here we go with the promised epilogue. And yes, as I promised, fluff and goodness. As yes, part of the first paragraph is from the last chapter, I did that on purpose.

Oh, and I'm contemplating on what story I'm writing after this. Not sure...

Emerald Flame
Epilogue

Darkness is a sin itself. Twisting itself around your soul, crushing every good intention in your life to pieces. Crushing any hopes and dreams you ever had, and it leaves you with noting. Nothing except the feeling of disappointment and death. Darkness is something that can not be avoided, it's something that everyone must face. Whether you win or lose, it's up to you. But those who lose are forever haunted by the sins of their past, and death itself. Giving in is how you lose the fight. And once you lose the fight, you lose yourself in the process.

But the true savior of darkness is love. A priceless, and endless anecdote that can heal the weakest and fragile of hearts. A weightless feeling is exchanged for that of the broken and weak. The only way to come out victorious against the endless battle is to fall in love. Not a simple, casual love, but that eternal love, with that someone.

It was a few days after the final battle against the lord of cruxis. Managing to escape with their lives, both seraphim were transported safely to Heimdall, the village of the elves. After their past history, the elves easily let the two take refuge in the inn. However, when Yuan awoke for the first time in two days, a sudden feeling in his stomach told him something was wrong. Dreadfully wrong.

Lazily walking across the hall to where he remembered Kratos' room was, he banged his fist against. Swaying on his feet, still half asleep, he waited by the door. No response. Furrowing an eyebrow, the blue-haired seraphim knocked once more and whispered the name of his lover through the door. Still no response. Heart stopping, he pushed the door open. To his sudden surprise, the door freely swung open. It wasn't locked.

Stepping inside into the room, Yuan slowly learned the truth. Kratos wasn't there, not at all. Pulse rising a thousand beats, he stepped forward, looking around as if Kratos was just hiding. After a few futile attempts to find him, the seraphim sat down on the bed.

"You said you'd never leave," A bitter taste formed in Yuan's mouth as he noticed a note by the edge table. Stunned, he extended a hand and retrieved it.

Dear Yuan,

After much consideration, I've decided upon a single act. As I have told you countless times before, the only way for a human to use the Eternal Sword is through the ring of pact. But after much calculating, another factor has fallen into play. The Pact of Origin that bounds Mithos to the sword. As you know, this pact is based on my very existence.

If you don't understand what I'm trying to say, I'll just come out and declare it... I'm going to give my life for the purpose of saving this world. I believe in Lloyd, and this is the only way for him to save it.

I'm sorry it had to come to this... I'm sorry I didn't say good-bye, but it'd be too painful. I will always remember you, in whatever trails come before me. ...I love you Yuan .

Kratos

"You...idiot,"

Was all the words that came out of the seraphim's mouth. Soul feeling like it had been ripped out, he sat there hopelessly. Tears trickled down his face as his body shook rapidly. Nothing felt right anymore, everything felt wrong. His true soul mate was giving up his life for the savior of the world. This couldn't be happening.

"You promised me, you fucking promised me!"

Reaching out in rage, Yuan struck down the nearest vase in anger. Frustration and despair combined, whirling together to form an unnamable type of emotion. Vase falling to the ground and smashing to pieces, Yuan just stood there. Bloody knuckles showed of his dead, and a ripped, bleeding heart was proof of this cruel sin.

"...you never let me say good-bye."

So he ran. As fast as he could possibly run. He ran away from everything, straight to the heart of the forest where he knew he'd find the limp and lifeless body of Kratos. If there was an award for running, he'd have won it. Remembering every path that led to the place of pact, he managed to increase speed, placing his faith in his heart.

Stopping once he reached the long twisting path that led to Origin's seal, his pulse slowed down. Mind flickering from fantasy and reality confused him. He wasn't usually like this. He was one to be stubborn, and strong-minded and not be tempted by emotions. But now? He was as broken down as any another human. This was where he learned the true meaning of 'love' and the feeling of losing the one closet to you.

How does it feel knowing your cause of suffering is because of him

The words of Yggdrasill filled Yuan senses as he slowly made his way down the path. Was he really the source of all of Kratos' suffering? If he hadn't met him, would Kratos be happier? Would he still be alive. A single tear fell from the seraphim's face as he took another step forward.

How much does it hurt you that he didn't come back for you?

It was true. If he had really wanted to show Kratos he cared, he would have stopped him from giving up his life. That's what he believed. Not realizing he had down everything in his power to love Kratos, to show him there was hope for him, Yuan took a disdainful step forward. What was he really expecting up ahead? The bloody body of his former companion, rival, friend, and soul-mate?..

And how does it feel knowing you'll never be loved?

He didn't realize whatsoever that he had truly loved Kratos until it was too late. The countless years by his side, fighting against him or beside him, the pitty fights, the name-calling, and the heart ache. He didn't realize that he really loved him. Didn't realize that his true lover was with him all along, waiting, and hoping. A hope that would never be filled again.

"Kratos!"

