Disclaimer: … This is my final disclaimer to write… *sniffles* Oh, I'm so deeply saddened… I shall miss writing these so… so much… Waaaah! ~_^ Anyway. For the last time. I do not own the Ronin Warriors. I have never owned them, and I never shall. Miaka, Shara, Kenji, Eros, Nephalia, and Rime are mine, and no one can take them without my permission. Thank you and have a nice day. ^_^
Epilogue
"We really need to talk."
Shara looked up from the TV in surprise. "What are you doing here? Sage might see you!" She stood and gave him a pleading look. "Go away, Rowen. Don't screw things up again…"
He bowed his head, shaking it slowly from side to side. "I'm not here to screw anything up… You and I just need to talk this all out so we can truly leave it behind us." Rowen flashed her a quick smile. "Just a few minutes, Shara. Please."
Sighing, she relented. The two went outside and silently strolled down the path to the small garden behind the Date home. They walked side-by-side for several moments without saying a word. When they reached a wooden bench that overlooked the zen garden, Shara sat down on it and Rowen stood behind her. They both gazed over the still water of a small pond and the many white flowers drifting on its surface. After a long time, Rowen finally broke the silence.
"I still love you, ya know."
She looked down at her hands and nodded. "Yeah… I know... But there's nothing—"
"Nothing we can do about it. I think you've made that perfectly clear on several occasions. Still doesn't change how I feel." Pausing, he rested on hand on her shoulder. "Are you okay with that?"
"Do I have a choice?" She leaned her cheek against the back of his hand and sighed. "I know it hurts… I know that it isn't fair… What we have is so powerful and so… amazing… that it just doesn't seem fair to let it go. But what choice do we have, Rowen? Sage is my husband and I love him dearly… There's just no room in my life for our relationship…"
"Not even for a friendly one?"
"Not right now there isn't. It still hurts too much to be around you…" She closed her eyes, bitterness creeping into her voice. "Apparently fate doomed us from the beginning. And only fate will hand us the opportunity to be friends again."
"I hope it will be soon." He walked around the bench and seated himself beside her. "I'll miss you, Shara… But no matter how long we're apart, I will always be here for you. And I'll always love you…"
She looked over at him, pained by the sadness in his beautiful eyes. "Rowen… I love you, too…" Her hand found its way over to his and slid up his arm. "I wish…"
He pressed a finger to her lips and smiled. "Don't say that. You could never survive without Sage. We both know that." He pulled her into his lap and ran his fingers through her long hair. "Dream, but never wish. You never know which idle desire might come true."
Her hand moved from his strong biceps to his firm chest. "Trying your hand at philosophy now?" She focused her eyes on his throat, afraid to look into his stormy eyes. Her emotions were running wild; part of her wanted to run away while the other longed to take Rowen in her arms and kiss away all his fears. "You're not that good at it…"
"Yeah. I may be smart, but Cye is the touchy-feely philosopher. I'm just a regular, easily confused guy when it comes to emotions." He brushed his lips across her forehead and smiled. "Clumsy and flirty and vulnerable. Makes me awfully endearing, doesn't it?"
She laughed. "You bet it does. You irresistible sex god, tempting me with your cuteness." The heavy mood that had settled over her broke and she lifted her gaze to meet his.
"Blame it on the stars. It's their fault I'm so good in bed." His dark eyes glittered playfully.
"Speaking of which. Our birthdays are coming up pretty soon, aren't they? What do you want?"
"You to pop out of a cake. Wearing nothing but a big bow around your scrumptious little neck." When she gave him an incredulous look, he winked. "Just kidding, of course. I haven't really thought about it. How about you?"
"Don't know." Shara leaned her head on his shoulder and stared out at the wilting flowers as they floated carelessly on the pond. "Think we'll get a party? Ryo's birthday certainly was a lot of fun. I still can't believe Miaka talked him into wearing a toga the entire night." She giggled at the memory. "He looked so cute!"
"Not as cute as she did in that skimpy thing she wore. Wow. I never realized Miaka was such a babe until that night." He shook his head and grinned. "What the heck was she wearing, anyway?"
"Some kind of mini-dress toga or something. Didn't cover much at all, did it? She's braver than I am. I'd look awful in something like that!"
"Please," he scoffed. "You'd look good wearing a pink plaid polyester pantsuit."
"Eww!" She smacked his arm. "Don't even joke like that!"
