Clouds
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<div style="text-align:center;"><p><img src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=https://67.media.tumblr.com/f44c0c8f73bd85534b96faa91a1b7248/tumblr_n0i2hsCaCW1qztgoio1_500.gif&key=bc1e53db0b042cdfa70d72df0f251819ec7699070116b06bc280ab176bb0fc7b" class="ipsImage" alt="tumblr_n0i2hsCaCW1qztgoio1_500.gif" /><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><span style="font-size:24px;">Everlasting Love</span></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>A short story.</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> Flower petals were falling from the trees, just like that time when we decided to go outside in the fields to watch them floating around gracefully on the light breeze that would pass through. The sun was shining and the sky was light blue, radiating brilliantly from up there. It had this feeling of being at peace, not having to worry about all the problems in their lives. They could just let go of them even if it was only for a moment. During that time they could be like children again, having fun and talking to their hearts content about whatever came to mind. Enjoying the warmth of the sun, the breeze that caressed their cheeks, cooling them off whenever the weather got too hot. Those were the times where things were still cheerful. Where we would still have each other. __________ My name is Shin Takafumi, a student samurai in the White Lotus clan. I don’t think I’m really good looking myself, but my parents have praised me for it. Saying that I am lucky to have been born with this kind of body. Genetics are to blame for it. My father is a European who has come to live here in Japan. He had travelled a long way by boat to come here which was truly admirable from him. Even more since I can’t handle boats at all. I get sick to my stomach because of it. He met my mother when he was looking for a job here in Kyoto. She was a waitress in a sushi restaurant, and since my father just loves that dish, he stopped by there often. Though I think that was mainly because of my mother, after all she is a beauty. I have earned my blonde locks of hair of my father together with his light blue eyes, I received my delicate seeming hands from my mother as well as my lips. I’m slightly more tanned than most of the people walking around this town. I can’t be blamed however since it doesn’t take much for me to become darker of skin whenever I walk around a lot in the sun. My day has started quite good to be honest. I wake up from my slumber because of the rays of sunlight that managed to make its way through my window. Narrowing my eyes at the sudden brightness, holding my hand above my face so I won’t be blinded. A deep sigh escaped from my lips, a content one. I had a good night rest after a while. I needed it a lot. A smile forms on my lips as I stand up from my sleeping place. I walk towards my closet and pull out the clothes for school. Yes, I still have to go to school since my parents won’t let me quit. They say that it’s better to have some kind of education before working. I think it’s silly since I’m already in the clan registered as a samurai. A samurai on hold to be exact. It’s stupid but I can’t exactly do anything about it. I than walk to the washing place where I fresh myself up. I don’t want to smell bad when I’m in front of other people. That would be quite awkward. With that, I make my way towards the common room where people relax and just do their thing without needing to bother themselves with something. However if a high-ranking person comes to get them, they can’t disobey. The samurai always need to be prepared for whatever is going to come. It was exciting to think about it that way. There will never be a day that they won’t need to do anything. Even if it are only small tasks like cleaning the rooms or giving water to the plants in the garden. I say my goodbyes to the people who I come across to as I make my way out of the building and up to the school that I’m attending to. The main reason why I still enjoy going to school is because of Hyoma Satoru. Hyoma is my best friend as well as my boyfriend. Yes, you read that right. It’s not considered to be right in this society which is why I keep it hidden from everybody as I don’t want to cause him trouble. That is the last thing that I want to do. I think he is the prettiest one of us two. He has a smooth skin, not tanned like mine. His eyes are dark brown, giving off some kind of warmth whenever I look into them, his body is lean yet he has unexpectedly more muscles than one would think. He is stronger than me to my surprise, however I’m more skilled when it comes to swordsmanship. That’s what I’ve trained for after all. It takes about fifteen minutes by foot for me to reach the school. The building is a little fancy, more than to my liking but it’s the place where I met my Hyoma so I don’t care about details like that. We have our fights like everybody else, but we also make up soon after. Though that depends on how angry we are at each other. One time it took about two weeks before we made up, and that was surely hell because I couldn’t talk nor touch him during that time. Actually it came to the point where I can’t imagine my life without him anymore. It’s as if our souls are connected to each other. Both halves that make for one body even though we are completely different. He’s more logical while I go into something without thinking about it first. That has caused me quite some injuries already but I always recovered from them. Finally I arrive at the school and almost the first thing I spot was Hyoma. He is sitting on a bench next to a cherry blossom tree. The flowers are already blooming, decorating the school with its beauty. A chuckle escaped from my mouth as I cannot help from thinking that it can also be because of him. He spots me too and gestures to walk to the front of the school. I jog a little so I can enter at the same time as him. Smiling idiotically towards him. Even though this is a period of war between the several samurai clans, this day is still going to be a good one. I won’t let it turn bad, no matter what. However, I don’t have the power to stop it. That makes me want to become a god, a god that can control the mind-sets of the people. Making them stop these foolish things from happening. </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”Hyoma! I missed you so much!”