Richass Week Day 06: Redemption

Disclaimer: Tales of Graces doesn't belong to me.

It was difficult but he wouldn't give up. It was because of him if they were there and he would destroy them until the last one. Even if it meant he had to die. He wasn't scared. Taking a long breath, Richard used a spell and destroyed the Lambda's monster in front of him. "Richard, take care!" He heard Asbel's voice.

He did a u-turn but at the same time, he was attacked by one of Lambda's monsters.

"Richard!"

His eyes opened wide and he stumbled before collapsing, a hand on his bloody wound. He heard hasty footsteps and he knew it was Asbel when he heard him cursing the monster. Seconds later, Asbel appeared in front of him, looking at him with worried eyes.

Richard tried to smile and to say something, but Asbel shut him up.

"Don't talk, Richard. We'll heal you." Asbel's voice shivered as if he wasn't sure of what he had just said.

Richard shook his head slowly.

"It's my repentance." He replied with a little smile. "It's for all I did these past few months."

"Don't say nonsense!" Asbel exclaimed angrily.

Richard's vision became blurred and he knew it would be the end soon. So, in a whisper, he said:

"I'm sorry for every thing I did."

"Shut up! Don't speak like you're going to die. You won't die!" Was the answer.

The King laughed a little but stopped soon as his wound hurt him. Even if he could talk less and less, he wasn't scared. He could feel Asbel by his side and, to tell the truth, he was glad. He could have died sooner but he had the chance to be by Asbel's side for a few more months. Now, he was going to atone for his sins. He was going to die and yet, he wasn't scared, because he would die in Asbel's arms.

"Richard? Richard! Don't close your eyes! Cheria is near!"

Asbel's voice was distant. Another voice spoke, and Richard wasn't sure of whom it was. After that, he sank in the dark.

When he woke up, he wondered where he was. It took him a long time to understand that he was lying on a bed. He wanted to sit down but a big pain on his stomach stopped him. Then, he sighed and slowly turned his head.

Beside the bed, there was Asbel, sleeping on a chair. He seemed worried in his sleep and it was probably of his fault. What happened already? Oh yes, he had been attacked by a monster. Richard closed his eyes. Finally, he didn't have atoned for his sins. When would he be able to do it?

Richard opened his eyes and looked at Asbel. The young Lord moved a little and stretched before looking back at him. Then, in a whisper, he said:

"Richard…?"

Richard put a little smile on his lips and suddenly, he felt Asbel's body against his, his arms around the king's neck.

"Asbel?"

"I was so scared! You idiot!"

Richard wanted to answer him but words didn't come out. He was too astonished by Asbel's sudden behavior.

"Don't even say that you have to atone for what you did again!"

Asbel looked totally angry and Richard didn't dare to answer. He wasn't sure that it was a good idea.

"You're atoning already, right? By helping with Lambda's monsters! So, you can't say that your death is your repentance! You can't! I won't accept it!"

Richard was at lack of words. He didn't think that Asbel was going to scold him, and especially after he had woke up. Maybe it would have been better if he had acted as a sleeping man.

"I…Understood."

He didn't want to argue with Asbel, not in his state. But he was glad too, after all. Someone cared for him even after everything he had done. Well, it wasn't someone, it was Asbel, and he was the most confident man in this world. And, after all, he had followed him until another world to rescue him. Richard smiled. He was lucky to have such a best friend.

"Thank you Asbel."