Chuckling, he gave her hand a squeeze. "Hey, look. We're acting like friends. It's a miracle!"
"I know. It's weird. No angsty declarations of eternal love, no wild groping…" She thought for a moment and smiled. "It's nice."
"Yeah, it is." His posture grew easy and relaxed. He leaned back against the bench, letting one hand rest on her hip as the other continued to hold her hand. She let her head fall back onto his shoulder and chest. Her eyes drifted shut, a look of total peace on her face. She looked so very lovely that his heart began to pound. The desire to take her in his arms and make her his again began to force its way into his mind. At first it alarmed him, but then Rowen realized that it would always be there. He just had to learn how to ignore it. For the sake of their friendship. That would be the only way to ensure she would continue to see him. And maybe, just maybe, given enough time, patience, and possibly even lives… Maybe someday they would be together.
"Hey, Shara?"
"Mmm…?" One eye cracked open lazily.
"This is going to sound kind of weird… But… can… umm… Can I…?"
She stroked the palm of his hand with her thumb. "Can you what, hon?"
He blushed. "Can I… like… have one… last… kiss? Just to finally put an end to this. A note of finality that'll bring closure for us both. Hey, it doesn't even have to be a sexy, passionate one. I'd be happy with a quick peck on the cheek."
Her laugh was sweet and gentle. "I don't suppose it would hurt anything. As long as it's the last one. And completely platonic, mind you."
"Of course. Wouldn't have it any other way." He released his grasp on her hand, allowing her to turn and face him. He watched as she raised her hand and brushed a wild wave of blue hair away from his eyes. The skin underneath tingled with electricity from her touch. Her green eyes were shining happily as she examined every line and plane of his face. He could feel her hands running lightly over his shoulders and chest. It sent a shiver up his spine, but he tried to push it away. That's why he had asked her to kiss him; it would test his ability to hold back his passions, his desires. If he succeeded now, Rowen would know he was strong enough to move on with his life.
She moved forward slightly, hesitantly, before lowering her lips to capture his.
His pulse raced. Her lips were soft, sweet. Like the richness of a honeysuckle blossom. He felt his arms rising to encircle her, to draw her close until he could feel her warm, voluptuous curves pressed against him. Rowen struggled against the dark tide, forcing himself to keep their relationship friendly and light. But as the kiss continued, his mind was thrown back to the first time they had been together like this. The night they had both succumbed to the passion burning deep inside. The day of their tragic encounter.
---------------------------------------
"Hey, Shara. Can we talk?"
She looked up from the dish she was washing. "Oh, Rowen! Hi, sweetie. How's it goin'?"
"Can we talk?" he repeated softly.
"Oh! Sure! Sorry. Guess I didn't hear you the first time." She put down the plate on a stack of clean dishes and wiped her hands on a dry towel. The slender blonde walked around the counter and gestured for him to follow her into the living room. As they settled on the red velvet couch, still stiff with newness, she patted his shoulder and smiled brightly.
"So. What's on your mind?"
He looked quite uncomfortable, tugging on a fold of the cloth on the arm of the sofa. "I… umm… just thought I'd drop by… and… You see… I… have to tell you something… But I just… I don't know how to say it…"
She tilted her head, puzzled. "What are you talking about, hon?"
"Do you…" He swallowed nervously before continuing. "Do you remember… the night of the battle against Arcain? When you were running toward Sage as he reappeared and how I kept pulling you back?" She nodded simply. "Do you remember what I said at that time? Right before you recognized Sage?"
Shara shook her head slowly, obviously trying to think back to that horrific night. "No… Things got really confusing at that moment. None of it is very clear. Why? Was it something important?"
"Yes! I mean, no! It… it doesn't matter… Not now, anyway." His cheeks turned a light pink. "… I don't even know why I'm here… Maybe I should just go…" He moved to stand, his face turning redder every second.
"Don't be silly." She grabbed his hand and pulled him down on the couch again. "If it's on your mind, and was strong enough to drag you all the way over here, it must be pretty important. Now sit your butt down and tell me already!"
He stared down at his hand, now clenched into fists. "I can't… Don't worry, Shara. It doesn't matter at all. It's too late. Too late for everything!" He leapt to his feet and hurried toward the door. He shook as his anger and sadness bubbled to the surface.
"Rowen!" Shara chased after him, grasping for his sleeve. "Stop! Why are you running from me? Why can't you just tell me what's wrong?"