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> I exclaimed and hug him playfully, making him roll his eyes in response which is to be expected. He smacks me on my forehead, making me whine and rub my forehead in return. That is sure going to be a red spot for the coming hour or two. After that we just laugh and joke about silly things. We attend class like it should, eat our lunches together and then before we even realize it the last bell rings. My eyes went to him, having to look up as he was slightly taller than me. The brush of his fingers alongside my cheek, made me freeze and receive a dark pink colour in my face. Blinking rapidly as I did not expect that at all. He chuckles when seeing my face, making me pout. However when he looks around as if he was checking that nobody was nearby, I raise my eyebrow as I don’t know what this is all about. Are we being followed or something? That’s high unlikely as Hyoma is not in a clan, he is the son of a blacksmith and a waitress. The danger is me and I am fully aware of that. But that doesn’t seem to be the case as I feel him pressing his lips against mine. My eyes widening at the sudden touch. My breath stocks and my heart beat increases in a rapid pace. It feels as if it is going to jump out of my chest any moment. </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”I love you.”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> He says in his sweet voice. </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”I love you too.”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> I respond immediately, embarrassed because of the way I’ve said that. When he walks away, I hold my shirt as I look at him walking away. My fingers brush over my lips and I shake my head. Smiling like I am a girl who was kissed for the first time. It still feels like butterflies in my stomach whenever he kisses me like that and I will never grow bored of it. Never. With that sensation, I make my way back home. However I never expected what is going to happen when I am going to reach the building. The moment that will make my whole world go upside down. The moment that will put me for a lifetime choice. [2 weeks later] War has finally started. I’ve made my decision a week ago and haven’t seen Hyoma in two weeks of time as I haven’t gone to school in this period. Instead I’ve been preparing for the upcoming battle. I don’t intend to go back as I don’t want to drag Hyoma through all of this. I don’t want him to see the horror on the battlefield. The blood, the violence, the loss. Some groups have returned successfully, others lost half of the members or more. It was gruesome to see the injuries. Some passed away days after because of infections. The doctor couldn’t do anything for them anymore. I held myself strong, not shedding a tear until this war ends. I have to be strong. I have to. But what I didn’t expect was that Hyoma is now in front of my house. Yelling to the guards to let him. I rush towards the front of the building and come face to face with him. When the guards notice who he is, they let him as they know his parents well. He has a strong grip on my hand and pulls me to the garden, pushing me down on the bench. He looks furious and worried. Mostly worried which makes me have a guilty feeling for not having talked to him before. </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”Why the fuck haven’t you come to school?! Don’t you like me anymore is that it? If so, you should say so and not just fucking disappear like that! You hear me!”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> He yells, not caring about who might hear him. My mouth falls open as I haven’t seen him like that before. </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”… You scared me. I thought you died or worse.”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> He says, sighing out of defeat and squatting down in front of me. </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”Don’t do that again.”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> I smile gently towards him and hug his head, pressing him close to my chest so he can hear my heartbeat. </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”I’m sorry. I didn’t want to drag you into this. I guess that’s useless since I’m talking about you.”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> Giggling as I say so before letting go of him again. He looks me in the eye as if he just reunited with someone who he had not seen in years. I know he is sincere, and truly worries about me but there isn’t anything that he can do to keep me save. It’s war, a time that is unpredictable for everyone. He sits down next to me and I talk about what I’ve been doing, about everything that I have authority to talk about to an outsider. He knows that much so he doesn’t ask through about it. He listens carefully to every word I say as if I was singing to him. It eases me now that he is here. I missed him. Truly. [months pass by] Hyoma and me have been in contact with each other almost every day, be it by letter or just by visiting each other whenever we have time. However, I had to take my goodbye for now with him as I have to go on a mission today. Honestly, I’m scared to death as this is not a game, not a practise or not some robbers who think they can steal anything from anyone. This was on a complete different level. Hyoma did not leave from his side yesterday, staying with me until I had to leave. I am grateful to him for that even if it was only a small thing for him. He looked sad however when I left. I can’t blame him. I don’t know if I’ll be able to see him again but his words make me believe that I can. </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”I’ll be waiting for you.”