I knew at once who it was.
Zagato.

~*~

The Heart of Cephiro
Part Four; If Only For Tonight
Author: JuBunny

~*~

I couldn't beleive my eyes, staring in shock as the figure disappeared from my sight. My hands pushed my weak body into a sitting position, as I clumsily stood to my feet.I tried to call out, but my parched mouth and cracked lips choked at my throat, producing an insubstantial whimper. I extended my hand out, grasping at nothing but the thick silence that loomed over my body. The pain seared through my body, as my hands slumped to my sides.I couldn't stand the ache much longer. Both inside my heart and throughout my body.I thirsted for the quenching satisfaction of a pure, undying love. What I was given was suffering, a rememberance that I could never truly be with my beloved. I was completely devoted to Zagato; I longed for him with a passion beyond any that had ever existed before. I longed to simply love him, to be in his arms. The cold and emptiness within me grew stronger yet, without his strong arms around me. We loved each other deeply, but a twisted and cruel fate destined us to never be together.I grasped at the hem of my skirt, and flew down the halls, my feet echoing in the bitter reticence that loomed. Darkness spilled over my eyes, as I ran blindly, my soul leading the way.I had to get to Zagato...I sobbed shamefully, unwilling to accept the cards which fate had dealt me. I felt the cold eyes of all the Pillars before me drill into my mind. Though long dead, they still loomed in the depths of all who lived in Cephiro.Perhaps one day, I would too.Ahead, I saw the corridoor in which I had once found my first love. Zagato's room lay ahead.With all the force left within me, I drag my body to his room, frantically pounding on his door. Almost immediately, I found myself greeted with a very alarmed Zagato. He took one look at my pitiful state, and took me into his arms.It was about that time when I fainted.
~*~When I awakened, I found myself in a foreign ambiance. The sweet scent of wood wafted through the air, as I realized with a start that I was not in my bed. My eyes fluttered open, staring at the unfamiliar surroundings. I glanced to the left, then to the right, and was greeted with an exceedingly concerned Zagato. His eyes were bloodshot, his brow crinkled into an unstable frown."Emeraude, are you all right?" He asked, anxiety boiling in his words. He reached out a hand to grab mine, which lay insubstantially at my side. He smiled, gently rubbing the top of my hand with his thumb. I nodded my head, comforted by his presence. His warm hand soothed my pains, the color coming back to my cheeks."Zagato.." I whispered, a content smile growing on my face. His eyes looked so sad... I couldn't understand it. I reached out a hand, stroking at his face. "Why are you so sad?" I said, my voice throaty and small. He closed his eyes, reaching his other hand to place it over mine. He shook his head, telling me that it was of no importance. He opened his eyes and stared at me, his stare filled with greif and longing."Emeraude, ever since we met, I've longed to be here in your arms... Even if for just one night..." Zagato whispered to me. He leaned over, kissing me, and I realized that there were tears in his eyes. I stroked at his face, so close to mine, wiping away at the tears. He straddled himself atop me, one arm at each of my sides, laying tender butterfly kisses on my lips."Zagato..." I called out to him, running my hands behind his back and pulling him into an embrace. "I love you so much...""Oh, Emeraude, if only you knew how much I loved you... If only I could give you the stars, the sky, everything, and even then, that wouldn't show just how much I loved you.Words could never express the love I have for you. Emeraude... I love you" He replied, his voice filled with truth; but angst and pain lingered in his words. For we both knew what sadness ruled our loves. For we could never have each other.

~*~

End Part Four; If Only For Tonight

~*

Well, whaddya think? If you didn't like how the story went, just tell me! Oh, and a big hug out to all the people I've met through their kind reviews so far... You know who you are! Oh, and TenchiMasaki, you rock! *hugz* Teehee!
Liked it? Hated it? Anything? Read and review!
Oh, and I've noticed more people reading Part One than the Prologue... Peoples, the Prologue is important too! If you don't read that, than you can't understand the beginning!
'Nuff said, luv you all!
Page 2 Printed 05/25/93 08:00 PM