Ten

Bluegaard, two weeks later. Eighteenth century.

Lady Seraphina passed away in a bright, snowy day …

The funeral was held in her favorite backyard, attended by her beloved ones.

Meanwhile in front of the cave of jeweled glacier, Camus stood silently, watching the castle from afar.

He hadn't visited the castle again since his departure, and he didn't plan to visit it anyway. The guilt he felt forbade him to, keeping him to stay as far as possible from Degel.

He took a deep breath when Milo approached him and held his shoulder.

"You're alright?" the Scorpio asked quietly.

Camus gazed on him, then slowly lowered his body and sat on the downy ground.

"What do you think?" he murmured.

Milo took a place beside him.

For a moment none of them broke the stillness which had been the mark of the land. As usual, sunlight was hiding behind the fogs, the condition which made the skeptics thinking that God forsaken them by bestowing the everlasting coldness and lone.

"I've promised them …," said Camus impassively. His eyes were staring at the ground. "For their hopes and their dreams."

Milo looked at him solemnly.

"All is futile, isn't it?" Camus murmured.

"Of course not," said Milo in soft voice. He inhaled as he turned his head at the castle. "You've completed your promise. They're happy, aren't them …?" he looked at Camus again. "They have gained their hopes and dreams."

"Not eternally …"

"'Eternal' isn't measured by the length of space and time," said Milo. "It was you who taught me that."

Camus turned on his best friend. His eyes went dim when Milo wrapped his hand around his shoulder.

"If you still think they sacrificed themselves for your sake, do the best to make a return," said Milo. "By living your life and never deserting it."

Camus was so thankful on Milo's presence that he couldn't imagine what it would be if Milo wasn't here—surely he would face this lament all alone and nobody would encourage him the way he was. But even Milo's presence wasn't enough to hush away those awful guilt and shame he felt.

He remembered the spring bloomed on Seraphina's visage. Her sincerity, her endless love for Degel … He couldn't forget the bliss in Degel's eyes when he had reunited with her. He couldn't forget the moment when they held each other's hands, restoring every minutes of their lost time.

The more he thought about them, the more the guilt conquered … His throat felt bitter when he thought of Degel's future … He couldn't dare to imagine Degel's reaction once he discovered the woman he loved reawakened as Poseidon …

He hoped he could turn back the time. If only he knew this would end like this, he wouldn't ever dare to reunite Degel and Seraphina. But everything was a matter of choosing, wasn't it …? He was sent in eighteenth century, then chose to reunite them. No matter how heartrending the result was, it was his own choice he should've not regretted.

"Time to go?" Shaka and Saga had arrived. Saga had accompanied Shaka to buy some food—even Camus stopped blinking when Shaka said he was hungry …

Milo nodded and stood up, followed by Camus.

"I think now you'll be able to enter the cave," said Saga, didn't know whether he should be happy or sad. He approached Camus and looked at him in grief. "I'm so sorry," he murmured. "If it wasn't because of me …"

"Hey, it's not your fault, see," Camus held his shoulder.

"Come," Shaka slowly wandered and stopped in front of the cave.

Camus inhaled a deep breath once again.

This was the end … Everything would turn into normal, and he wouldn't ever return to this century again.

He turned his head and gazed on the castle, trying to remember its shapes and keep it in his mind. Trying to select every laughter and joy within, and hushing all the sorrow and pain.

"Camus?" Milo called quietly.

Camus looked at him. He nodded, then faced the cave.

"On three?" asked Saga as four of them held each other's hands.

"One …," Shaka began to count.

"Two …," Milo continued.

"Thr—"

"Wait."

A voice interrupted them.

…

Camus and the others turned around.

Degel was standing about five feet away from them. He wore his usual winter jacket, his long hair was softly blown by the light wind. The downy flakes swirled smoothly in his ambience, bringing wonderful atmosphere in his presence.

The moments he wandered to Camus felt so long, as though time itself stopped flying to bestow grants on them.

When they had been close to each other, Degel gave a brotherly pat on Camus's back.

"Take care," Degel whispered.

That was the time when Camus couldn't hold back his grief …

The hot water that filled his eyes blurred his vision on Degel.

Would they meet again …? And if they would, would it happen to be a happy and cheerful time …?

"I'm sorry, Degel …," Camus closed his eyes to hold back those threatening liquids.

Degel closed his eyes as well, as his warm tears started to fall …

He didn't even know anymore what he cried for … Was he crying for Seraphina, Camus, or himself? He didn't even know …

"It's not your fault. I have to thank you," said Degel when he was able to control his voice. Then he smiled slightly after giving Camus a brief embrace. "We'll meet again," he said. "I promise … That's what this ley is for."

Camus nodded sincerely, though he kept restraining his emotion.

Degel gave the last clap on his back. He clapped Milo's shoulder as well, who looked at him in warmth. He nodded at Saga and Shaka before he slowly stepped backward.

"See you again," said Degel, smiled warmly.

Camus replied his smile.

He and the others once again held each other's hand and stepped into the cave.

This time, Camus wasn't thrown backwards.

He turned around again, gazed at Degel for the last moment, before he continued walking, and finally ran through the cave.

"Let's go home," he smiled as he glanced at his friends.

The others beamed, then immediately followed him.

As long as we're breathing, hopes are sprinkling in everywhere …

I'm still breathing, Lady Seraphina …, Camus whispered in his heart.

He was still breathing, and he was still hoping.

He was hoping that someday ... Lady Seraphina and Aquarius Degel would stay in the world overflowed with the sparkling stars … Laughing happily in this solitary yet homely land.

It was where the snowflakes are swept gently by the wind … Beautiful drizzle was everlastingly falling. And the winters' laughter filled the air without any pain.

It was on a snowy evening …

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End

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