Chapter 9
Alone
-On Planet Mercury-
Ami and Zoicite had arrived in the Shrine of Mercury. She gingerly wiped the blood and dirt from Greg's face. She couldn't face the fact that he was dead. "Ahem. I'm sorry for your loss. He must have been quite a heroic soldier. The Moon has lost quite an important general as well. He will be mourned by many." Said Zoicite, with a sad expression on his face. He had never realized that this mysterious girl was engaged. He had been surprised when he had heard the news. But, it was already impossible, for the man was dead. He hated to see her cry. Her face was sad when it was usually filled with gentleness and contentment. Her tears had caused him so much anguish that he had wanted to take her in his arms then and there. But, he had stopped himself. She was going to leave. He couldn't just leave her like this, so he volunteered to join her. His stupid excuse would suffice at the moment, but a lie was a lie. He would have to leave her, if not for a few seconds.
"I must be going now. I'll leave you to your business. Whenever you are ready, just tell me." He stated. He slowly walked out, pausing to look back at her. Her shoulders were jerking, as if she was sobbing, but no sound could be heard. He gulped, holding back the impulse to comfort her, and left.
Ami listened as the man's footsteps got farther and farther away. She had heard the concern in his voice, and saw the sadness in his eyes. She again looked down at Greg. He truly looked as if he was at peace. With a heavy heart, she stood, and left to find the home of his parents.
As she walked, she remembered the times they had shared in the past. They had been friends since childhood, and could never be kept apart. That is, until he joined the Moon's imperial army. They had discussed it time and time again, and she knew that he was devoted to his cause. "As long as there is war, I am needed." He had told her. She could not prevent him from enlisting, and soon, he was a general. He visited her often, for the battles fought were never as numerous and intense as they were now. And, on one visit, he had proposed. She had happily accepted. They didn't know when they were to get married, but they knew that they would be. But now, Greg, her true love and best friend, was dead. They were never going to get married. She suddenly found herself standing at the door of a house. This was where his parents lived. He had no brothers and sisters. She took a deep breath, and knocked.
Zoicite hadn't really left the Shrine. He had merely went outside and leaned against the wall. He could not find the courage to say anything to this girl. He wanted to talk to her, and comfort her. But he was far too shy. He sighed. How was he ever supposed to get close to her, if he could barely talk to her? He suddenly noticed that she had left the building, and was walking towards a small residential area. He quickly followed her, being curious, until she arrived at a house.
"Ami? Well what in the world are you doing here? Come in child, come in!" said an older woman with kind eyes. Greg's mother, Margaret, had the ability to make anyone feel welcome. His father, George, was a kind old man, who teased anyone who ventured into their happy home. She wondered how to break the news, and sat awkwardly on a comfy sofa by the fireplace. Greg's parents had settled in across from her, and seemed like they were about to interrogate her until another knock sounded at the door. "Who could that be?" said Margaret.
He watched her through a window, surprised at his stalker-ish behavior, and realized that these were the parents of her fiancé. He pitied her. She would have to tell them the fate of their son. He made a decision, and knocked on the door.
When Margaret had opened the door, Ami was surprised to see Zoicite. "Um. I'm looking for Ami. I believe she's here, or, at least I think." He said with a confused look on his face. "I'm right here Zoicite." Said Ami. She didn't know what he was doing there, but at least she would have some company. "Oh I see, you're one of Ami's friends eh? Well come right in stranger, where it's warm." Exclaimed Margaret happily. 'The more the merrier!"
"So. You two are friends?" questioned George. "I hope my son knows about this!" he said with a mischievous grin. He knew Ami would never really cheat on Greg, but it was in his nature to tease people. "Yes, we are." Replied Ami nervously. "Zoicite is one of King Endymion's generals. He came with me because we both have business that needs to be attended to."
"Well. What business do you have here dear? Nothing important has happened I hope." Said Margaret.
"Um. Ma'am? I'm afraid that what brought me here is Greg. Zoicite came on official Earth business." Said Ami. "What? Has something happened to Greg?" asked Margaret in a worried tone. "I'm afraid so." Said Ami. She couldn't bring it to herself to say anymore. "Well? What's happened Ami?" Asked George. "Well. He. Um. You see." Stuttered Ami. She felt like her throat was burning. There was no way she was going to be able to say this. Suddenly, she realized Zoicite was squeezing her hand.
"Margaret? George? What Ami is trying to say, is that Greg was injured in battle. The injury he sustained was critical, and in the end, I'm afraid that it killed him." Zoicite said calmly. He knew Ami could barely get the words out of her mouth, so he told them instead. He looked over at Ami, and saw an expression of pure shock.
