Aikiura...

It has been a long time...

I have been silent to you for six years...

...I know you have been waiting.

It is my deepest apologies that it has been such for so long. I could not find the words to speak until now. I... was afraid... I suppose. I was afraid to accept that you had been lost, and I ran. No longer. Though, at first, I could say nothing. Not the first time... and not the last time... Even now, it is quite difficult.

You... were the first ever to show me... how truly to live... I give you my everlasting gratitude. Before the first time we met... I had always been cold, hot-tempered. I had been an unpleasant presence. You showed me the way out of my labyrinth, out of the shadows. You changed me, taught me the life of a warm, gentle person... the way of a tender heart that still kept to royal tradition. For this I had become fond of you... very, very fond.

However... I cannot recall a time I had ever told you how I felt. I do not recall having ever told you how much I loved you, if at all. I am sorry. Please, forgive me... for having never told while you were still here... with me... I did. I loved you, adored you... I loved you more than a man ever possibly could.... And I still do.

I miss you. My heart feels empty without you... I try to be strong for your sake, to hide the pain throbbing inside... But I am afraid I cannot at this moment, as it is far too great a torment. Worsening it, is knowing this...

I had never bid you farewell... I never said good-bye... Not as you were leaving me, not after your spark had been smothered, nor the long time I mourned you. I understand that I must let go... must move on. I give my blood, first to stain the Shae Diaroukai, my blade, and with it, I sever the binds, the chains, and the shackles that held you here. I release thee, to leave this realm of mortals. For the first time since I lost you, I bid thee farewell, may your path be clear and your way go not astray, for the final destination that awaits you... are the gates to eternity...

-- Iaeruki Tayamoto