"You want to know what's bothering me? What's been haunting my every thought?" His entire body was rocked with fine tremors.
"Yes, Rowen! I'm your friend. You can tell me anything." She rubbed his arm comfortingly. "Just talk..."
He whirled around, his eyes dark with fury. "Fine! I'll tell you. Guess what, Shara, my sweet? My princess, my tenshi… I am absolutely, totally, without a doubt, head-over-heels in love with you!"
She took a step back, eyes wide in shock. "Ro… Rowen?"
"Yeah, Shara. I am. After Sage died and we started growing closer, I began to realize how much you really meant to me. It didn't take long for me to realize how deep those feelings ran. And seeing you with Sage only made it more clear. When I'm with you during the day, I relish in every word you utter. When we're apart, I dream about you. About us. Together. Some days I kick myself for not accepting your offer out by the lake that day… Other times I wish Sage had never come back… But mostly I just wish that things could change. That you and I could live our lives side-by-side." He paused briefly, his voice trembling with emotion. "… But I know it won't happen. You and Sage are already married, right? Still… I can't help but wonder what it would be like to be with you. To hold you in my arms, and know that when I look into your eyes that you're only thinking of me. To be able to lie down beside you at night and just look at you. You're so beautiful, my tenshi. On the inside and out. Just once chance to learn what it feels like to love you would be enough to keep me happy for life."
She continued to stare at him, utterly speechless. "… I… I don't… Rowen…"
He spun on his heel, trying to fight back the urge to run away. "And now that I've made an utter fool of myself, I'll just go…" He opened the door and stepped across the threshold.
A sudden tug on his arm stopped him in his tracks. Slowly, he turned to face the golden beauty behind him. Her thick black lashes sparkled with diamond tears. Her rose petal lips were parted slightly as if she were about to speak, but didn't quite know what to say. He gazed steadily at her, wanting her to speak, yet also fearing what she might say.
"Rowen… I didn't know… Why didn't you say anything before?" she asked in a timid, soft voice.
"… Well, before Sage came back, I was afraid that if I made a move I'd be taking advantage of you and your grief. Set a limit of a year on my restraint. And just as it was almost up, he came back and there was nothing more I could do. My chance was up." He shrugged sadly. "After that, it just seemed pointless to even think about it. The 'love of your life' had returned; how could I compete?"
She nodded, accepting that. "Then why did you tell me now?"
"Plain selfishness, I guess. I got tired of having it eat away at me and being the only one who suffered. Guess I just wanted to share the fun of being an angsty teen," he said with a wry grin.
"Understandable." She sighed, brushing a stray tendril of hair from her eyes. "Are you sure you're in love with me? We're only sixteen, Rowen. It's possible that you're just confused."
"Do you know that you love Sage, Shara?"
"Of course I do."
"If you can know you're in love, then so can I."
"Alright, alright… Point taken." She gazed at him sadly, her eyes full of confusion. "I wish you hadn't told me, though. I mean, it's completely useless! You'll still be hurting, and now I'll be hurting, too. You're my friend, Rowen. Whatever pains you, pains me. And telling you no would be one of the most painful things I could do. You're my absolute best friend in the entire world, hon! I trust you more than any of the others, more than the closest friends I have in school. Even more than Miaka, and I tell her everything! I never want to hurt you… But now you've put me in the position where I have to. There's no way I could ever leave Sage…"
"I already knew that… That's why it took me so long to say anything."
"That's right. So why don't you just go home now and pretend none of this ever happened. Forget all about any emotion you might think you have for me. It'll only end up destroying us. I just know it…"
Rowen caught her hand in his. "No, Shara. I can't do that. I won't do that! No matter what may come of it, I know what love is now. Once you find something so miraculous, so powerful… it would be a crime to let it go. Even if you don't return my feelings, my heart will always belong to you. Whether you like it or not."
"You stubborn idiot!" She yanked her hand free of his and grabbed him, shaking him. "Don't talk like that! It'll never happen! And all this will do is screw things up! You're going to ruin everything, Rowen! My life, your life… Absolutely everything!"
He gently removed her hands from his shoulders, his head tilted slightly to the side. "How can me loving you screw things up? I don't plan on acting on it at all. I just really thought you deserved to know. The only way anything could get messed up is if we did anything about it…" Pausing, he quirked an eyebrow. "… Or if you, in some form, returned my feelings…"
Her eyes grew a dark forest green. "Returned them? In your dreams, Rowen. Totally hate to burst your bubble, sweetie, but I am devoted to my husband. For eternity. He's the only one I could ever love!"
