We had to stay and recover for a few days however after Kalgan gave medicine to Shin-Ah, Jae-Ha and Kija they began to get better. I however, only got worse. My arm was infected and Yoon was constantly battling against it, trying to keep the open wound clean as he had to keep it heavily bandaged just so that it would stop bleeding so much and he was beginning to worry that I would die from blood loss.
There was always a horrible smell whenever he took off the bandages and along with a high fever, I wasn't doing well. Hak had to carry me on his back out of Kai lands and back into Kouka when it wasn't safe to stay any longer in the Kai Empire. Yoon wasn't too happy with me travelling in my condition, however in the middle of my daze I managed to tell him that I'd be fine, though it soon became apparent that I wasn't.
When we were over the border Yoon made us all stop the moment we found a decent spot and put up the tent where Hak set me down and Yona crawled inside. "How is she? How's Ryo?" She questioned with worry, reaching out to touch my forehead. "She's burning up Yoon, isn't there something we can do?"
"I'm not sure, she's throwing up anything she eats and she needs to somehow build up her strength." Yoon said over me as I shivered. Who were these voices? I couldn't even recognise them. They sounded as dull throbs and dim echoes in my head as I mumbled, seeing flashes of fighting before my eyes and I jerked violently as a blade came towards me. "We need proper medicine and more supplies, I'm already running low."
"Hak and I can go get some. Right Hak?" Yona pressed and he nodded his head as he reached out and brushed aside some sweat drenched hair.
"Just give us a list of what you need and we'll go to the nearest town to get it." He said seriously, the underlying tone of worry not lost on anyone. I could feel pain everywhere. In my head, my chest, I could hardly breathe. It were almost as if I were drowning with no means of rescuing myself. I became frantic, writhing and thrashing around me to try and climb out of the water however something pinned me down, trapping my arms and legs and I felt hands gripping me as they restrained me, making me cry out as they pulled me further down.
"Ryo!" An echoing voice called out and somehow, I managed to open my eyes to find the princess leaning over me, her violet eyes shining with distress as I blinked hazily up at her. I could hardly see…but I knew those eyes…and the red of her hair…I'd know the princess anywhere. Her presence was like a warm fire on a winter's night…it was comforting. "Please Ryo, try and stay calm. We're only trying to help you. Rest and get better, we're going to get you help."
I couldn't understand what she was saying but her voice was relaxing and I exhaled slowly, feeling sweat dripping from my face as I went still and basked in her warmth as she reached out and touched my face. "It's all going to be fine, I promise." I trust her. I trust Yona. Whatever she orders me to do, I'll do it. I will always be by her side…won't I?
When she left I could feel that she was gone from me so I called out to her. No, she can't leave me alone in darkness. I need her and everyone with me otherwise I'd be all alone. I…I don't want to be alone. For some reason I just couldn't face that kind of fear. I'd wither up and fade away like a lone rose in the middle of winter if that happened.
"Kazue…Kazue…" Kazue? Who was that? I don't know anyone by that name. However that voice…I do know that voice. It was so peacefully nostalgic and I felt myself being drawn to the warm and fulfilling presence of…
"Hiryuu." I murmured his name to find him standing over me, smiling down as the blurring images slowly shifted into a small semblance of focus. "King Hiryuu."
"Kazue, you'll get cold out here without a cloak." The red haired king said to me then shed his large royal robe and draped it over my head, tucking his arms around me and instantly I was warmed but not by the robe which guarded against the chilling late autumn wind. "Why are you upset Kazue? This isn't like you. You always smile."
"It's nothing." I found myself answering, looking away. "I'm just a little irritated, that's all." The king chuckled behind me and I could help but smile. Why was I like this? I didn't know this man yet I'm dreaming about him and it feels like I do know him. Like I'd always known him.
"I'm guessing Shu-Ten has been teasing you again." Hiryuu said, still embracing me from behind and I leaned back into him. "Don't worry, I shall have words with him if he's being mean. I do not like to see you upset, Kazue."
"No it's alright, I'm not angry with him. It's just I get irritated when he dismisses the others so carelessly." I admitted with a deep sigh, reaching out and trailing a hand over the grass which was so luscious and vibrant that it reminded me of the green dragon's hair. "Zeno is young and is trying so hard to fit in. Abi is quiet and doesn't interact much and Gu-En is the only one who seems to get any reaction from him and then it's always because they're arguing." I grumpily folded my arms. "Stupid dragons. Why can't you all just get along?"