Ami couldn't believe the words that were coming out of Zoicite's mouth. Instead of allowing her to tell Greg's parents, he had taken the burden himself. She was surprised as ever. Zoicite continued to tell the grief-stricken couple that their son was a hero, even with the surprise etched into her own face. She barely even knew Zoicite, and was already overcome by the simple act of compassion. If the words had left her lips, she would have had a nervous breakdown and would have started crying hysterically. But now, since he had told them, she could console their loss, instead of her own. She squeezed his hand back, and began to comfort the grieving couple.
"He died a hero Margaret. You know that. He was already wounded, and protected King Endymion and Princess Serena. He wasn't forced to. He knew what was at stake. But he had too much good in him. Be proud of him. I know I was", she murmured with tears flowing down her cheeks. It was such a simple statement, but it immediately calmed the aged couple. "And we are Ami. We are. Thank you for coming to tell us. I know it must be hard for you as well." Said Margaret with puffy, tear-filled eyes. "And where is he now? He must have a proper funeral."
"He's at the temple, waiting for you." Said Ami sadly. She knew that he would be buried in a simple grave. He had told her that it was what he had wanted once before. She had not wanted to talk about that subject, because she considered it taboo. But he knew it was necessary. A soldier did not go to war without fear of death.
That night, the entire family mourned Greg. The funeral was held the next day. At the funeral, she held back angry tears. All the people at the funeral who mourned for Greg were grieving for no reason. This war was absolutely unnecessary in Ami's eyes. One force pitted against another. Greg had been pulled into the conflict, and he had died for it. She felt as if she alone in the universe. Her friends were far away, and her family was more distant than ever. However, she did have a friend in Zoicite. He had been there to comfort her. At the funeral, he had an arm around her shoulders at all times. She had cried on his shoulder and leaned on him for support. With him around, she had the courage to face the many crying faces in the crowd.
After the funeral, she went back to the Shrine. She went outside, to get some fresh air. The Shrine was a familiar place to her. She had lived there all her life. Her parents had both died when she was young, leaving her alone. In Greg, she found a friend and companion. With his death, she felt empty. On the very balcony where she was, there was a marble chess table where she and Greg had played many games together. That was her favorite hobby. Now, she didn't know if she would ever play it again. "Why did you have to go Greg? Why?" she thought. A lone tear trickled down her cheek. She closed her eyes and slid a hand through her hair.
Zoicite had seen her leave the funeral. He had somehow been able to comfort her every time she needed him that day. He followed her to the temple and stood hidden in the shadows. He saw a tear fall from her eye, and he had had enough. He walked swiftly to her side, and placed his hands on the railing. "Are you alright Ami?" he asked.
Ami hadn't realized that he was even there until he stood next to her. "I'm fine. Really. You should just go to sleep. I'll be okay. I just need some time alone." Ami replied.
"Ami, there is no way I'm going to leave you like this. At least not until you cheer up." Said Zoicite with a grin. "I know you must miss him. But Ami, you're not alone okay? I may not know you that well, but I do believe that you're strong enough to move on. He would have wanted it. Now, how about a game of chess?" He said with a reassuring smile.
Ami knew that what he was saying was true. She would have to move on eventually. Her life wasn't over. And, Greg wouldn't want her to mourn him forever. Wiping the tears from her eyes, Ami said, "Okay then. You had better be ready to lose."
Zoicite couldn't help but smile. He had never lost a game of chess in his life. "You wanna bet?"
As it turned out, their game was intense. Ami was suddenly concentrating harder than she ever had before. "Where the hell did this come from?" she wondered. Either he was an elite chess player she had never heard of before or, she suddenly sucked. Either one was possible. She had defended and attacked where she was supposed to but still had no advantage. He was good. Probably the best person she had ever played. And she had won many chess competitions in her life. A couple here and there, on this planet and that. Yet, she could find no way to end the game. She was getting frustrated.
Zoicite had been playing chess his entire life and usually beat an opponent within minutes. But Ami, she was good. Perhaps too good. She had pulled apart many of his winning combinations that never failed him. There was more to this girl than she let on. Her plays were unorthodox, and he had never come up against any other like them. He had to find a way to end the game before nightfall. It was hours past sunset, and they had to get some sleep eventually. An idea sprung to his mind.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * I told you to expect more cliffhangers!.but don't' worry.I made sure that I posted up the next chapter too! I know you love me! Hahahaha! Well have fun reading!
