Zephyr fell to his knees, exhausted. Looking down, he removed his hand to reveal the wound to his torso. The sword had pierced his chest and sliced down to his hip. He looked up in despair at Olivia. She rushed to his side and caught him before he hit the ground.

“Shh, don’t breathe; there’s still a chance we can save you.”

“No Olivia, it’s too late...” Zephyr whispered. As if in an attempt to avoid the truth, Zephyr began talking. “Throughout our journey, I’ve thought only about you. I wondered how much I would give to protect you, and if you would ever know how I felt.” Zephyr looked away, as if to seek the words to portray his feelings. “One question was simple to answer – I knew I would put everything on the line to protect you.” Zephyr gazed into Olivia’s eyes. Olivia took Zephyr’s hand and held it close.

“Zephyr, don’t – you’re not going to die,” Olivia cut him off. She began crying, but Zephyr struggled to his feet. Olivia remained on her knees, refusing to accept the truth.

Zephyr put his hand under Olivia’s chin and lifted her face so he could gaze into her eyes once again.

Olivia hesitantly stood up, and the two embraced. “I don’t want you to go – I don’t want you to die.” Olivia whispered in Zephyr’s ear. “It’s not fair!”

“Olivia,” Zephyr began, “I did what I did by my own free will. If I could go back now, I wouldn’t change a thing for fear of putting you in danger.”

Zephyr broke the hug and turned to face Raziel. “I’ve learned now that it’s a waste of time looking to the past. I’m going to die, no doubt about it. You’ve been my greatest friend for all those years I was resented. As the one person who’s stood by me through thick and thin, I want you to have this.” Zephyr slowly took off his necklace. “I know you refuse to wear them, but it’s my greatest possession and a reminder of how my strength flowed from my friends.”

Raziel stared at the necklace before lacing it around his neck.

“Raziel…” Zephyr trailed off, “it’s ok if...”

“Don’t…” Raziel cut him off. “You’ve always looked out for me, been a role-model for me and always done everything you can for me. You may be dying, but you’ll always live on inside me, and wearing this necklace proves you helped me overcome all my obstacles. Thank you, Zephyr…”

There is one last thing I want to do before I die.” Zephyr once again turned to face Olivia. “I want you to know how much I love you.” Zephyr took Olivia’s hand. Olivia said nothing and leaned forward. Zephyr, too, leaned forward, whispering the words “I truly love you… with all my heart.”

Zephyr and Olivia met in a passionate kiss. Zephyr’s hand locked with Olivia’s and his spare brought her close. A tear fell down Zephyr’s cheek and Olivia brought him in until she could feel his body pressed up against hers. Together they stood there, sharing every feeling through their lips. They could not find words to express their emotions, but as they connected they knew exactly how each other felt.

Zephyr stumbled back in pain as the wound consumed his soul – the very essence of his life. Olivia steadied him and gazed into his eyes one last time. Her eyes were blurred with tears, but still she continued. She grasped Zephyr’s hand, seeking security in the strength he still possessed. He squeezed her hand to give one last indication of his love for her.

Olivia, finally regaining her voice, whispered the words “I love you” as she embraced Zephyr one last time. They met in another kiss; their final kiss.