fading [guren ichinose]

Guren hid behind a pile of rubble, left behind when a building had collapsed some time ago. There had been an unexpected attack from the vampire race, and although it was just a small army, most of them included nobles. He 'tch'ed, covering the deep gash he had sustained from one of his battles.

'This is bad...' he muttered, peeking out from his hiding place to assess the situation. Amidst his fight against one vampire, he had gotten separated from the rest of his squad, forcing him into an individual confrontation. His eyes narrowed regretfully at the bloody sight. Corpses of multiple soldiers were strewn everywhere, their lost lives disappearing in the air. He turned away and leaned back on the pile of rubble to support himself, and took a sharp intake of breath.

He needed to be calm if he were to survive.

Okay, Guren, think. What should you do now-- His train of thoughts was cut off when the loud crunch of gravel was heard. Alerted, he whipped his head round in the direction of the source, eyes wide as he noticed a noble approaching him. Glowing, crimson orbs cast a cold, merciless gaze upon him; if Guren was a normal civilian, he would have been wrapped in the chains of fear. But he isn't. He's part of the Japanese Imperial Demon Army.

Gritting his teeth, he willed himself to stand, clutching his sword - however before he can make a move, the vampire had a head start and dashed towards him, throwing him aside with substantial aggression. The air was knocked out of his lungs when he hit a wall. He slid down and collapsed pathetically on the ground, coughing, gasping for breath. His head started to bleed, and some blood trickled into his eyes.

There was too much blood, and it was beginning to obscure his vision. Although he couldn't see, he could still hear the vampire's movements as they closed in for the final kill.

S-shit...! he thought, shutting his eyes.

...

Something warm splashed on his face. His eyelids flew open in surprise, shock apparent behind the purple mirrors. Guren stared straight ahead, horrified at what he was witnessing.

You had shielded him from the attack, stabbing the noble directly through the chest as the latter did the same to you. Muted pants escaped your lips, trying to hold back your pain. You clenched your jaw. Then, with a sharp flick of your blade, the threat dissipated.

'W-what...' Guren whispered, fazed by the sudden turn of events.

Arms dropping back to your sides, you fell back, landing in his arms, staining his black military uniform with your life. A whirl of black ashes swished before where you previously stood, a white cloak slowly floating towards the ground. Your sword slipped out of your grasp, clattering on the ground beside your legs.

Guren's eyes were wide - his brain was unable to register what had just happened.

'Guren-nii... You're safe now.' You spluttered out blood and struggled to stay awake. Raising your arm weakly, your shaky hand touched his face. Your tranquil voice and warm touch snapped the man back to reality, and he looked down, panic evident in his expression.

'[Name]!' he exclaimed, hastily gathering you into his arms. He carefully laid your body against his, propping your chin on his shoulder. You let out a tearing, painful cough, and pitifully slumped against your superior, and guardian, for support. 'Shit! There's too much blood... We need to give you medical attention right away!' You chuckled wistfully at his words of concern.

'It's no use,' you told him quietly. 'There's no time.'

You were glad that you weren't too late in saving Guren... To repay the debt you owed him ever since he saved you and Yuuichirou that day - the day the two of you witnessed hell and escaped from the vampire city.

Guren could feel his heart's pace quicken, and he bit his bottom lip, his eyes burning with tears.

'Why... Why are doing this for me...?' he asked, his voice cracking with emotions. 'I didn't ask you to protect me, dammit! I was the one who's supposed to protect you!' A sad smile played on your lips, and, with your remaining strength, you whispered,

'Because... You told me I was strong...'

Guren's pupils dilated.

Your breathing pattern was starting to become irregular, ragged. You released a shaky breath.

'I think... I u-understand now...' you continued, the life in your voice slowly fading away.

'Shut up! Don't say anything else!'

'The freedom... of choosing... your own... death...'

'I said shut up!' he shouted, his tone a mixture of anger and grief. A stifled scream was ripped out of his throat as he dragged your limp body closer to his warmth, hoping to replace the coldness that was gradually spreading throughout you.

'Just... S-shut up...' he mumbled, feeling a few drops of tears slip down his cheeks. The liquefied pearls cascaded, and shattered.

Your chest moved for one last time, and you stilled.

A delighted laugh resonated across the bloody battlefield, catching Guren's attention. He craned his neck, purple clashing with crimson. Ferid sauntered over to him with his arms folded over his chest, a somewhat gleeful expression plastered on his face.

'You told me that you'd never let any of your comrades die,' Ferid mocked with a cruel smirk. 'Go on, say it again. Say it while you feel the warmth, the life of that pathetic girl fade away in your arms!' The ravenette was unable to say anything in response. His grip around you loosened, causing you to sway to the side, but he quickly caught you again. Your head landed softly on his hand, your hair brushing gently against his calloused palm. Wordlessly, Guren lowered you to the ground, running his hand down your face to close your eyes that were void of the light.

The silver-haired vampire lifted his sword above his shoulder, chuckling darkly at his pain.

.

.

.

Guren awoke with a loud gasp; throwing the covers off of his body, he quickly sat up, panting with cold sweat rolling down his forehead. He then stared at his trembling hands, eyes brimming with hot tears.

'W-was that... Was that all just a dream?' he murmured, lifting his head; but the framed photo of a particular (h/c)-haired girl on his nightstand told him otherwise. Guren rarely keeps photos of anyone, unless they're someone important; unless they're...

He didn't want to finish the thought.

Collapsing back on his bed, he put an arm over his eyes, breathing in deeply to regain his composure. His eyelids fluttered shut. As soon as the light disappeared, flashing images replaced his sight. His brain started to bring up happy, treasured memories of you.

Guren reminiscent the times he had spent with you throughout his life. When you were younger, you were entirely reliant on both him and Yuuichirou. He missed the times you would always ask for help, no matter how small the problem was... He missed your angelic singing voice, your ringing laughter, your radiant smiles... Your company was something he truly cherished, and wanted back.

[Name]...

Unconsciously, streams of tears ran down his cheeks.

Guren clenched his jaw, allowing himself to weep like a lost child, who wanted to relive the moment of a long ago dream.