Eternal love

Author: Silhouette

Genre: Fantasy; AU original; YAOI (like duh?)

Ratings: PG-13

Pairings: SenRu and others

Disclaimer: Slam Dunk doesn't belong to me, but Sir Takehiko Inoue (* Sulk *) This story was inspired by Celine Dion's song, "Immortality".

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Chapter 2

Both the media and the public were shocked – Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Sendoh Akira had announced the sale of his companies to the government, and retired totally from the world of finances. This action aroused much speculation but yet no one was able to find out why he did that. He seemed to have disappeared totally right after he gave up on everything.

In fact, Sendoh had flown to another country, as far as possible from where he used to be, to escape from it all. He chose a quiet countryside and built a mansion in the place, arranging for locals to send him food every week. After all, he had all the money he needed. It was the perfect life that he had craved for in the cities, tranquil and serene, without the stench of rubbish-chutes or foulness of the vehicle fumes. Everyday, he took strolls in the maple woods and visited the locals in their houses. Life was easy and simple.

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Kaede walked deeper and deeper down the forest trails until he reached a tiny pond in the heart of the woods. He sat down cross-legged and hugged himself tightly. A burst of white-hot flames scattered, and pair of great white wings appeared on his back. "Speak to me, Eternalia." He whispered, standing up. The dark little pond shimmered mysteriously, the moonlight playing across the water lilies…a particular flower amongst it all started to bloom. The petals opened out one by one, unfolding itself with grace and ease. Rukawa closed his eyes as a soft lilac glow shrouded the lily-flower, and exploded into a brilliant series of fireworks. When he opened his eyes again, a lady wearing a light lilac toned gown stood before him. She spoke, her voice a tinkling, silvery whisper, "It's been some time, Kaede."

"Please guide me."

"Your future awaits you, whilst the love of the Maple shall guide you to him."

"Who is he? Father and Mother spoke of him, but I do not know who."

"When the time comes, you will understand. Let your heart guide you." The lady smiled and kissed Kaede's forehead gently, and sank out of sight.

Under the moonlight, the little pond shimmered mysteriously, and seemed to wink at him, " Let your heart guide you."

Kaede frowned – Let my heart…guide me?

An unknown force lurked within his being. Kaede's eyes flew open – that's the one! His great white wings flapped furiously and he rose to the crown of the trees, and flew out of the woods, away from the place…away from Eternalia. He soared amidst the clouds, fingering the moist white silk like phenomenon, which melts away, at his touch. It was a rare moment of inner quiescence for him, and he suddenly felt free. He knew quite well that it was very dangerous for him to leave Eternalia, but this serenity was so much to be enjoyed, he didn't feel like going back.

"My Princess, it's a pleasure to meet you." A soft, dangerous voice came to him.

Kaede spun round, to see a faint figure approaching. It was Minami, General of Eternalia. Kaede bit his bottom lip in frustration, of all people, he had to meet Minami! He had never liked Minami, the man had a strange dark aura that radiated evilness, and one element that repulsed him, was that Minami was actually interested in him, no, her.

Minami regarded the Princess with lust in his eyes. She looked so fragile, yet so graceful and desirable in that long white gown…and those beautiful wings! The way she bit her lip in nervousness was so cute, he looked on, amused.

Kaede turned round again, "You are dismissed, General Minami." He commanded coolly. "But it is my job to protect my Princess from all harm, and now that we are so far from Eternalia, it would be dangerous."

It would be dangerous, staying around you. Kaede thought. He flew off swiftly, ignoring the man who gave chase right away.  "Princess!" Minami shouted in anxiety, a storm is clearly approaching, and it would be very hazardous for them both.

Kaede made his way round an air pocket and his eyes grew wide in shock as a lightning bolt shot towards him…

All went dark.

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