alone
Our beloved Riou/Syujinkou's thoughts at the passing of one most dear… spoilers for Rockaxe and beyond, so beware. R&R please.
By the way, 'aniki' means 'big sister' in Japanese. I think it's a more personal way of saying 'oneesan', which also means 'big sister'. Somebody correct me on this if I'm wrong...
"The stars look so pretty tonight!"
Your voice again, a whisper just within my ear.
I'm the only one who can hear it.
I'm the only one who can see you standing there, smiling down on me in the way you used to, silhouetted against the moonlight.
You are a memory that I don't want to forget.
"They're different from the ones back home, but stars are beautiful no matter where you look at them."
You're sitting beside me now, with your hands cradling your legs, your smile ever in place.
Still, there is that sadness in your eyes.
You never wanted to fight in the war...
...In the end, it was the war that took away your life.
"So many people are depending on you, huh, Jinkou? So many people… so many families... so many hopes and dreams...
"How does it feel, to be leading an army when you're not even old enough to drink?"
I never thought about it much until this moment. I always knew the responsibility on my shoulders was one too great for an average boy to take upon. I always rode into battle with every life sworn in fealty to my cause written on my sleeves, on my tonfa, in my eyes...
I never realized how hard it would be, without you there anymore.
"I'm sorry, Jinkou... that was a stupid question. I'm sorry if it made you sad...
"Don't ever be sad, okay? I'll always be here for you! We're going to win this stupid war and save all these people and go back home to Kyaro! Grandpa Genkaku must be lonely, with no one to visit him."
Your ghost stands up now, holding your hand out to mine and smiling at me, smiling like you always did. I reach out, and my fingers brush air where your fingers should be.
Tears, tears as I watch your memory fade with the passing breeze.
"...always be here for you..."
Aniki... you promised...
Why then, did you die?