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> I smile as I remember that sentence. I am in the last group. I am on one of the horses and leading the foot soldiers to their destination as well as keeping an eye out on the surroundings. Making sure that everybody gets out of there alive. It’s the final battle, the one that will decide the outcome of everything. Of the years of suffering they’ve been through. The battle starts once I reach the grounds. Bodies were laying everywhere, blood splatters on the ground, on the rocks, everywhere. Arrows, broken katana’s, everything that the samurai use in battle. I charge together with the others into the battlefield. My sword swings from left to right, the metal clashing together, the screams and yells that can be heard from every side. It only takes a few hours before it all ends. The White Lotus is the victor. It was a close one but we’ve won. I cheer out of the top of my lungs until my throat hurts. The leader who is miraculously still alive places the flag into the ground, indicating that they’ve won. His smile shines brightly on this dark day. It seems like better days are going to come after all. My horse had died in the battle so I have to go on foot now as well. I don’t mind, I can go back home. Back to Hyoma. However there is the sound of something shooting through the air and then it seems like it hits somebody. The samurai their eyes are focused on me with shock in their eyes. I follow to where they are directed on my body and see an arrow sticking out of my chest. Out of the place where my heart is situated. The leader grabs me tight and swings me on top of his horse before riding off at full speed. It hurts now I’ve realized that it’s me who is hit. The sniper had died after he shot the arrow, he was already dying. It is amusing that the other still wanted to have another death. But it is better that it is me than anybody else. Though my parents won’t be happy, neither will Hyoma. Ah, Hyoma. I guess I won’t be staying with you for long after all… [30 minutes later] I am still conscious however I’ve started to feel less energetic. I feel myself slipping away however I won’t give up since I still have to see the ones that I love. I’m laying down on a futon, the doctor shakes his head towards the others. My parents and boyfriend come inside and the doctor explains that I don’t have long to live anymore. My mother crashes and bursts out into tears as she lays her head on top of my shoulder, clinging onto my hand. Begging to god to give me another chance. My parents had stayed for fifteen minutes before they left the room, leaving me alone with Hyoma. He is… crying. Ah, the face that I absolutely want to avoid has finally come. He sits on his knees next to me and takes my hand into his hands. I smile. </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”I’m sorry, I wanted to stay with you for a bit longer than this.”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> I say, my smile not faltering. He nods, smiling as well through his sobbing. </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”I’m sorry, I love you.”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> My voice soft as I am feeling myself slip away more and more. </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”I love you too.”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> He says back. Placing a small kiss on my lips. This feeling is what I’ll miss the most. It’s this that kept me alive for so long. He stayed by my side, not wavering at all. My parents came back inside too. Sitting next to Hyoma. Finally I let out my last breath. My hand slipped out of Hyoma’s. My eyes closed. Then the crying could be heard from everyone that was close to me. Both family, lover, samurai who were standing at the door. My last hour came to an end. I left in peace. I do think I could’ve done more if I was given more time, but I still have sweet memories to take with me to the afterlife. I don’t have regrets. __________ </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”My name is Hyoma Satoru. I’ve been a lover of one of the sweetest samurai that I’ve ever known. And now as I am sitting under this cherry blossom tree, I am reminded of him. His skin resembles the wood of the tree, his hair the blossoms and his eyes resemble the sky. This way I feel close to him even though he is not here anymore.”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> My hand brushes over the bark of the tree, flower petals are floating on the breeze that makes its way through the fields. Caressing my cheeks with utter care. I close my eyes and breathe deeply in and slowly out. A smile forming on my lips as I look into the distance. Being reminded of the person who stayed with me for as long as he could… </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”Shin, I love you. Happy birthday.”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> </span><img src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/00/43/b6/0043b622a1c08bfb96e5e2a7c8ebbd8b.jpg&key=4d3797be8c9781346d17d1995f417967e986e1814617fd7882a07b2d27b20832" class="ipsImage" alt="0043b622a1c08bfb96e5e2a7c8ebbd8b.jpg" /></p></div>