-Tina
Alone
-On Planet Mercury-
Ami and Zoicite had arrived in the Shrine of Mercury. She gingerly wiped the blood and dirt from Greg's face. She couldn't face the fact that he was dead. "Ahem. I'm sorry for your loss. He must have been quite a heroic soldier. The Moon has lost quite an important general as well. He will be mourned by many." Said Zoicite, with a sad expression on his face. He had never realized that this mysterious girl was engaged. He had been surprised when he had heard the news. But, it was already impossible, for the man was dead. He hated to see her cry. Her face was sad when it was usually filled with gentleness and contentment. Her tears had caused him so much anguish that he had wanted to take her in his arms then and there. But, he had stopped himself. She was going to leave. He couldn't just leave her like this, so he volunteered to join her. His stupid excuse would suffice at the moment, but a lie was a lie. He would have to leave her, if not for a few seconds.
"I must be going now. I'll leave you to your business. Whenever you are ready, just tell me." He stated. He slowly walked out, pausing to look back at her. Her shoulders were jerking, as if she was sobbing, but no sound could be heard. He gulped, holding back the impulse to comfort her, and left.
Ami listened as the man's footsteps got farther and farther away. She had heard the concern in his voice, and saw the sadness in his eyes. She again looked down at Greg. He truly looked as if he was at peace. With a heavy heart, she stood, and left to find the home of his parents.
As she walked, she remembered the times they had shared in the past. They had been friends since childhood, and could never be kept apart. That is, until he joined the Moon's imperial army. They had discussed it time and time again, and she knew that he was devoted to his cause. "As long as there is war, I am needed." He had told her. She could not prevent him from enlisting, and soon, he was a general. He visited her often, for the battles fought were never as numerous and intense as they were now. And, on one visit, he had proposed. She had happily accepted. They didn't know when they were to get married, but they knew that they would be. But now, Greg, her true love and best friend, was dead. They were never going to get married. She suddenly found herself standing at the door of a house. This was where his parents lived. He had no brothers and sisters. She took a deep breath, and knocked.
Zoicite hadn't really left the Shrine. He had merely went outside and leaned against the wall. He could not find the courage to say anything to this girl. He wanted to talk to her, and comfort her. But he was far too shy. He sighed. How was he ever supposed to get close to her, if he could barely talk to her? He suddenly noticed that she had left the building, and was walking towards a small residential area. He quickly followed her, being curious, until she arrived at a house.
"Ami? Well what in the world are you doing here? Come in child, come in!" said an older woman with kind eyes. Greg's mother, Margaret, had the ability to make anyone feel welcome. His father, George, was a kind old man, who teased anyone who ventured into their happy home. She wondered how to break the news, and sat awkwardly on a comfy sofa by the fireplace. Greg's parents had settled in across from her, and seemed like they were about to interrogate her until another knock sounded at the door. "Who could that be?" said Margaret.
He watched her through a window, surprised at his stalker-ish behavior, and realized that these were the parents of her fiancé. He pitied her. She would have to tell them the fate of their son. He made a decision, and knocked on the door.
When Margaret had opened the door, Ami was surprised to see Zoicite. "Um. I'm looking for Ami. I believe she's here, or, at least I think." He said with a confused look on his face. "I'm right here Zoicite." Said Ami. She didn't know what he was doing there, but at least she would have some company. "Oh I see, you're one of Ami's friends eh? Well come right in stranger, where it's warm." Exclaimed Margaret happily. 'The more the merrier!"
"So. You two are friends?" questioned George. "I hope my son knows about this!" he said with a mischievous grin. He knew Ami would never really cheat on Greg, but it was in his nature to tease people. "Yes, we are." Replied Ami nervously. "Zoicite is one of King Endymion's generals. He came with me because we both have business that needs to be attended to."
"Well. What business do you have here dear? Nothing important has happened I hope." Said Margaret.
"Um. Ma'am? I'm afraid that what brought me here is Greg. Zoicite came on official Earth business." Said Ami. "What? Has something happened to Greg?" asked Margaret in a worried tone. "I'm afraid so." Said Ami. She couldn't bring it to herself to say anymore. "Well? What's happened Ami?" Asked George. "Well. He. Um. You see." Stuttered Ami. She felt like her throat was burning. There was no way she was going to be able to say this. Suddenly, she realized Zoicite was squeezing her hand.
"Margaret? George? What Ami is trying to say, is that Greg was injured in battle. The injury he sustained was critical, and in the end, I'm afraid that it killed him." Zoicite said calmly. He knew Ami could barely get the words out of her mouth, so he told them instead. He looked over at Ami, and saw an expression of pure shock.