"Believe me, I ask myself the same thing." Hiryuu chuckled as he sat down beside me and brushed his fingers against my cheek. "But that is why we need you, Kazue. Ever since you have entered our lives, you have filled it with smiles and happiness. I want to always see you smiling." He told me so I turned my head and gave him a sarcastic smirk, arching an eyebrow at him and he chuckled again. The king was always laughing, he was kind and fair to everyone no matter their status. I was lucky to serve him, yet I knew that to him and the other dragons, I was more than a servant. I was their friend.
Giving a sigh I tilted my head up towards the sky, watching as a flock of birds flew pass. "Even so, I wish I were of more use to you. What can a smile do when you are all fighting battles? You will not let me pick up a sword or even my spear ever since the incident." Hiryuu's eyes clouded slightly and he looked at the ground.
"No. I will not. Although I know you wish to help protect us, Kazue, I'm afraid I cannot live with myself knowing I put you in danger. You are precious to me. My precious person. I consider you a jewel above all others and I shall not allow you to endanger yourself." I pouted slightly at that and quickly looked away. "And neither does Shu-Ten." My head snapped up at that and I looked at the king as a slight sparkle touched his eyes. "He may tease and berate you for all he's worth but deep down, I know it is because he cares."
"Do not be ridiculous. I think all those council meetings are starting to addle your brains." I told him obstinately though my heart gave an inward flutter. Could it be possible? Could the green dragon Shu-Ten have feelings for me? No of course not, do not be ridiculous. The four dragon warriors love only their king, Hiryuu. That's alright though, because I love him too. Everyone who knows the king loves him, it is impossible not to.
"You will see. I promise." He assured me before rising up. "Come, you must come inside where it is warmer, your hands are pale and you are shaking." I did not let him know it was because there were tears in my eyes. Shu-Ten. Ever since the first moment I saw him, my heart had been bound eternally. I simply could not move him from my mind. Most women thought him evil looking because of his sharp teeth like dragon fangs however I simply could not help but admire his strength and skill, the way he soars through the air is spell binding and my heart wished to fly with him.
Obediently I followed the king to my feet and he led me back inside, one arm around my shoulders as he guided me gently until we were faced by the four dragons. "Kazue! What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Zeno asked as he bounded forwards with concern but I smiled brightly to him, placing a mask over my face to hide the cracks underneath.
"Of course not Zeno, I'm fine." I assured him and he flung his arms around my waist. For a seventeen year old, I had always found Zeno to be the most affectionate boy I had ever met. Even though I was ten years his senior, he always told me he saw me like a big sister and sometimes even a mother when I yelled at him for not keeping his room tidy.
"Sheesh, you women are all so weak. Just a small puff of wind and you're shivering in your boots." Shu-Ten mused with a grin which terrified all others except me, so I narrowed my eyes at him.
"You be quiet you vicious beast, no one asked your opinion!" I snapped at him, turning my face away though Abi calmly spoke.
"Kazue, your eyes are red. Have you been crying?"
"Of course not!" I squeaked as Gu-En gave a bark of laughter, his white shaggy hair falling over his face.
"I think our little Kazue is lamenting over her beloved's mean words to her." He suggested, giving me a grin so I balled a fist and struck out however he caught my hand easily as I yelled.
"Shut up! You guys can be so mean, ugh. I don't know why I even bother putting up with you!" turning around I flung the king's robe from me in a rather elegant rustle of fabric, storming away with my fists clenched at my sides. "Stupid dragons. They can forget about me sneaking them extra dessert tonight because they don't deserve it!" I muttered before exhaling. "Except for Zeno and Abi of course, really it's just Shu-Ten and Gu-En. The jerks."
"Who's a jerk?" Shu-Ten questioned and I gave a sharp yell, springing backwards from where he'd dropped down in front of me and I tripped on the hem of my skirt, causing me to land heavily on my rear with a grunt as Shu-Ten laughed at my expense. "You have to be one of the clumsiest women I've ever met. You act like a child."
"Oh yeah? Well you're always an insufferable brute, so who are you to complain?!" I demanded, picking myself up and dusting myself off as Shu-Ten continued to grin, his spear leaning against his shoulder and it caught my attention for a moment. I'd been trained from birth to kill, my father being a master assassin and his clan were notorious for their skills. He had chosen me to complete the task given to us by a contractor and my target was King Hiryuu himself. There was little chance of a man getting close to him but a woman might fare better. Especially if she were in danger.