"Devoted to your husband?" The blue-haired Warrior laughed. "Please! You've been married for three months, Shara! And of those three months, you've probably only spent three weeks of it together! When you're off at school, he's at home. When you get back, he's always off training. As a matter of fact, hasn't he been gone on this training mission for the past month? Gee, how devoted you two are to one another!"
She slapped him. "… How dare you… How dare you come into my house and criticize my relationship! It doesn't matter how long we're apart! He has a job to do! I understand that! Love doesn't diminish with distance… I still care for him as much as ever. And don't you forget that."
Rowen touched his wounded cheek, slightly stunned. "… Whatever you say, Shara… But you sure do change quickly… Why, just last week you were telling me how much it annoys you when he's away. When he takes off and leaves you all alone in this big, empty house with nothing to do… No one to take care of you… And I don't mean to be cruel or hurtful, or convince you that Sage is evil or something. He is one of my best friends, after all. It's just… I worry about you, Tenshi. Here… Alone… With no one to keep you safe… You're too precious to lose, Shara… I'd die if anything happened to you."
She reddened. "I… I can take care of myself, Rowen… And I was just in a bad mood that day… Didn't mean a word of that… I… It doesn't bother me… It's his job… He has to train… For when the Dynasty comes back… I mean, now that I can't fight, someone has to be strong enough to take any threat down… I know he loves me… He really does… Really…" She turned away from him, balling her hands into fists. A tear began to slip down her cheek and she swiped at it angrily. Despite the cruelness of his words and the anger they inspired, she knew, deep in her heart, that they were true.
Rowen stepped around her and enfolded her in a gentle hug. "I suppose he does… Though I sometimes think he doesn't show it as much as he should. And it's okay to be upset by his being gone, Shara. Any wife would be. Just know that I'm always here for you if you need someone to lean on. Someone who will listen to you and understand. And always at your side. You'll never be alone, as long as I'm around…" He pressed his face into her hair, his head nearly resting on her shoulder, and breathed in her sweet scent. Like blooming jasmine: exotic, enticing, and sultry. The perfect perfume for a perfect girl.
"Rowen…"
Her breath ruffled his hair. He could feel her hands sliding up his back, returning his hug, pressing her body closer to his. Rowen moved his mouth over her shoulder and neck. His lips nuzzled her ear, the delicate skin of her temples. "I'll always be at your side… Always here for you… Trust me, Shara… Forever…"
She sighed softly, raising one hand to tangle her fingers in his wild hair. It astounded her how just one simple touch from him had awakened such a cascade of emotions. It shouldn't be surprising that she did feel so strongly for him; Rowen was an incredible man. He was the most handsome of the Ronins, even surpassing her husband. His hair, like dark ocean waves, cried out to be stroked. His eyes, deep and endless like the midnight sky, were perfect for losing yourself in. And there was no way to describe his body. She spread her fingers across his back, feeling the hard lines of his muscles. Strong. Firm. Perfect. He loved her, and was completely unafraid of showing it. And, most importantly, he was there. Whenever she needed him, Rowen always came. He never left her side, holding her hand through the hard times, and laughing with her during the fun times. Maybe he was right. Maybe he was just what she needed.
He felt her pull away a bit. Her normally cool eyes were burning with passion. Yet there was still a spark of reluctance deep within them. But the Ronin was tired of playing it safe. Taking a deep breath, Rowen slipped one hand around the back of her neck and tentatively pressed his lips to hers.
The moment their lips touched, it was as if it was meant to be. Sparks shot through her body from the top of her head to the tips of her toes. It was incredible; nothing like this had ever happened when she was with Sage. His body, his touch… They brought an overwhelming feeling of heat to her body. Like flames licking at her flesh, slowly consuming her alive. Yet it wasn't at all painful. It was as if she were drowning in a river of fire. A blaze that promised nothing but pleasure. She tightened her arms around him, hungry for his touch. Aching to feel his skin pressed against hers. A nagging voice in the corner of her mind shrieked for her to stop, to remember Sage, but she frantically shoved it aside. The past, her husband: none of it mattered. All that was important was this moment. This miraculous, beautiful moment with this gorgeous boy whose touch was like magic.