Raising his sullen head from despair, Yuan's ears perked up as he heard the brunette's voice called a few feet ahead. Ducking behind the nearest bush, Yuan watched in horror as Kratos turned around, luxurious blue wings flapping, and pressed his hand against the stone. It was at that moment where Yuan realized how much he cared, how he would give it all away for Kratos. Now he finally understood how far this thing called 'love' ran, and how much it effected him.

Kratos' body slowly began to fall backwards, from mana depletion. It was now or never, sink or swim. Gathering the countless years of unsettled feelings, the seraphim lunged forward and caught the auburn man in his arms. The only reasonable idea was to share his mana. Not just to save him, but as a sign of eternal love. For now on they were one. The same mana that ran through one's veins ran through the others. Each breath they took was in unison with another.

Cracking open an eye, Kratos glanced up at Yuan weakly. A gentle smile crossed his lips as he limply held him close. Nothing could separate them now, except for the ones behind them watching. Clearing his throat, Yuan cast a peeved look at Lloyd.

"Don't worry, I've given him some of my mana. Kratos will be fine."

"It seems I've failed to die once more."

Yuan's heart sank when Kratos uttered those words, but the look in his eyes made up for it. The glimmer of affection and gratitude shown brightly through them. Nothing seemed wrong at this moment anymore, it was as if all the eternal bruises he bore had magically healed away, leaving only good intentions. Both former Cruxis members were far too lost in their own worlds to realize Lloyd was addressing them. Throwing out any responses, they watched as Lloyd went to release the seal. And be rid of this curse that resided over to the two for years to come.

---Exactly one year later----

They were sitting adjacent from one another at a stone table in the heart of Derris-Kharlan. This once cold and forbidding place seemed to glow with good intentions and gentle caring. It was early morning, and the two were having their usual morning beverage. This planet provided much to do, if they wanted a complete life, and to rid of any memories of Mithos.

"Hey, Yuan."

Yuan glanced over and noticed Kratos was starring at him. Cocking his head to the left, the blue haired seraphim nodded lightly and laced his fingers together and placed his cup on the table in front of him. Clearing his throat he answered softly.

"Yea?"

"I want to show you something, here come with me."

Both seraphim stood up. Kratos eyed Yuan to come over. A little puzzled, Yuan agreed and walked over to him. Taking his hand in his, Kratos led the way to the castle they had renamed "Estrian" which was ancient elven language for 'savior.' Still in wonderment, Yuan agreeably followed Kratos inside and to the depths of it.

It was around ten moments before Kratos stopped before a wooden door. Raising an eyebrow, Yuan shook his head in confusion. Letting go of Kratos' hand,. he just starred at the door. Was it there before? Or was this one of the additions Kratos was working on? Becoming confused, Yuan reached out to open it, but Kratos stopped him momentarily.

"Remember what I promised you?"

Thoughts crossed Yuan's mind uneasily. Had he really forgotten Kratos' promise? Unsure, Yuan shook his head slowly, almost embarrassed that he hadn't remembered. A large grin and smile crossed Kratos' lips as he took Yuan's hand in his and starred deeply at the emerald eyes that watched him innocently.

"This room bears no past, only a brighter future."

He opened the door and led his companion inside. There sat an elegant room, half for dining pleasures and half for sleeping purposes. The table seemed to be hand crafted from Kratos, along with the two cherry wood chairs that were set up nicely at the table. A roaring fireplace crackled from the other half of the room where sat a large queen size bed. As if this was a reminder, a graceful smile spread across Yuan's face.

"I promised you a romantic dinner and night, did I not?"

"Kratos... I don't know what to say." Complete bliss filled Yuan as he stood there, hand in hand with his eternal lover.

"No, don't say anything." Kratos gently moved Yuan's face to his and planted a chaste kiss upon his lips. His tonuge lovingly searched his companion's in signs of any motives ahead. Wrapping his arms around Kratos, Yuan deepened the kiss but broke away. Even angels have to breathe.

"You did this all, for me?"

"Yes, let this be the beginning of a whole new life for us, Yuan. One that starts in the mind and soul, and ends with the heart." Kratos whispered softly.

And so did start a whole new life. Two complete opposites who found love in the most unsuspected places. Two souls forever interwined by the blood running through their veins, and the compassion in their hearts. No flame nor storm could break this durable thing called love. When there's only one person for you in this whole world, and you've finally found them, it's the start of the rest of your life.

AN:

Finally. Hopefully this didn't disappoint, I tried my best and had a few friends go over this to make sure it was good enough for the epilogue. As before, I went through the dialogue countless times in attempts to keep both Yuan and Kratos in character. I tried to put my own spin on the Origin seal by not boring you with the releasing stuff. And I spent a few days contemplating on the end, and finally found it with Kratos' promise of the romantic dinner and night. Anywho, I hope you enjoyed reading this. Stories from me in the future? I'm not quite sure. Eitherway, you'll be seeing my face again. Please leave a review, and thanks for taking time to read this story.