It was all perfectly planned. My father staged a bandit attack on a wagon which I'd cower within on the very same road that the king would travel down back to his castle. He came rushing in just as expected and saved me along with his four dragon warriors, however the moment our eyes met, I found myself freezing in place. He'd asked me if I was alright and if I was injured, however I just couldn't look away from him.
His hair of crimson red looked like it was a net of flames in the setting light of the sun, his eyes also shining with a bright concern that I hadn't seen anyone else direct towards me before. The weight of my knife felt heavy in my pocket as my hand strayed towards it, however the king saw the movement and his eyes had instantly saddened. "If you are going to kill me, then please, be at peace. I will not blame you if you do." His words had never left me that day and my hand had dropped back to my side in an instant where he then smiled. "Here, let me help you my lady, you look like you need someone to care for you."
He'd pulled me out of the wagon and placed his cloak around me to keep me warm but then my father's men came back as he realised that I had failed in my objective as I was still starry eyed. The king was just about to introduce me to four strange looking men when the yells came from the trees and instantly I was on alert. Before I even knew what I was doing I had flung out my arms to shield the king and his fellows, turning my back to them as I faced my old comrade assassins, shouting at them to stand down.
They ignored me, calling me a traitor and all kind of filthy names so I drew out my knife and without hesitation, killed my father's second in command. At that point, the others faltered but they continued anyway, drawing their weapons and I knew that this was when I was going to die but still, I fought anyway. As I took life after life, I couldn't help but think to myself. What am I doing? I do not know this king. I should not be protecting him. He is my target. What was it about him that made me falter when I have never done so before?
The men behind me watched in shocked fascination as I took on assassin after assassin, facing many different kinds of weapons several at a time with only my knife to hand before King Hiryuu snapped awake and he ordered everyone to protect me. Protect me? Why would he do that? He knew I was there to kill him. Even so, the king had flung his arms around me and tucked me into his chest, my face buried into his neck as he swung his sword to defend me against several assassins.
Of all the warriors, there was one in particular that caught my eye and when I looked at him, I couldn't look elsewhere. He was powerful with a deadly grace, able to spring inhuman heights into the air and my mouth dropped slightly as I watched him wield his spear with accurate precision, taking out multiple targets in just one sweep. He had this terrifying grin that sent my heart hammering in my chest but not out of fear. I just…couldn't look away.
It had been a gruesome battle and ended with the last man falling, however I knew my father was out there and was on edge, looking around me frantically. "My lady? What is the matter? Are there more?"
"In the trees. Only one." The blue haired warrior had pointed and sure enough, my father stepped into view. He disowned me on the spot however knew that he stood no chance against the five of us together, so left with an oath that he would take his revenge for my betrayal. I'd fallen to the ground after that, bleeding from several wounds that had appeared with a blush of blood under my clothes where I had not noticed them before. I expected to die then as well, however Hiryuu took me in and gave me a home, however he banned me from ever handling a weapon from then on, not wanting me to risk my life again.
"Oi. Oi. Woman. Wake up!" Shu-Ten shouted in my face and I gave a yelp, jolting awake before glaring at him as he just looked at me strangely. "You spaced out. Been trying to call you for the last five minutes!" He said before leaning closer, giving me his signature grin. "So what's for dinner?"
"Go feed yourself for once!" I fumed and shoved him aside but before I even got two steps his spear dropped down in front of me and hauled me back into his chest where he trapped me against him and instantly I felt my skin begin to tingle at his closeness.
"You should be politer to your superiors, woman." He said to me in a dangerous voice as two maids scuttled away in fear whilst I struggled, pressing my eyes shut to try and block out the knowledge that I could feel his sculptured muscles pressing against my back however closing my eyes only made me more aware of him. "I could break you in half so easily you shouldn't even laugh. Remember who you owe your life to otherwise I'll have to give you a painful reminder."
"Shu-Ten…" I whispered his name, unsure of what to say or do. I could have escaped if I wanted to, however despite the pain of him pressing the shaft of his spear against my chest, I didn't want to run away. Call me insane but I wouldn't rather be anywhere else in the world than where I was now. His warm breath was tickling my neck, making my skin grow colder with each exhale and underneath his hardened muscles I could feel a powerful heart beating strongly against my back. My heart. Whether he realised it or not, it belonged to me.
