Swordchick: You're not rid of me yet. There's still another chapter I want to write.

Legault: sigh There's more?

Swordchick: LOTS more.

Jaffar: groan

The battle slowly subsided, and Jaffar still sat with Princess Ive in his arms. He heard footsteps behind him but he did not turn around. If it was a friend, he did not want to look into their face. If it was an enemy, so be it. Maybe death was the easiest path.

Jaffar felt someone kneel beside him. "Jaffar…." It was Nino. Jaffar still did not look up.

"…I failed…" he murmured.

There was a long silence as the others walked over to Jaffar, Nino, and the lifeless princess, not saying a word. There was nothing to be said.

Finally Kent stepped forwards. "Jaffar…I'm sorry…"

Jaffar still didn't speak, still didn't look up, still didn't meet anyone's gaze. He just stood, holding the limp, fragile body in his arms. Not until a few moments later did he say quietly, "I…I wasn't strong enough…I couldn't save her…. It's all my fault we failed. All my fault she's…" he trailed off, unable to continue.

But Kent spoke, "No, Jaffar. It wasn't your fault. Don't feel that way."

But still Jaffar felt empty, guilty, numb. It was his fault. Princess Ive was dead because he was not strong enough. Because he had not saved her. Because he had not said what he felt sooner….

More footsteps approached.

"Rath!" Legault exclaimed. "Where were you?"

"…Staying alive," was the response.

The pain inside of Jaffar suddenly turned to burning fury. He tensed so much he shook. He turned slowly and gave Princess Ive's limp form to Kent, who was looking baffled. Then Jaffar turned and in two strides had reached Rath. Before the Sacaen nomad could respond, Jaffar had slammed him against a tree with such force Rath almost collapsed. And he probably would have if Jaffar hadn't been gripping his collar to firmly, holding him up.

"What do you know of being alive?" Jaffar spat. "How can you say that now?"

"Jaffar!" Matthew cried. "It was just an innocent comment! Don't attack him!"

But Jaffar did not release the stunned nomad. Ive was right. He was human. He was equal. He had a right to speak up.

"He did it."

"What?"

"He was the one who hired the mercenaries. He was the one trying to assassinate Ive."

"What!" Kent was absolutely stunned. "What are you talking about?"

"Tell them, Rath," Jaffar said, glaring threateningly into Rath's face. "Tell them. Now."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Rath said, giving Jaffar an equally terrifying glare.

Jaffar tightened his grip, pressing his fists into Rath's throat, threatening to choke him.

"Jaffar!" Legault yelled, moving to stop him.

But he was cut off as Rath spoke. "He's right," he said so quietly it was not understandable. Legault stopped short.

"What?"

"I…I was the one after Princess Ive," Rath said, louder this time so it was heard.

There was a complete silence in the clearing. Finally Nino broke it by crying, "Rath…. How…How could you…?"

"Why did you do it?" Kent demanded, glaring hard at the wincing nomad.

"I…I was hired. I did not ask why I was told to kill her. I am a mercenary. I have no business knowing what my mission is for; all I need to do is complete it."

Kent shook his head in disgust.

"Who hired you?" Matthew asked.

Silence filled the clearing. Kent's withering glare did not falter. Finally, Rath opened his mouth to speak.

"…Prince Zephiel."

Jaffar took a step back, finally releasing Rath. His eyes were blank, a numb expression on his face. Prince Zephiel? Why would he…?

Jaffar had a sudden urge to kill Rath. Just slay him on the spot. How could he… How could he just do that? How could he just kill someone who was so perfect…?

Abruptly Jaffar turned and walked off into the forest, out of view. Nobody tried to stop him. Nino looked worried, but did not move. They just watched as Jaffar disappeared into the trees.

---

The escort made camp for the day. They were all weary and injured from the fray. And now, their mission was over. They were in no hurry. They did not send someone to report to Prince Zephiel. They did not know what to expect anymore. Was he their enemy? Did he have his secret reasons to attack the princess? They did not know, and knew it was probably best to lie low until they found out.

Jaffar did not return until that night. The others did not go out to find them, knowing that company would not help him. But Jaffar finally did return when it was dark, and only the glow of the campfire lit up the night.

Jaffar ignored everyone, despite their glances. He just strode slowly towards Matthew's tent, where the thief was sitting. Matthew looked up at him curiously. But Jaffar stopped and said nothing, just stared down at the ground, silent.

After a long moment, Matthew spoke. "Did you…want something, Jaffar?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

But Jaffar was still silent. It wasn't until a few long moments later did he finally open his mouth to speak.

"I'm…sorry, Matthew," he said so quietly it was almost a whisper. Then he turned and disappeared into the shadows.

Matthew stared after him, stunned. Sorry? About Leila? He didn't possibly mean he was sorry about her…right?

Suddenly Matthew felt ashamed that he had held his anger for so long. He could see that Jaffar was hurt like he himself had been long ago. But Jaffar had been hurt long before that. But not from a loss, but from others…. Matthew closed his eyes and turned his face towards the ground. Then after a moment he sighed, stood, and disappeared into his tent.

---

While the others slept, Jaffar took Princess Ive out into the forest. He found the place where she had died…where they had kissed…where Jaffar had finally told her that he loved her….

He knelt on the grass. He had already dug a hole earlier that day but had not had the courage to bury her. He could not let her disappear under the earth. It seemed so final. Once she was buried, there was no chance of her coming back.

Jaffar looked down at Princess Ive's pale face. Even in death she was beautiful….

"You brought me life," he said quietly, almost to himself. He knew Princess Ive could not hear him. He just wished…. "…You brought me life, but I brought only death. For that I cannot ever forgive myself…." Jaffar trailed off, unable to speak. But finally he managed to continue.

"Thank you for making me stronger, Ive," he whispered. "I was not strong enough to save you. But now I am. I promise, next time I will not fail."

He squeezed his eyes shut and he lowered Princess Ive slowly into the grave.

"…Thank you for making me human again."

Jaffar: …so…sad…

Matthew: WHA?

Jaffar: …It's sad that…she ended in a cliffhanger. Now she's going to make a sequel.

Legault: Oh. Is that true?

Swordchick: … … … I was considering it… … …

Jaffar: …

Swordchick: should I continue? R&R, and no flames for the sappy chapter.