Alright, so here is the next chapter. Took a while to get this thought up. Hope you guys enjoy it!

We were both physically exhausted after fighting for our lives. I looked over at Shira who to my surprise didn't have a scratch on her, even though she had been pinned down by both Rico and Torren. She came over to where I was standing, looking down at Torren's grave. We both just stared at it for a minute, not saying a word to each other. I looked at her and she looked back at me, exchanging a soft smile, knowing our worries were gone. She started walking the other way and I followed closely behind, glancing back once more at the events of our recent past. It was time for us to go home.

The sun was setting and the stars were peeking out as night fell upon us. I had never seen the sky look as beautiful as it did that evening; a mixture of red, orange, and pink hues lining the sky. I finally felt like there was hope for me and those feelings of sadness and hurt I had endured for so long were gone. It was all thanks to her; yes, that stunning saber that I almost lost earlier that day. I wanted so badly to tell her how I truly felt about her, but I was too afraid. My fears were getting in the way again and it was eating me up inside to not tell her. The way the sun dazzled on her coat as it slowly disappeared captivated me, and I almost lost control of myself. Fortunately I regained my composure and turned my attention back to the now grayish-black sky, the sun finally down.

After a short time of walking, she suddenly came to a stop. I was walking just in front of her and glanced back to see her sitting on her hind legs. She had a look of despair and sadness on her face, which confused me because I expected her to be happy after what happened earlier.

"Shira, are you ok? What's wrong?" I asked with much concern.

She didn't say anything for a few seconds, but she finally spoke up.

"Why haven't you left me yet?" she said.

I was even more confused now. Why would I leave the one I love?

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"After everything I've done to you, why…why are you still here? Why do you want to be with me?"

I could tell she was remorseful for what she did and I knew she would never try to hurt me. There had to be some way I could comfort her and make her feel wanted.

"Well, it's pretty simple actually. Even though you tricked me and lied to me before, I just can't stay mad at you. When I look at you, I see my future and I forget about how horrible my past has been. Yeah, sure you hurt me, but I can look past that. I don't dwell on what has happened because there is nothing I can do to change that. In fact, there isn't a single thing I WOULD change…because it led me to you. And I wouldn't trade that for anything."

She looked up at me, moisture building in her eyes, but she wasn't crying yet.

"Really? You mean that?" she asked with a slight grin.

'Come on, there has to be something better that you can say.'

"Let me put it to you this way."

I sat down beside her and pulled her close to me. Looking directly into her beautiful sapphire eyes putting my emotions and fears aside, I told her what I always wanted to say; what was truly in my heart.

"I would die to make you mine, regardless of how you feel about me. You can make me wait forever or push me away, I don't mind. I would come back a thousand times just to be with you. There is no other saber on this planet that I would rather be with. The truth is…I love you, and I have since the day we met. I will always be there for you, and that is a promise."

As soon as I finished saying that, she burst into tears like a cloud who can't hold any more rainwater. I was a little concerned at first, but I quickly realized they were tears of happiness. She cried uncontrollably for a few minutes and the whole time she was clutching me tightly as I consoled her. I could tell she didn't want to ever let me go. Even though my fur was getting soaked, it didn't bother me a bit. This was the best moment of my life and I wanted it to last as long as possible.

After a few minutes, she settled down and regained her composure. I didn't think it was possible, but she looked even more beautiful now. Her eyes were vibrant though still wet, and she was smiling endearingly at me. It couldn't get any better.

"You don't know how long I've been waiting for you to say that. I love you too, softie." she said, nudging me with her paw.

"Softie? What is that, like your new nickname for me?"

"Of course, if that's ok with you…softie."

I couldn't help but laugh at how cute she was.

"Sure, but only you are allowed to call me that…kitty."

"I thought I told you before not to call me that." she said bluntly.

"…but now I love it." she finished saying as she licked my face.

We slowly got up and walked to the cave where we first met, which didn't take long. It was around midnight by now and we cuddled up with each other, enjoying the warmth and slowly dozed off to sleep. NOW it couldn't get any better. Life was perfect.

A/N:

I tried to make this strictly romance since the previous few chapters were more action-based. Hopefully it suffices for you. Thanks for reading, and leave reviews please!