He gently slipped his arms underneath her, cradling her soft body against him. He broke the kiss for a moment and gazed into her eyes, silently asking for permission. She appeared hesitant for a moment, but then she smiled and nodded. She laid her head on his shoulder, her fingertips stroking his strong chest. Rowen kissed her forehead lightly and carried her up the stairs. He pushed open the first door at the top of the staircase and closed the door behind them. Lowering her to the bed's crisp white sheets, he hovered above her, drinking in the beauty of her curvaceous figure. His hand ran over the buttons of her thin white blouse, and, almost absentmindedly, unfastened them as he moved down her body. The cloth parted, exposing the lily-white skin of her stomach. He raced the slight indentation that ran the length of it, down to the button of her denim shorts. He undid it quickly and slowly lowered the zipper. When he tried to slide them off, she lifted her hips to make it a bit easier. Rowen leaned back for a moment and simply stared at her nearly naked body, his heart filling with love and desire. She truly was a tenshi, a beautiful angel descended from heaven to grace his life with her perfect love. She was a delicate flower that seemed too fragile to touch. But he didn't have that kind of restraint. He needed her, needed to feel her warm skin under his hands, her soft lips caressing his body. The blue-haired Ronin quickly took off his own clothes and slipped under the sheets beside her.
She turned to face him, pulling the covers over her body as she did. Her shirt slid from her shoulders and lay behind her in a puddle of white satin. She ran her hands over his firm muscles, exploring his entire body and marveling at its strength. He was even more incredible than she had imagined. His stormy blue eyes caught her gaze and she drowned in the fiery passion that burned within them. He reached around her to unclasp her bra. After several moments of fumbling and cursing, she laughed and gave him a helping hand. Feeling a little embarrassed, Rowen hurriedly slid off all of her undergarments, and then pulled her body completely against him. She melted into his arms, her eyes fluttering shut as she relished in the thrill of pressing skin-to-skin. He lay still in her embrace for several minutes before she felt a subtle change in his breathing and he began to move. He strong hands roamed over her body, seeking out the most secret places. Each touch of his hands, of his lips, filled her with a pleasure she had never known before. Cool lips soothed the fever gathering in her breast. Every caress, every kiss was soft and gentle. But Shara could feel something building between them. A growing passion, barely suppressed, that longed to be unleashed. It was there in his hands as he rubbed her lower back, in his lips as they moved over her neck and shoulders. Finally it became too much for her to bear and she rolled Rowen onto his back.
He gazed up at her in surprise. Her eyes were smoky and dark, smoldering with fierce desire. She grabbed his hands in hers and held them tightly, kissing and caressing each finger with her tongue. Then she guided his hands over her lovely figure, showing him precisely what to do and where to touch if he wanted to give her the most pleasure. He felt her grasp loosen and his arms fell at his sides. She raised up and slid backwards along his body until her leg straddled his hips. Then she began to rock back and forth, slowly at first, but with steadily increasing speed. Reaching up, he grasped her hands, lacing his fingers with hers. He began to move his hips in rhythm with hers; every time she slid forward, he thrust up to meet her. They continued like this for several minutes, their passions and excitement growing more amazing with every passing second. At last, they both gasped out a deep moan, and then it was over.
She collapsed on his chest, trying to catch her breath. His arms wrapped around her body, fingertips caressing her damp skin. He lay still for quite a while, listening as her breath and heartbeat slowed. Finally, he brushed a kiss across her forehead and smiled.
"You were amazing, Tenshi…"
She lifted her head. Dark sky and deep forest met as she flashed him a wicked grin. "I'm not finished with you yet, Koishii…"
And they started all over again. Bodies entwined, trying a million different ways to bring fulfillment to one another, finding ecstasy in each other. It continued far into the night, until both were too exhausted to move any more.
-------------------------------------------------------
Rowen awoke the next morning and stretched, his mouth gaping open in a tired yawn. Scratching his head, he glanced down at the pillow beside him, expecting to see Shara's golden head. But the space was empty. His eyes darted around the room, searching for his angel. There she was. Sitting in a chair by the window, her knees drawn up to her chin and her arms wrapped around her legs. Sunlight streamed through the panes of glass, making her white skin shimmer with golden tones. A halo of light surrounded her body, and a smile crossed his face. Now she really did look like an angel. Yet there was something wrong. Her face was streaked with tears, and her eyes were dark and lusterless. Standing, he crossed the room and kneeled at her side, running his lips along her shoulder and upper arm.