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<div style="text-align:center;"><p><img src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=https://67.media.tumblr.com/f44c0c8f73bd85534b96faa91a1b7248/tumblr_n0i2hsCaCW1qztgoio1_500.gif&key=bc1e53db0b042cdfa70d72df0f251819ec7699070116b06bc280ab176bb0fc7b" class="ipsImage" alt="tumblr_n0i2hsCaCW1qztgoio1_500.gif" /><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><span style="font-size:24px;">Everlasting Love</span></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>A short story.</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> Flower petals were falling from the trees, just like that time when we decided to go outside in the fields to watch them floating around gracefully on the light breeze that would pass through. The sun was shining and the sky was light blue, radiating brilliantly from up there. It had this feeling of being at peace, not having to worry about all the problems in their lives. They could just let go of them even if it was only for a moment. During that time they could be like children again, having fun and talking to their hearts content about whatever came to mind. Enjoying the warmth of the sun, the breeze that caressed their cheeks, cooling them off whenever the weather got too hot. Those were the times where things were still cheerful. Where we would still have each other. __________ My name is Shin Takafumi, a student samurai in the White Lotus clan. I don’t think I’m really good looking myself, but my parents have praised me for it. Saying that I am lucky to have been born with this kind of body. Genetics are to blame for it. My father is a European who has come to live here in Japan. He had travelled a long way by boat to come here which was truly admirable from him. Even more since I can’t handle boats at all. I get sick to my stomach because of it. He met my mother when he was looking for a job here in Kyoto. She was a waitress in a sushi restaurant, and since my father just loves that dish, he stopped by there often. Though I think that was mainly because of my mother, after all she is a beauty. I have earned my blonde locks of hair of my father together with his light blue eyes, I received my delicate seeming hands from my mother as well as my lips. I’m slightly more tanned than most of the people walking around this town. I can’t be blamed however since it doesn’t take much for me to become darker of skin whenever I walk around a lot in the sun. My day has started quite good to be honest. I wake up from my slumber because of the rays of sunlight that managed to make its way through my window. Narrowing my eyes at the sudden brightness, holding my hand above my face so I won’t be blinded. A deep sigh escaped from my lips, a content one. I had a good night rest after a while. I needed it a lot. A smile forms on my lips as I stand up from my sleeping place. I walk towards my closet and pull out the clothes for school. Yes, I still have to go to school since my parents won’t let me quit. They say that it’s better to have some kind of education before working. I think it’s silly since I’m already in the clan registered as a samurai. A samurai on hold to be exact. It’s stupid but I can’t exactly do anything about it. I than walk to the washing place where I fresh myself up. I don’t want to smell bad when I’m in front of other people. That would be quite awkward. With that, I make my way towards the common room where people relax and just do their thing without needing to bother themselves with something. However if a high-ranking person comes to get them, they can’t disobey. The samurai always need to be prepared for whatever is going to come. It was exciting to think about it that way. There will never be a day that they won’t need to do anything. Even if it are only small tasks like cleaning the rooms or giving water to the plants in the garden. I say my goodbyes to the people who I come across to as I make my way out of the building and up to the school that I’m attending to. The main reason why I still enjoy going to school is because of Hyoma Satoru. Hyoma is my best friend as well as my boyfriend. Yes, you read that right. It’s not considered to be right in this society which is why I keep it hidden from everybody as I don’t want to cause him trouble. That is the last thing that I want to do. I think he is the prettiest one of us two. He has a smooth skin, not tanned like mine. His eyes are dark brown, giving off some kind of warmth whenever I look into them, his body is lean yet he has unexpectedly more muscles than one would think. He is stronger than me to my surprise, however I’m more skilled when it comes to swordsmanship. That’s what I’ve trained for after all. It takes about fifteen minutes by foot for me to reach the school. The building is a little fancy, more than to my liking but it’s the place where I met my Hyoma so I don’t care about details like that. We have our fights like everybody else, but we also make up soon after. Though that depends on how angry we are at each other. One time it took about two weeks before we made up, and that was surely hell because I couldn’t talk nor touch him during that time. Actually it came to the point where I can’t imagine my life without him anymore. It’s as if our souls are connected to each other. Both halves that make for one body even though we are completely different. He’s more logical while I go into something without thinking about it first. That has caused me quite some injuries already but I always recovered from them. Finally I arrive at the school and almost the first thing I spot was Hyoma. He is sitting on a bench next to a cherry blossom tree. The flowers are already blooming, decorating the school with its beauty. A chuckle escaped from my mouth as I cannot help from thinking that it can also be because of him. He spots me too and gestures to walk to the front of the school. I jog a little so I can enter at the same time as him. Smiling idiotically towards him. Even though this is a period of war between the several samurai clans, this day is still going to be a good one. I won’t let it turn bad, no matter what. However, I don’t have the power to stop it. That makes me want to become a god, a god that can control the mind-sets of the people. Making them stop these foolish things from happening. </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”Hyoma! I missed you so much!”