Author's Notes: Hey guys. It's been awhile since I updated! Been really busy with my schoolwork and all, and I might need to re-edit my story. I had some trouble on finding out how the story would develop, but hadn't had time to think about it. Anyways, after pushing in some moments of leisure, I came up with this, the long awaited third chapter of the snowflake story. Hope you appreciate it!

Enjoy the read guys.

(Disclaimer: Yeah, you know this by now.)

BTW: How do you italicize the text over ffnet? I keep seeing other people do it.

Chapter 2: Memories Linger

There was a twilight moon gleaming across the orange sky of planet rock. I found myself gazing until the sun slowly died over the horizon as I stood over the balcony that perched just over the airfield behind the palace. It was bustling with activity, the engineers repairing the aircraft and vehicles that were damaged during the beast's last raid.

Memories of that moment still lingered through my mind. That time. . . almost two weeks ago. . .

- - - - - - - -
"Heheh, got you princess!"

"RRRRRR!"

Pyrus stood over me triumphant, the cushioned end of his trademark battle staff, a dying gift from his father I later learned, trained on me as I sat sorely on the floor of his throne room, our usual sparring place. He then shouldered it and held his hand out, a smile curving over his face. "Here, I'll help you up."

My eyes narrowed, my hand reaching up only to smack it away. I then regained my formal composure, "I'll be fine, lavahead."

"Okay. . ." he said mockingly, passing me my own staff. We quickly ran back to our starting positions and began the exercise once more.

It was one of the many drills that Jade taught us, something to work the senses and reaction timing. We each took reign of one side of the room, backs against a pillar, away from each other's view. As I readied myself, Pyrus called out.

"You ready, Zera?"

"Yes, I'm ready."

"Okay on five. . . one. . . two. . . three. . . four. . ."

Five.

Silence. . . the air was void of any sound except for the crackling of the torches that lit the room, and the sound of my heart beating. I inhaled as much air as I could without making too much noise, then made my first move.

The throne room was very spacious, which was why we chose this place as a sparring ground. Along with the usual décor, ash pots and cargo crates were strewn about, creating a thick maze that made for difficult navigation. It was perfect for this kind of exercise.

Of course, Pyrus didn't make it any easier.

Jade was too busy taking care of her people, so she assigned Pyrus to be my new sparring teacher, much to his and my reluctance. Nonetheless, I still wanted to be a warrior, so I gave in and said okay; I guess I would've been less comfortable if it was some "captain of the guard" giving me lessons. Pyrus still teased me about me going through with this, but he was happy to put me under his tutelage; he had been doing this sort of training all his life, and it gave him the perfect opportunity to boss me around.

Jerk.

Well, at least he had the decency to air condition the room.

I manoeuvred around the room carefully, not letting my pointed toes tap the ground too hard. Pyrus didn't make any sound at all. He was pretty good at this, although I hated to admit it.

Then I heard something metallic make contact with stone. I slowly turned around to follow its source. I crept slowly, staff erect and ready.

The sound came from behind an ash pot, a few metres just ahead of me. I stopped short as I tried to pinpoint Pyrus, tentative for even the subtlest disturbance in the environment. He was close. . . I could almost feel him. . .

Suddenly, the air whirled, and a blinding flash came at the corner of my eye. I turned in a split second, only to see Pyrus in mid-air, legs tucked in, battle staff drawn behind him. Like a ghost, he made no sound, seeming to glide through the air as he landed with utmost precision, ready to attack.

I barely blocked his staff as he came down with his assault. We then struck at each other, parrying each other's attacks. Pyrus was much faster, and I was beginning to wear out. It didn't mean I was going to give up though. I was going to prove to Pyrus I was just as good as he is. There was no sense in surrender.

"Had enough?" he managed to cry out.

"No way," I panted. "I'm not through with you yet!"

But finally, my defensive posture was slackening, and when Pyrus caught me off guard, he makes a swoop at my legs, levelling me off my feet. The floor halted my descent.

Pyrus' smile came back up again. "Had enough now?"

I growled at him angrily. He wasn't intimidated, still wearing the wry grin that seemed to brighten up the features in his face. He offers an outstretched hand.

"Our time's up. How 'bout I take you home?"

There was a slight pause, but Pyrus didn't seem to mind. All I did was sit there, looking at him. Pyrus was still himself, but he also knew when to be courteous, a sign of his royalty showing, despite how we treated each other. The kind gesture to escort me home stunned me for a minute; Pyrus had never offered anything in a manner as this.

Well. . . he did save my life a few times, but the circumstances were different then.

I reached up and took his hand, the contact stinging my palm as the warm mist rose into the air. He pulls me up and releases his grip.

"Fine. Let's go." It was my best reaction.

- - - - - - - -

My mouth went sour as the memory faded. I wished I could've said something better. I was so mean to him. It'll be the only thing he remembers of me before he. . .

No! I should think better of him! If Pyrus is as hotheaded as he always was, he'll make it. . . won't he?

. . . I still worry of him. The coma was very severe, and he may never wake up. Imagining the matchstick. . . no. . . Pyrus. . . spending the rest of his life as a vegetable. . . I'll never see him again. I'd miss him so much. . .

Pyrus. . . I thought.

Just then, Femur entered the room with a childish glee, panting wildly as he stumbled towards me.

I turned around quickly, asking. "Femur? What's wrong?"

He pants again, trying to regain his breath as he choked on his spent lungs. "Kid. . . princess. . . kid. . . (wheez) gonna. . . (hack)!"

"Okay, take a deep breath, and tell me what's wrong."

He followed the instruction, taking several gulps of air before letting it out:

"The kid. . . he's gonna live! He just woke up, and he's recovering!"

My eyes went wide with joy, screaming inwardly as I tried to hold back my enthusiasm. Femur saw it anyway.

"Just let it out princess."

And I did, bursting out with laughter, gripping Femur in what seemed like a deadly clothespin. I buried myself into him, tears stinging my cheeks with delight.

"Hold off! I can't breathe!"

I pulled back, embarrassed a little. "Oh! Sorry!" I giggled.

"The guys are wondering if you liked to know. . ." he said. Then he added slowly. "He. . . wanted to see you."

My expression lightened as I heard him say that. I wasn't sure if I could face him. . . I was still blaming myself for the near death experience he had to endure. But it was a request I couldn't refuse. . . not for him.

"Alright. . . take me to him."

- - - - - - -