"Ask nicely woman then I'll let you go." However, I did not like this possessiveness and dominating attitude he had towards me. With a stomp of my foot down on his weaker one I lifted the spear up and spun around, breaking it from his grip then thrust it towards him in a low stance, pressing the point under his chin and he slowly smirked at me. "Good. You haven't lost your touch. What's keeping you woman? Go on. Finish the job you started last year." My eyes narrowed and a fleeting temptation parted over me however I quickly quelled it.
"I don't want to." I answered him in an airy voice, struggling now with the spear as my hands began to shake under its weight. Have I really become so weak since then? Tears were sliding down my cheeks as I dropped the spear, hearing it clatter to the ground as Shu-Ten's smirk disappeared and he stared at me. "I don't want to hurt you!" My cry echoed through the hall as I clenched my fists under the long lengths of my sleeves, head bowed as I cried. "Never. I won't ever cause you pain, Shu-Ten. I'd rather cut off my own hands than be the one to hurt you!"
Realising that I had said too much my hands jumped to my mouth to cover it, halting my words as we stared at one another with wide eyes, shock glimmering in his eyes. My heart thundered in my chest as my tears continued to fall so I decided that being a coward was acceptable in this situation. I turned around and ran from him, fleeing through the castle before shutting myself in my room where I locked myself away and did not stir again even when the evening gong sounded.
Hiryuu came to my room and knocked however I didn't let him in. I didn't let any of them in. Not Zeno, Gu-En, not even Abi when he came expressing his concerns for me so I turned my face into my pillow and tried to suffocate myself. The only one who didn't come was him and that hurt much more than anything else. A woman in love can truly be a pathetic thing, though just as equally, she can be powerful as well.
I avoided the dragons for a couple of days until I'd fixed myself back together and my smile was back in place, so I pretended that everything was alright and that I didn't feel very well for a while. They were all blissfully unaware, saying they were glad I was feeling better however when my eyes met with Shu-Ten's, we both obstinately looked away from one another with stubborn expressions. Perhaps I was a fool to let myself fall for him. Ever since I first saw him that day, I'd been transfixed.
Nothing much changed after that day, Shu-Ten was a pain unlike any other and seemed to go out of his way to make my life difficult, tripping me up with his spear when I was carrying washing or saying things that hurt deeply but only made me angrier with him. It wasn't until one fateful day that I realised why exactly he was doing all of these things.
It began with a message from Zeno that the king wanted me to join him and the others on a patrol to check on some attacks north of the Kouka border from our enemy nation Kai. I was glad to go with them and packed quickly before mounting my horse, a white mare I called Lightfoot. I rode at the king's side, reading to him from a book of poetry as we rode and when we made camp, he made sure that my tent was always put up first despite me trying to protest, assuring him I could do it myself.
Zeno would also stick close to me, ensuring I was warm and when I settled down, he stuck his head in to say goodnight before going to bed himself. Even Gu-En was more affectionate than usual. His teasing had always been light and harmless, however I strangely found that he would always carry my load for me whenever we made camp if we were too far from a town to stop at an inn or something. Of course weight meant little to nothing for him as he could carry me on my horse with all my belongings but still, the thought was there.
I enjoyed spending time with Abi as well. We had a rather gentle relationship where I knew he was very fond of me and he knew I was very fond of him in return. He enjoyed listening to me sing, as did everyone, as he said that when I sang he could see things that even his dragon eyes couldn't see. Shu-Ten and I were still the same. When he made me drop all the firewood I'd collected, I almost ended up beating him with the largest stick I could find until Hiryuu and Gu-En separated us.
Idiot dragon. Tsk. Apart from him, the ride was pleasant and although I knew we were heading out on only a routine patrol to take in reports and check on the land, I couldn't help but feel content and extremely happy where I was. That is until we journeyed through a rocky pass which was slightly misty. Abi expressed concerns about passing through here however Hiryuu didn't want to waste any more time in getting to the northern territory in case conflict was apparent so we ended up galloping through. The mist cleared soon enough, however the moment it did so, Abi pulled back his horse into a rear and shouted in warning. "Ambush! We must leave immediately! Arrows are coming from the east!"