"What's the matter, gorgeous? You look so sad…"
She didn't even look at him. "Why shouldn't I be? Aren't you?"
"What? Sad? No way! I'm still high from last night." He tried to take her hands, but she yanked them away. "… Why do you feel so terrible? What's wrong?"
"… Everything… I screwed up so badly…" Her head dropped to her knees. "I'm such an idiot…"
He caressed her thigh, blue eyes shining. "You are not. You were absolutely perfect, Shara. Don't worry about that at all."
She stood suddenly, knocking him back, and shot him a deadly glare. "Not that, you moron! God!"
Rowen looked wounded. "… Shara? Did I… Did I do something wrong? Why are you so angry with me?"
"You really don't get it, do you?" she snapped. "Do you have any idea how very stupid what we did is? Any clue at all how horribly this is going to screw up our lives? I… I cheated on my husband, Rowen! The man I love with all my heart! I'll never be able to face him! Not now! Not… not after this…" Her hands clenched into fists. "… Why did I let myself go like that…? God… I want to die…"
"Shara…" He reached out to embrace her.
She shoved him away. "Don't touch me! Ever! Get out of my house and never come back! I hate you!" The blonde girl scooped his boxers from the floor and hurled them at his face. "Go! I don't want to see you ever again!"
"But… but I love you, Shara… I just… I didn't mean to…" Tears gathered in his dark eyes. "Please…"
"No, Rowen… It's over. No matter how much you may love me… We can never talk of this. As far as I'm concerned, it never happened. Forget it, Rowen. Please. Now just… just go."
He tried once more to touch her, but she turned away from him. Tearfully, the blue-haired Ronin gathered his things, dressed silently, and left.
Alone with her own misery, the beautiful blonde sank to her knees and wept.
---------------------------------------
"I should've known you wouldn't change."
Rowen jerked his head back, breaking out of his reminiscing and out of the kiss. Shara's eyes flew open and she stared over Strata's shoulder.
"Oh, God…"
Piercing blue eyes burned coldly into hers. "You had me utterly convinced that I could trust you. Now, here you are, back to your old tricks. No more, Shara. Go to the house, pack your things, and get the hell out of here. I don't' care where you go or what you do. Just stay away from me." He turned and strode back toward the house.
"Sage! No! It isn't… It isn't what you think!" She leapt from Rowen's lap, chasing after her husband. "Please don't do this! Talk to me! Sage!"
Rowen sat still, listening to her voice fade as she moved farther and farther away. He felt absolutely terrible. Yet again he had lost control. But this time… This time he feared things between he and Shara were forever severed. The Ronin slumped in his seat as a dark orange leaf drifted into his lap from the tree above. The brittle leaf crumbled into dust when he touched it, and he chuckled darkly. How very fitting it seemed. Everything he touched was destroyed.
"Rowen! Rowen!"
He glanced up to see an auburn-haired man dashing toward him, panic written on his face. "Cye? What's up, man?"
"Where have you been? I tried to call both you and Sage! No one would answer the phone!"
"I've been here. Sage… Well, he just got home. Why? What's wrong now?"
"Kento… He's… he's fighting some kind of… of demon things… Back at our house. Thankfully, Ryo was over for a visit, so he's helping out… But… I don't know what these things are. Never seen anything like it…" Torrent clutched Rowen's arm. "We have to get Sage and hurry back! We have to save Kento!"
"What?" He jumped up, eyes flashing. "An attack? Don't these Dynasty guys ever take a break?"
"I… I don't think these things are from the Dynasty. They look… they look like they come from the pits of Yomi itself! But there's no time for this!"
"Right. Get Sage. I'll go fight." He ran past Torrent and started toward the house that Kento and Cye called theirs, nearly two miles away. I wish we'd get to rest for more than two days! Agh! He quickly called on his Armor and continued running. I so need a vacation.
-----------------------------------------
AN: Okay, now that I've screwed up Shara and Sage's relationship again and started a battle, I'm all finished! Now it's time to let someone else take over the reins for me. *salutes* Do me proud, hon. ^_^ For the record, I'll probably write some more sequels later… But for now I think I'll just get started on rewriting the first chapter of this story, and extend the prologue into a full-fledged story… Lots of work ahead of me.