Hey yall! Luka is back again way sooner than last time! I stuggled a bit with this one. Kozu's character has changed quite a bit from when i first thought him up. Tbh though, im kinda liking it. anyway, enjoy!

The frozen flames

Chapter Nine: The aftermath

The first time I woke up I wasn't really coherent, well for most of it anyway. I couldn't tell you what happened or where I was or who visited. 'If anyone visited at all.' I couldn't tell you how long I'd been out, nor could I tell you how long I'd stay like this. I'm not even sure if it was the first time I'd woken up. For all I know it could have been the third time and I just didn't remember the other two.

'And isn't that a scary thought? To go through a period of time and not have any recollection of it?' I think the only thing worse would be to remember something that never happens in the first place.

The second time I woke, 'That I can remember anyway' I could make out a little more. I could see, and hear and feel. The room was a bit blurry, there was a crackling fire, and I could feel the reason for my current state. There was a sharp pulling pain covering my shoulder and a small portion of my torso. It's funny, normally wounds don't feel this warm. 'I wonder why Taiga hasn't put ice on it yet.' He always takes care of me when I'm hurt.

'Did we run out? I hate to make him gather ice on his own, but I don't think I'll be able to help him this time.'

'Sorry Taiga, but I can't do a thing.'

I don't like being this helpless. All I can do is sit and complain. I'm sure my brother is sick of hearing that the bandages are tight, or how I can barely see, or even that It's too warm in here. Or he would be if had said anything. I should ask him though. He can help with the heat, he's the best like that. 'He'll put the fire out and things will go back to normal.' I just gotta ask, that's how brothers work right? You don't assume the other needs help until they ask. But it all works out, because Taiga put out the fires and sat by my side. I missed him, it's been awhile since I could be by his side. Why was that again? 'I remember a hunting trip... was that it? Was that why he left?' But it's okay, he's back now so it's going to be fine. 'Where did he go again?'

I couldn't tell you how long I laid there with my brother by my side but I could tell you that I didn't want to fall asleep again. I knew that if I fell asleep that I'd never see him again. 'That can't be right though, Taiga is always by my side.' It'll all be fine. He's here now, and he will be when I wake. I can sleep, it'll be fine, it'll be good, just like always.

But all good things must come to an end. The pain had been building for awhile, I was just ignoring it to spend time with my brother. I couldn't ignore it any longer though. 'It hurts' The pain became too much. It flared again, and it was excruciating. 'Brother, please help me, where are you?' Distantly, I heard someone scream. They were in pain, it had to have been bad. 'Is it as bad as mine though?' But when I saw my brother run from the room, I realized that it was me screaming. 'Oh' it was the last thing I saw before I blacked out.

It wasn't until I woke up for the fourth time that I remembered what happened.

I remembered the the fight, I remembered the prince and the general. I remembered sneaking into the ship, and I remember Yoru, my dragon. I remembered our journey together and I remembered the reason for it.

I remembered that my brother is dead. I remember the soldiers who killed him, and I remember seeing this very ship in the distance. I remember promising to turn the predator into prey, and promising to find out the truth, no matter how far it would lead me. Honestly, I don't mind that I was out of it for so long. 'It let me see my brother again.' I know it wasn't really him. I know that, but even so, it really does give some closure. 'Just a little bit.' It was all I needed though. I have a quest to get beck to.

I've been asleep for two weeks and out of it for three. And in that time, three things happened.

1. My wound scarred enough to move my arm.

2. The retired general and I had a very nice conversation about tea.

3. Kiyoshi Island was burned to the ground.

I wish I could say im surprised, but in all honesty, I was waiting for something like this to happen. 'Do you want to know why? Its not because I care. Ill tell you that much."

Kiyoshi Island was a Place known to many. Mainly due to its dedication to one of the most well known avatars in history. It was a stopping place for near anyone on their journey. But it wouldn't be any more. This one is indisputable, all proof points towards the prince and there is no changing that.

"Its because I wanted an excuse, verification that my quest is okay. I dont care about Kiyoshi."

Had I been awake... what would I have done? "I would have done nothing." Is it bad of me to say that? That I don't care? I didn't know those people, I've never been to Kiyoshi Island, so why does it concern me? 'Really?' I must be more screwed up than I thought. 'So if it's not my home it's fine? If it's not my people, my brother, it's alright?'

' I wouldn't have helped them do it, but I wouldn't have stopped them either.'

And that thought there? It really kinda scares me.

But you know what scares me more? Im not going to do a thing about it.

THE END

how'd i do? good? bad? please let me know if i missed any gramatical mistakes, please and thankyou! see ya!