Ami couldn't believe the words that were coming out of Zoicite's mouth. Instead of allowing her to tell Greg's parents, he had taken the burden himself. She was surprised as ever. Zoicite continued to tell the grief-stricken couple that their son was a hero, even with the surprise etched into her own face. She barely even knew Zoicite, and was already overcome by the simple act of compassion. If the words had left her lips, she would have had a nervous breakdown and would have started crying hysterically. But now, since he had told them, she could console their loss, instead of her own. She squeezed his hand back, and began to comfort the grieving couple.
"He died a hero Margaret. You know that. He was already wounded, and protected King Endymion and Princess Serena. He wasn't forced to. He knew what was at stake. But he had too much good in him. Be proud of him. I know I was", she murmured with tears flowing down her cheeks. It was such a simple statement, but it immediately calmed the aged couple. "And we are Ami. We are. Thank you for coming to tell us. I know it must be hard for you as well." Said Margaret with puffy, tear-filled eyes. "And where is he now? He must have a proper funeral."
"He's at the temple, waiting for you." Said Ami sadly. She knew that he would be buried in a simple grave. He had told her that it was what he had wanted once before. She had not wanted to talk about that subject, because she considered it taboo. But he knew it was necessary. A soldier did not go to war without fear of death.
That night, the entire family mourned Greg. The funeral was held the next day. At the funeral, she held back angry tears. All the people at the funeral who mourned for Greg were grieving for no reason. This war was absolutely unnecessary in Ami's eyes. One force pitted against another. Greg had been pulled into the conflict, and he had died for it. She felt as if she alone in the universe. Her friends were far away, and her family was more distant than ever. However, she did have a friend in Zoicite. He had been there to comfort her. At the funeral, he had an arm around her shoulders at all times. She had cried on his shoulder and leaned on him for support. With him around, she had the courage to face the many crying faces in the crowd.
After the funeral, she went back to the Shrine. She went outside, to get some fresh air. The Shrine was a familiar place to her. She had lived there all her life. Her parents had both died when she was young, leaving her alone. In Greg, she found a friend and companion. With his death, she felt empty. On the very balcony where she was, there was a marble chess table where she and Greg had played many games together. That was her favorite hobby. Now, she didn't know if she would ever play it again. "Why did you have to go Greg? Why?" she thought. A lone tear trickled down her cheek. She closed her eyes and slid a hand through her hair.
Zoicite had seen her leave the funeral. He had somehow been able to comfort her every time she needed him that day. He followed her to the temple and stood hidden in the shadows. He saw a tear fall from her eye, and he had had enough. He walked swiftly to her side, and placed his hands on the railing. "Are you alright Ami?" he asked.
Ami hadn't realized that he was even there until he stood next to her. "I'm fine. Really. You should just go to sleep. I'll be okay. I just need some time alone." Ami replied.
"Ami, there is no way I'm going to leave you like this. At least not until you cheer up." Said Zoicite with a grin. "I know you must miss him. But Ami, you're not alone okay? I may not know you that well, but I do believe that you're strong enough to move on. He would have wanted it. Now, how about a game of chess?" He said with a reassuring smile.
Ami knew that what he was saying was true. She would have to move on eventually. Her life wasn't over. And, Greg wouldn't want her to mourn him forever. Wiping the tears from her eyes, Ami said, "Okay then. You had better be ready to lose."
Zoicite couldn't help but smile. He had never lost a game of chess in his life. "You wanna bet?"
As it turned out, their game was intense. Ami was suddenly concentrating harder than she ever had before. "Where the hell did this come from?" she wondered. Either he was an elite chess player she had never heard of before or, she suddenly sucked. Either one was possible. She had defended and attacked where she was supposed to but still had no advantage. He was good. Probably the best person she had ever played. And she had won many chess competitions in her life. A couple here and there, on this planet and that. Yet, she could find no way to end the game. She was getting frustrated.
Zoicite had been playing chess his entire life and usually beat an opponent within minutes. But Ami, she was good. Perhaps too good. She had pulled apart many of his winning combinations that never failed him. There was more to this girl than she let on. Her plays were unorthodox, and he had never come up against any other like them. He had to find a way to end the game before nightfall. It was hours past sunset, and they had to get some sleep eventually. An idea sprung to his mind.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * I told you to expect more cliffhangers!.but don't' worry.I made sure that I posted up the next chapter too! I know you love me! Hahahaha! Well have fun reading!
-Tina