Summary: Myashi was torn between two lives. Now, she has to choose. What path will she take? Will she be forever bound to the life she does not want? Or will she break free and find the path to freedom?

Disclaimer: I own the characters and I own the plot. If you want to use anything, ask me. I despise plagiarism, so please, ask me if you want to borrow anything.

The Path to Freedom

Sixteen year old Myashi sat on the roof with a journal in her lap. She sighed softly, black curls blowing wildly. The wind whipped around her playfully. Myashi smiled. She’d always loved the wind, jealous of it even. The wind was so powerful yet so gentle. It was free to do as it wished and answered to no one. Brushing her disobedient hair out of her face, she sighed again.

The wind stilled around her, as if mourning her unhappiness. Paying no attention, she watched the sun as if went down, admiring the brilliant colors. Even though it was getting cloudy, the sun’s radiance could not be blocked. Gold streaked with crimson, garnet partnered with the color of tangerines. The brilliant colors of a phoenix died away as the sun disappeared. Myashi wrote down a few sentences in her journal. A single drop of water landed on the page. The pen in her hand paused.

She looked up; clouds had gathered as they let a few raindrops fall as a warning. Smiling slightly, Myashi hid her journal but stepped closer to the edge of the roof. She sat down and waited. Blue-gray eyes closed as the rain steadily became stronger. So many different things swam in those depths. If you looked close enough, you could see the storm behind those eyes, the never-ending hurricane of emotions.

If there was one thing Myashi loved more than the wind, it was the rain. The meek drops of water turned into torrents. But Myashi just sat there, letting the cold rain drench her thoroughly.

The rain was so pure in its own way. Everything it touched was cleansed. Because of that, many people hated the rain. People, who loved chaos and impurity, hated the rain with a passion. Myashi… still loved the rain. The raindrops helped her to forget her horrible past. It was a lifeline that Myashi depended on. It had washed away the blood on her hands on that dreadful night. The nightmares still sometimes plagued her.

Yet, no matter how peaceful the outside world was, chaos plagued her soul. She was torn between two lives. This was her final decision, her final chance to get what she wanted. No matter what she chose, somebody would lose. How could she destroy a life to gain what she wanted?

Follow your heart, it does not lie.

“Myashi, what are you doing out here? It’s pouring.” Smiling, Myashi stood up and turned around. Only one person truly cared about her enough to brave the chilling rain.

“I’m fine, Kazu. I’m just admiring the rain.” Kazu joined his girlfriend on the roof. He held her hands tightly.

“Have you made your decision?” Myashi turned her head away from him.

“Yes, I have.” Myashi whispered softly.

“Well?” Kazu tilted her chin towards him. She looked into his eyes. His normally cold sapphire eyes stared at her. Only for her, his eyes softened. How could she leave him?

“I… I decided that I can’t stay here. I have to leave.”

“Are you sure?” Kazu asked, voice cracking. He couldn’t stop her from what she wanted. Myashi was different; no one could order her to obey.

“I’m sure, Kazu. That is my choice. I don’t belong here.”

“Don’t leave, please.” Kazu begged. She stared at him sadly.

“Kazu, I thank you for being there when I needed you. You were the one person who heard my soul screaming when no one else did. You responded to my callings when one else cared. Without you, I would have died. You are the light in my life, a candle in the darkness. Now, Kazu, I’m asking for one more thing. Please, let me go.” Kazu dropped her hands. Myashi smiled at him. “Thank you.”

“I want to go with you.” Kazu stated stubbornly. Myashi laughed lightly. Her gentle laugh was like bells ringing.

“No, Kazu, you don’t. I know you too well. You have a duty to your country. Don’t throw it all away for me. You know your place. I must find mine.” Kazu sighed, knowing that she was right.

“I’ll miss you.” He embraced her lovingly, never wanting to let go.

“I’ll miss you too.” She pulled away. “Keep my journal. Remember me from my writing.”

“Thank you.” Kazu replied, knowing full well how much the journal meant to her.

“I’ll never forget you, Kazu.” Myashi brushed a few amber colored bangs away from his azure eyes. She kissed his lips softly. “I love you, Prince Kazuki Ashiki. Never forget me.” Turning away, she jumped down from the roof, landing gracefully on her feet. Not looking back, she started on her long journey to find freedom.

“Myashi,” the Prince called. The addressed teen didn’t look back. “I love you too, Myashi Ikamii.” He whispered to the wind and rain. They did not respond either.

The Path to Freedom had begun.

He watched as Myashi faded from view. The rain continued falling steadily, mixing with the tears trickling from his clouded eyes. Kazuki and Myashi were soul mates not meant to be together.

“Good luck, Myashi.” Prince Kazuki murmured. “May your soul find peace and freedom.” The rain continued falling, mourning along with Kazuki. He stayed there for so long, wanting to be with Myashi, but he had a duty to his country. Turning to go inside, he sincerely hoped that their paths would cross again. And just maybe, maybe they could be together again.

Till then, Kazuki was willing to wait for his love to return, even if he had to wait years. He would keep on waiting even if the stars fell from the sky and the world collapsed. The Prince would wait forever and longer, just to hold his love in his arms. Till that happened, he would wait.

Owari

A/N: I really do love the wind and rain. And I would stand on a roof just to feel it. It’s true.