His Last Breath

She was there as he took his last breath, just as she was there when he took his first.

It was inevitable; the disease was as rare as it was deadly, and quick. Nothing could be predicted, nothing could prevent it. Not even the power of the Maoh could heal the victim. There was no name for this particular illness except that it was known as Sudden Death. While it was not contagious, it was not unheard of among Mazoku.

They never expected it to attack Conrad who was laughing and playing baseball with Yuuri and Greta. He fainted just as he threw a fast ball at the king, causing shouts and worry from his family. Gwendal lifted him and carried him to his room as the King calmed his daughter and Wolfram ran for Gisela. All were hoping it was simply heat stroke.

Gisela checked over him, running her gentle healing maryoku from his head to his arm with practised ease. Her face paled in terror and helplessness as she gave them the diagnosis. The Maoh sent messengers all across the kingdom to look for a cure. Wolfram joined the men as did Gwendal hoping to save their brother while Gisela, Murata and Gunter poured over every single book in the Royal and the Shrine libraries.

Shinou Heika himself tried what he could to cure the man from this disease... but it was all in vain.

It was estimated he would have a week to live. They feared to tell him at first but it had to be done. They thought he would close in on himself; instead, he smiled and said, "Let me live this next week with you all."

They went to all his favourite places, visited his father's grave and visited the Luttenberg site. The final destination was hardest as it was his own past he made peace with.

He had his last swordfight with the teacher who taught him everything; he had the last baseball game with his godson and niece; he had the last nights with his brothers; and one last mission with Yosak. His second final day was spent writing his last goodbyes to his few friends and his will; concealed for the week after, when his final goodbye was said.

Lady Celi knew he did not show it, but he weakened by the day. Despite, the pressing gloom; she knew he was making his last memories of them to be those of joy.

His final day was spent with her – just the two of them.

He rode with to a field of flowers. The sun shone as he gathered her flowers and braided her hair with them just as he had done as a boy. Towards the afternoon, he began to feel tired so they returned to the castle. They were alone as well in his bedroom. She had his head against her heart as she softly sang a lullaby.

"I love you, Mummy," were the last words he uttered to her before falling into a deep slumber and never waking. No pain can describe that of a mother's broken heart. She knew he heard her heartbeat as he passed over. She knew he felt safe. She knew too, that was the most she could have done for him.