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> I exclaimed and hug him playfully, making him roll his eyes in response which is to be expected. He smacks me on my forehead, making me whine and rub my forehead in return. That is sure going to be a red spot for the coming hour or two. After that we just laugh and joke about silly things. We attend class like it should, eat our lunches together and then before we even realize it the last bell rings. My eyes went to him, having to look up as he was slightly taller than me. The brush of his fingers alongside my cheek, made me freeze and receive a dark pink colour in my face. Blinking rapidly as I did not expect that at all. He chuckles when seeing my face, making me pout. However when he looks around as if he was checking that nobody was nearby, I raise my eyebrow as I don’t know what this is all about. Are we being followed or something? That’s high unlikely as Hyoma is not in a clan, he is the son of a blacksmith and a waitress. The danger is me and I am fully aware of that. But that doesn’t seem to be the case as I feel him pressing his lips against mine. My eyes widening at the sudden touch. My breath stocks and my heart beat increases in a rapid pace. It feels as if it is going to jump out of my chest any moment. </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”I love you.”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> He says in his sweet voice. </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”I love you too.”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> I respond immediately, embarrassed because of the way I’ve said that. When he walks away, I hold my shirt as I look at him walking away. My fingers brush over my lips and I shake my head. Smiling like I am a girl who was kissed for the first time. It still feels like butterflies in my stomach whenever he kisses me like that and I will never grow bored of it. Never. With that sensation, I make my way back home. However I never expected what is going to happen when I am going to reach the building. The moment that will make my whole world go upside down. The moment that will put me for a lifetime choice. [2 weeks later] War has finally started. I’ve made my decision a week ago and haven’t seen Hyoma in two weeks of time as I haven’t gone to school in this period. Instead I’ve been preparing for the upcoming battle. I don’t intend to go back as I don’t want to drag Hyoma through all of this. I don’t want him to see the horror on the battlefield. The blood, the violence, the loss. Some groups have returned successfully, others lost half of the members or more. It was gruesome to see the injuries. Some passed away days after because of infections. The doctor couldn’t do anything for them anymore. I held myself strong, not shedding a tear until this war ends. I have to be strong. I have to. But what I didn’t expect was that Hyoma is now in front of my house. Yelling to the guards to let him. I rush towards the front of the building and come face to face with him. When the guards notice who he is, they let him as they know his parents well. He has a strong grip on my hand and pulls me to the garden, pushing me down on the bench. He looks furious and worried. Mostly worried which makes me have a guilty feeling for not having talked to him before. </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”Why the fuck haven’t you come to school?! Don’t you like me anymore is that it? If so, you should say so and not just fucking disappear like that! You hear me!”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> He yells, not caring about who might hear him. My mouth falls open as I haven’t seen him like that before. </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”… You scared me. I thought you died or worse.”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> He says, sighing out of defeat and squatting down in front of me. </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”Don’t do that again.”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> I smile gently towards him and hug his head, pressing him close to my chest so he can hear my heartbeat. </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”I’m sorry. I didn’t want to drag you into this. I guess that’s useless since I’m talking about you.”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> Giggling as I say so before letting go of him again. He looks me in the eye as if he just reunited with someone who he had not seen in years. I know he is sincere, and truly worries about me but there isn’t anything that he can do to keep me save. It’s war, a time that is unpredictable for everyone. He sits down next to me and I talk about what I’ve been doing, about everything that I have authority to talk about to an outsider. He knows that much so he doesn’t ask through about it. He listens carefully to every word I say as if I was singing to him. It eases me now that he is here. I missed him. Truly. [months pass by] Hyoma and me have been in contact with each other almost every day, be it by letter or just by visiting each other whenever we have time. However, I had to take my goodbye for now with him as I have to go on a mission today. Honestly, I’m scared to death as this is not a game, not a practise or not some robbers who think they can steal anything from anyone. This was on a complete different level. Hyoma did not leave from his side yesterday, staying with me until I had to leave. I am grateful to him for that even if it was only a small thing for him. He looked sad however when I left. I can’t blame him. I don’t know if I’ll be able to see him again but his words make me believe that I can. </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”I’ll be waiting for you.”