Dark Tempest

What about death is to be feared? The burdens of life can be so great that it would be a comfort to know that someday it will end...that someday, we will have earned final rest.

... You did what none of us could do.” “Only because the poison didn’t affect me the same way—” “Does that matter? We couldn’t do it. You did. We saw what you looked like when you got out. How many times did you fall in order to batter your knees like that? But you kept going.” “That makes me stubborn, not strong,” she mumbled. “Strength comes in many forms...

Are you ready to die?” “No,” she whispered. “Then rise and take up your sword.

I don’t know how I’ll feel about anything when my memories return.” His arms tightened around her. “But I know I fear losing you more than anything that might befall me.

I was … at the Tengu’s home.” When his eyes went wide with a mixture of horror and anger, she rushed on. “He’s not the best host, but he isn’t that bad. He brought food, but he wouldn’t get me a brush for my hair and he got mad when I asked for something else to wear. His crows wanted to eat me but he told them to leave me—” “His crows what?

I just—you haven’t been—” She managed a wobbly smile. “I just missed you teasing me.” He scowled. “You’re not supposed to like it. The idea is to annoy you.

She had given up everything for duty, even her life. But this... this she couldn't sacrifice, not even to safe the world. With his arms around her, his mouth on hers, his warmth and strength surrounding her, she knew she wasn't strong enough to walk away from him.

How could she cry about her fate when he had suffered far more than she had and for many more years? What was a premature death compared to an immortal life tainted forever with pain and loneliness? She would die, but he would live forever with no escape.

How can we heal an Eternity of loneliness?

A web. A glistening golden spider web stretched between the trees. Shiro

I know I fear losing you more than anything that might befall me.