Almost as soon as he said so, an arrow struck Lightfoot and she fell to the ground with a cry, throwing me from the saddle and everyone shouted my name as I hit the ground in a roll but still not perfectly, the rocks winding me as I lay on my back, stunned. There was the sounds of silent movement which had me tingling all over in warning and before I could recover, a rain of arrows hurled down at us again. "Protect Hiryuu and Kazue!" Gu-En had bellowed, his dragon claw exploding forwards and I dragged myself to my feet before throwing myself behind Lightfoot's body, cowering low to avoid being struck as master assassin's descended down the cliffs noiselessly.
It was eerie to hear such a quiet battle. You would expect yelling and screaming however all I heard was the sound of tearing flesh and the grunts of the dragons as they fought their phantom enemies.
"Kazue! Stay close to me, I'll protect you." Zeno told me comfortingly, running to my side and pulling me up off the ground. "Are you alright? Were you injured?"
"My shoulder…" I said, looking to it with a wince. I'd landed on it badly and I could already feeling it swell. "Don't worry about me Zeno, I'll be fine." I assured him however when I saw a black clad assassin suddenly appear behind him, I quickly thrust Zeno out of the way and tackled him around the middle. "No! Leave Zeno alone!" I yelled and my hand closed around a rock, my eyes blazing in fury as I rammed it against his face, hearing the crack of bone before I stood up. "Zeno! We need to hide somewhere, I'm no use here and you're…"
Without warning another assassin came at me from behind without my knowing, my acute senses having been dulled over the months without proper honing and practice and as Zeno yelled in warning, I felt the blade slice through my back. I arched forwards, a soundless cry passing from my lips as Hiryuu spun around and shouted my name, angrily tearing through his opponent and tried to run for me as I collapsed to my knees, feeling hot blood pouring down my back as Zeno's arms shot out to catch me.
I was already shivering, my brown hair pooling around me in long strands which had untied from their plaited bun. The shock made it almost impossible to breathe as I stared at the rocky ground, my hands suddenly growing cold and my vision swam before me. Was it because of tears or blood loss?
Zeno tried to shield me from the next blow however he was batted aside with a fist to the gut which I saw when I turned my head and instantly, I was full of rage. How dare they hurt Zeno?! Slowly I climbed to my feet, my shoulders slumped forwards until I drew myself upright, my long hair gathered either side of my face so that no one could see my features until I lifted my head and my burning green orbs burned into the one who had hit Zeno. He will die for hurting my friend.
I pushed off the ground with one foot, rising high into the air in a balletic leap before I kicked aside the sword and rammed my foot against his face, standing over him as he fell to the ground. "Do not touch Zeno. Do not touch any of them." I spoke before turning towards the cliffs. "Father! I know you are there! Call off your men now before I kill every last one of them!" I howled, picking up a fallen sword and pointed it upwards. "I swear, if you so much as touch my precious people then I shall be the one to cut you in half!"
"Kazue, behind you!" Gu-En warned in a shout and I spun around, slicing my sword and it cut through the opponent easily in a single sweep. The assassins turned on me and immediately it became clear that I was their real target, not the king or the dragon warriors. They even walked straight past Zeno to come at me as I fought with all my strength but my lack of training meant I was weak and very quickly the sword was knocked from my hand and another gash was opened across my chest.
Before a third strike could be made, however, Shu-Ten dropped from the sky and his dragon leg burst from his shoe as his power swelled, giving a roar as he swept them all off their feet. "Leave her alone you bastards!" He bellowed in rage, gripping his spear into a stance as I stared. His arm shot out and pulled me to him, anchoring me safely to his side as he held out his weapon threateningly, hoarding me close and I felt the heat from his skin cling to me, bringing a surreal comfort as my mind whispered his name. Shu-Ten. "Oi, woman. Get that yellow haired idiot out of here before you're both killed." He ordered before sweeping out his spear and kicked with his foot, breaking someone's spine with just a single strike. "Go now!"
"But Shu-Ten, you're…"
"Didn't you hear me you stupid girl? I said get out of here!" He thundered, turning a raging look back at me. "Go before I kill you myself!" I flinched but nodded, starting to run towards Zeno however I paused and looked back. A dagger was thrown at him and it lodged into his shoulder, making him howl in angered rage and pain as he gripped it then tore it out, throwing it back before continuing to sweep with his spear and leg, keeping the assassins at bay however as one dropped down from the cliff and ran towards him silently from behind, my feet started to spur into motion.
