-Chapter 10- "Ending"
Far away from the hospital, Keiji overlooked Tokyo upon the bridge by Horshima River. Her body had not yet recovered from the shock of being bed ridden, but with each breath of air, Keiji grew stronger.
She gazed sadly into her hands, leaning over the rail. The last red rose was slowly beginning to fade. All the others had died long ago but this one lasted. It's color brought light into her room every morning. Its smell had brought in another light, one dark and cold and distant.
He had arrived at the bridge.
"I know it was you." Keiji said without moving.
He moved closer towards her. He stood very close. His scent brought back again the old memories.
"Why did you do it?" She asked. She kept her face glued to the flower. He didn't reply. Keiji knew he wouldn't. It didn't matter. Keiji sighed. She should've done this long ago. "I know what you want." She stood tall and faced him. He remained expressionless, lips pale and unmoved. "But I can't live that life anymore. I found another chance and… I'm taking it. It's time…for it to end." That's what she should've said.
But the words didn't come. Staring into his eyes, she fought for the strength to say the lines. She stood frozen against the evening sun and looked away.
Then he spoke.
"I know what you want to tell me." Masao said finally. "I've done nothing for you but haunted you. I've used you for my own desires and now you want to run. You've ran and I've followed. That's the way it's been." He faced the wind now, the breeze lifting the locks from his eyes.
"I finally realized that my actions brought you to that hospital." Masao coughed slightly. "Keiji, all my life I've lived for you. Through all our trials, you were the one thing I loved. For what love means to someone like me, I don't think you could understand. When I was with you, I was alive, but you were dying and I almost killed again."
Keiji stared at him, completely stunned, completely at a loss for words.
"I won't kill you Keiji, never. I have a hope, that with time, life will bring us together again, but that time isn't now." He looked at her. "Is it?"
Keiji bit her lip and shook her head.
"You've traveled a long road, Masao. I'm still on mine." Her hand reached for his. Masao took it. For a few moments they were joined, and then he looked up and she was gone, only the rose left in his hand.
In the sudden breeze he let it go. The frail stem and petals slid into the river, disintegrating within the liquid. Masao watched it all disappear, before he too vanished with time.
Further away, deep within the walls of the city, where all human life had left, stood a lone picture frame. It hung elegantly on the wall, a blue ribbon at its side.
The last judge stared into the colors as it polarized into the setting sun. The goddess of seduction, held her place, resting in eternal peace against the god of war. Fire encircled them in a swirl of color. Still and dead, the only motion was the entanglement of their hands, the dedication of their love, forever eternal.
Venus.
Thanks to all of my reviewers for their support with this story. I am pleased to say that it has now reached its close, after two long years. Thank you all.
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