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> I smile as I remember that sentence. I am in the last group. I am on one of the horses and leading the foot soldiers to their destination as well as keeping an eye out on the surroundings. Making sure that everybody gets out of there alive. It’s the final battle, the one that will decide the outcome of everything. Of the years of suffering they’ve been through. The battle starts once I reach the grounds. Bodies were laying everywhere, blood splatters on the ground, on the rocks, everywhere. Arrows, broken katana’s, everything that the samurai use in battle. I charge together with the others into the battlefield. My sword swings from left to right, the metal clashing together, the screams and yells that can be heard from every side. It only takes a few hours before it all ends. The White Lotus is the victor. It was a close one but we’ve won. I cheer out of the top of my lungs until my throat hurts. The leader who is miraculously still alive places the flag into the ground, indicating that they’ve won. His smile shines brightly on this dark day. It seems like better days are going to come after all. My horse had died in the battle so I have to go on foot now as well. I don’t mind, I can go back home. Back to Hyoma. However there is the sound of something shooting through the air and then it seems like it hits somebody. The samurai their eyes are focused on me with shock in their eyes. I follow to where they are directed on my body and see an arrow sticking out of my chest. Out of the place where my heart is situated. The leader grabs me tight and swings me on top of his horse before riding off at full speed. It hurts now I’ve realized that it’s me who is hit. The sniper had died after he shot the arrow, he was already dying. It is amusing that the other still wanted to have another death. But it is better that it is me than anybody else. Though my parents won’t be happy, neither will Hyoma. Ah, Hyoma. I guess I won’t be staying with you for long after all… [30 minutes later] I am still conscious however I’ve started to feel less energetic. I feel myself slipping away however I won’t give up since I still have to see the ones that I love. I’m laying down on a futon, the doctor shakes his head towards the others. My parents and boyfriend come inside and the doctor explains that I don’t have long to live anymore. My mother crashes and bursts out into tears as she lays her head on top of my shoulder, clinging onto my hand. Begging to god to give me another chance. My parents had stayed for fifteen minutes before they left the room, leaving me alone with Hyoma. He is… crying. Ah, the face that I absolutely want to avoid has finally come. He sits on his knees next to me and takes my hand into his hands. I smile. </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”I’m sorry, I wanted to stay with you for a bit longer than this.”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> I say, my smile not faltering. He nods, smiling as well through his sobbing. </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”I’m sorry, I love you.”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> My voice soft as I am feeling myself slip away more and more. </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”I love you too.”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> He says back. Placing a small kiss on my lips. This feeling is what I’ll miss the most. It’s this that kept me alive for so long. He stayed by my side, not wavering at all. My parents came back inside too. Sitting next to Hyoma. Finally I let out my last breath. My hand slipped out of Hyoma’s. My eyes closed. Then the crying could be heard from everyone that was close to me. Both family, lover, samurai who were standing at the door. My last hour came to an end. I left in peace. I do think I could’ve done more if I was given more time, but I still have sweet memories to take with me to the afterlife. I don’t have regrets. __________ </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”My name is Hyoma Satoru. I’ve been a lover of one of the sweetest samurai that I’ve ever known. And now as I am sitting under this cherry blossom tree, I am reminded of him. His skin resembles the wood of the tree, his hair the blossoms and his eyes resemble the sky. This way I feel close to him even though he is not here anymore.”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> My hand brushes over the bark of the tree, flower petals are floating on the breeze that makes its way through the fields. Caressing my cheeks with utter care. I close my eyes and breathe deeply in and slowly out. A smile forming on my lips as I look into the distance. Being reminded of the person who stayed with me for as long as he could… </span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"><strong>”Shin, I love you. Happy birthday.”</strong></span><span style="font-family:'lucida handwriting';"> </span><img src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/00/43/b6/0043b622a1c08bfb96e5e2a7c8ebbd8b.jpg&key=4d3797be8c9781346d17d1995f417967e986e1814617fd7882a07b2d27b20832" class="ipsImage" alt="0043b622a1c08bfb96e5e2a7c8ebbd8b.jpg" /></p></div>
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