"Shu-Ten!" My voice came out as an echo and time seemed to move with a steady heartbeat, the entire world seemingly holding its breath as Shu-Ten turned just in time to see me jump in front of his back and I flung out my arms as his shield, my eyes narrowing in focus as the sword pierced through my chest instead. The flare of pain was almost intolerable but I never made a sound except for a shuddering gasp, my eyes pressing shut as I jolted up onto my toes before falling to the ground when the sword was yanked free, blood as red as the rose blooming from my chest as Shu-Ten and the others all stared.
Rain began to pour, spattering against my face and as it slipped past my lips I swallowed, welcoming the taste of heaven's tears and I felt honoured to think that such a holy place was weeping for one such as me. Had I done enough to atone for all that I'd done? I feel as if I have. I hope I have.
In the distance, I heard Shu-Ten screaming. His furious wrath fell upon the assassins as well as all the others, meaning that soon there was not one left standing. Even Abi had located my father and Shu-Ten had dragged him down from the cliffs before he could escape, smashing him into the ground and beat him to death until Abi and Gu-En pulled him off, whereby Hiryuu then mercifully ended the man's life as he dwelled in broken pain.
I was struggling to breathe, Zeno's hand resting on my head as he cried over me and when I felt his warm tears fall against my cheek, so different from the cold, cold rain, my eyes opened slightly. "Z-Zeno?"
"Kazue…please don't die. Don't leave us!" He begged, gripping onto my hand tightly. "Who will smile at us every morning if you're not there? Who will scold me for not cleaning my room? Who'll shout at the people who call us monsters and tell us that we're truly beautiful?!" He choked on his tears as the others ran to us, I could feel their footsteps vibrating through the ground.
"Ssh Zeno…it's alright. You'll see me again." I promised him softly, whispering as to conserve my energy. My hand lifted to his face and rubbed against his cheek and he gripped onto it tightly, still crying as the others finally reached us as my bleary eyed smile gazed up at him.
"Kazue!" Hiryuu was the first to speak however it was Shu-Ten who lifted me up, grabbing the front of my clothes and giving and angry shake as he fought against tears.
"Oi, woman, don't you dare die on us now! How dare you sacrifice yourself for me?! You stupid girl!" He yelled before he broke down, crying against me as I just stared with wider eyes.
"Shu-Ten…you're crying…I've never seen you cry." I murmured before laying my hand on his head, making him look up at me as I smiled, feeling everything gradually becoming colder and colder. "Please don't…you'll ruin your reputation…you monster…"
"Kazue…" I sniffed, feeling my eyes fill with tears and they slid down my face as I looked to Hiryuu, Abi and Gu-En, reaching out for them and they each lay their hand on top of mine.
"Take care of yourselves." I murmured as the sensation of weightlessness began to overcome me. "Promise you'll keep on smiling about the good things in life. Smile about each other…and the bright future you're working for together…smile for the kingdom and I'll be able to see it too. I'll always be looking over you…"
"Shut up. Just shut up!" Shu-Ten yelled to me, shifting his arms so that one curled around my back and the other over my middle as he pulled me closer to him, fingers sliding into my hair and he pressed his head against mine. "Stop talking you dumb servant girl. Just lay still for a bit. You'll…you'll be fine…" He choked on his lie and I found myself smiling through my tears regardless of how weak and cold I felt.
"Shu-Ten…it's almost…as if you care." I said with quiet laughter, reaching up and brushing my fingers up and down his cheek. "I…I don't understand you."
"Yeah, but you're the only one that's ever tried to." He said and my eyes widened slightly. "You really are an idiot if you still don't get it, Kazue." It was then that it all made sense. Shu-Ten never meant to hurt me at all. He only ever did or said any of those things in the past just…to get my attention. I've been so blind, why did I not see this before? He really was a gentle soul deep down, I could tell just by the way he was holding me now. Clinging to me with all the strength he dared as if afraid he'll break me further. I smiled.
"You're…the idiot…Shu-Ten." I began to murmur as my eyes slid closed and my mind slipped away as if I were falling asleep.
"Wait. Wait Kazue, do you understand? Tell me you understand! Damn you woman, answer me! Tell me how you feel, I want to hear you say it! DAMMIT!" Shu-Ten was yelling and no matter how much I wanted to tell him exactly how I felt, my body went limp and with a last smile, my soul was torn from my body, left to be soaked in the rain whilst being held by those I held close to my heart.
Even as I passed over, I heard Shu-Ten's cry of anguish following me, his roar of wrath vibrating through my mind until all at once, everything was silent.