Notes: Okay, it´s not so great as before, but I know, I know... I´ve been away much too long to not write anymore. Just call it a long hiatus. And I´m writing this in a rush since I´m not supposed to be on the computer. Teehee. But, I wanted to write at least one more chapter, since some very kewl people were asking for some more :) Thank you all, who have stuck with me through it all! :) I promise I´ll write a little better next time, I´m just kinda drifting off into la-la land... But here it is!
Much love! And a happy New Year to all!
~ Cho

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The Heart of Cephiro
Chapter Eight; Nothing is Impossible
By: ChoButterfly
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The days were getting shorter now. I could not comprehend why, every now and the, I´d find a dead bird or beast scattered on the browning garden grass. What was becoming of my land? It was slowly slipping through my fingers like fine grain; dissolving into the air. I would find myself drifting off into the depths of a dream; unaware that my mind had somehow, unconsciously, pried itself from praying.
What hurt the most, I think, was the fact that Zagato was the one who had to aid me in my prayers. I would constantly find myself staring at his back, watching him in perfect silence. I would wonder, is he praying? Or is he suffering as I am? Only this time, the huge dog-beast Innouva would be by his side, constantly gazing up at me with round, intelligent eyes. Could he possibly know my sentiments? I would often wonder that, thinking perhaps the beast purposely followed his master so that we could never be alone together. And the more and more I thought about that, the more grateful I was for him. I don´t know what I´d do if I were alone with Zagato, even for a second.
I´d give away my entire soul though, if need be, for just one single moment in his arms again. To feel his breath, to taste his love; I´d give away everything.
But then, I´d come back to the cold, harsh reality. I would not only sacrifice my duties, but I would sacrifice Cephiro for that one taste of love.
That was the only reason I ever allowed Innouva to stay. That was why, when I heard the distant clicking of his paws upon the glassy surface of the ground, I would sigh with releif. He was there. Always. And I´m not sure if I mean Innouva or Zagato.
But they were always there.

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It was one harsh morning that I came to my decision.
Drawn by an incredible urge to wander outside, I suddenly found myself drawing in the crisp, fresh air of the palace garden. My bare feet felt sore against the hard brown grass, but my mind wandered elsewhere than the physical world surrounding me. I drew on, finding comfort in the silence that flowed both inside and outside of myself.
I saw him, then, talking with Lantis.
I simply could not help myself, drawn by the beating of my innocent heart, so naive and ignorant was I that I found myself staring at the brothers from behind a pillar. I could not make out exactly what they were saying, but the pain etched on Zagato´s face made my hands ball up into fists. I choked back a sob. I had nver even dreamt that gazing upon him would be so painful. Always when praying, I would stare at his back, long glimmering strands of ebony hair, strong shoulders. But never his face. It had been much too long for that. And so that pain continued. Then, something completely unexpected happened. He turned his eyes to me. In that moment, I could not even suspire; all I could do was bore my eyes deep into his, and realise that he still felt the same way I did. He was in pain.
I choked, looking at him with a dazed expression. It was as if he had known I was there all along! But then, I thought, impossible. Still, with a sudden realization, the voice called out in my head, ´Nothing is impossible.´
So, with nothing else to do or hope for, I turned and ran.
Exasperation filled me. What could I do? I had tried so hard to stay away from him, to prevent the love and longing from increasing any further, but destiny had slashed my plan like a daggar. Out of breath, I stopped, panting for air. Never in my life had I ran so hard before! My eyes were filled with tears, my face streaked with dust.
And then I felt his arms around me.

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To be continued!