Chapter 19: Hope

"Don't. Just leave me be with him."

Aisha's voice kept Chung and the others back. With an understanding nod, they left her alone with the person she cared about most.

Her eyes drooped to the heart rate monitor on the metal encasing, silently mouthing a prayer of thanks that his heart was still beating.

"You okay over there?" A familiar voice cut through her thoughts.

Jolted awake, she turned to the source of the voice and saw a familiar redhead sticking out of the metal coffin. Elsword was awake, flashing that same goofy smile he'd had for the past four years that she'd known him. A warm feeling of relief washed over her.

"I've been better," she replied with a chuckle.

"Same here," he shot back.

They stared softly at each other in silence, the steady beeping of the heart rate monitor fading into the background.

In time, Aisha's lips trembled with emotion, and she let out a low sob. Elsword sadly watched as she wept over him. It ached her heart to see her friends hurt, but at the same time, she was overjoyed that they survived.

"Aisha…"

She sniffled and wiped her tears on her tattered mage clothes.

"I'm sorry…"

"It's fine. I'll be okay."

"You better be," Aisha laughed through her tears.

"I will. I promise. I've always come back to you in one piece, haven't I?"

Aisha sniffled again and nodded, sweet memories flooding her mind. Memories like the time he had both of his legs broken by the Dark Nephilim. The time he slew the beast with his Armageddon Blade while down on the ground. The time he was crying in pain and cheering with joy as his friends carried him to the local infirmary.

It's funny. Aisha had only known him for a couple of years, but all of her memories with him and her friends felt like a lifetime. There were many moments of quarreling, times where she wanted nothing to do with him. There were moments of fear, split-second terrors, and near-death experiences in the middle of combat. But it was moments like this that made her wish that she could spend a lifetime with this special man and that her years with him would be long and neverending. She met his ruby eyes and smiled.

"Yeah," she answered softly.

All of a sudden, the sound of commotion outside became apparent. Aisha turned her head to the entrance of the tent and saw Mendéz coming through and signaling orders to the medics with his hands.

"Excuse me, miss," an unfamiliar voice called out to her. It was one of the medics, a short woman with sublime yellow hair. "We're leaving soon, and we must transport him to a hospital in Hamel."

"Oh! Okay, but can you give me just one more moment with him?"

"Sure! Take your time." The medic nodded and went away.

Aisha turned to Elsword and smiled sadly at him. Elsword did the same. She let her hand stroke his cheek, softly gliding her finger along his jawline as she drew close. She stopped for a moment, admiring his beautiful face with her eyes half-closed, before going in and kissing him gently. She closed her eyes and let her lips remain on his, communicating her love, hopes, and dreams while savoring the moment before it was gone.

But soon it was gone, and Aisha felt a painful, heavy feeling of separation when their lips parted.

"I love you, Elsword. I'll be holding you to your promise," Aisha said to him. "Come back to me, okay?"

"Love you, too. And I will." Elsword nodded. "In the meantime, have a little faith in me, alright?"

"Alright…" Aisha laughed softly and smiled. She turned to the medic from earlier and nodded her head. The medic nodded back and came over. Aisha felt a tear open up in her heart as she watched her take him away, but she held fast, knowing that he'll be better one day.

Soon, Mendéz beckoned her out of the tent, as they were deconstructing it. They already had the caravans loaded and prepared; this was the last tent to pack. After folding the tent, they led her to one of the caravans. The inside was laid out like an ambulance interior, and most of the area was sectioned off for Elsword, Raven, and the medics who were assigned to care for them along the way. Aisha was barred from entering, but she was at peace with that fact. She'd already said her goodbye, and now she's hoping for a future hello. Longing for when she can see that infectious smile again, that smile that's overcome every trial they've been through thus far. Hoping for the day when she can laugh, and hug, and kiss him again.

There was a sudden jolt, and the caravan started moving. Aisha sighed in relief; they were finally going home. After all the chasing and fighting, they were finally going to get some peace and rest. With that thought on her mind, the mage curled up in the corner and fell asleep smiling.

Author's Endnote

Anotha one!