappeared; I couldn't hear, see, or feel anything. It felt like going to sleep; I'm not sure exactly when it happened, but it did.
And it felt… softer, gentler than I thought it would. I seemed to be floating and falling at the same time. My body was an endless mass and a million divided pieces all at once. I suddenly saw and heard everything and nothing. I was in enormous pain and pleasure; I felt lighter and heavier than I ever had before. It honestly felt like I went on a journey; an endless journey. And yet, it was over in the blink of an eye. I felt alive and dead, present and absence- just a mix of continuous contradictions.
Then, just like that, it was over. The next thing I knew, I was laying on something soft and warm. I was outside for I felt the nicest, most refreshing breeze blow over me, gently swaying a few strands of hair on my face. The weather was extraordinarily pleasant, like a perfect summer's day. And the air smelt so good! Like orange blossoms…
My eyes opened and I found myself staring up at what looked to be an endless, cloudless, bright blue sky; it was the bluest thing I'd ever seen. Before I knew I had, I sat up, feeling the super soft grass underneath my palms. The grass was also greener, lusher than I'd ever seen. But the biggest surprise was the complete lack of pain in my body. I felt… I felt better than I had in years! It felt like before I drank the hemlock; I was full of energy and without agony.
Feeling good, I took the opportunity to glance around my new surroundings. I'd never been here before, but then, I guess I wouldn't have. This place was like an endless green valley, full of flowers, birds, bees, and butterflies. Beautiful… The most beautiful, serene place I'd ever seen. And I was quick to learn that I wasn't alone here. While I was gazing around, I heard something- or someone- come up behind me. My head shot around, and my eyes widened. There, staring back at me, was Socrates! My Socrates! My most beloved teacher!
I was so stunned that I couldn't react right away; just stare at him with the biggest eyes. He, being his usual self, smiled down at me; that classic smiled I had missed so much. "It's been a while, Sinensis." "S-Socrates!" I finally gasped elated and still bewildered. "Yes. I've been waiting here for you, my child." "W-waiting…." Joyous tears came to my eyes. "Waiting for me; you waited for me….." "Of course I did," his smile grew. "And we'll be together from now on, forever." "Forever?" My heart would have leaped, if it was still beating. Still smiling, his large hand extended down for mine. "Come, the others are waiting." "Oh Socrates…" My cheeks were tear-stained by now. Then, without forethought, I jumped up to wrap my arms around him. I didn't stop myself from crying into his toga. "Socrates! Socrates!" "I know," he gently stroked my hair as I cried. "I missed you too."