Golden Torii Of Time

Prologue - Rakish Scenery (Season 1)

Kyle Rustin Dela Cuesta

The sun is slowly setting, orange lights illuminating the city I once loved. The wind becoming faint little breeze, lifting a stray strand of hair on my face. The huge mountains that circled my beloved town created a big barrier between me and the world outside.

It may look like everything's perfect here. Like it's magical and dreamy. But if you ask me, this moment is a nightmare and a tragedy.

Here I am, holding someone I treasure the most. Someone important. Someone who completed me. And it looks like he's someone I will lose forever. Sitting on one of the benches here in the park, we're looking at the sunset together. Inhaling the sweet air of autumn.

And as I hold him tighter, tears escaped my eyes. My once dry cheeks became wet. Although I'm wearing my favorite sweater, I can't help but feel cold. Is it my body or my heart? I don't know the answers myself.

"I love sunsets."

Those words intesified my sadness. Gradually breaking the emotional wall I built just for this day. I hate it. I hate the feeling of destruction. I hate it so bad.

His blonde hair dancing with the wind. His plump lips in a cute pout. His crescent shaped eyes twinkling brightly. His small figure crouched beside me. It is something I would like to keep for a long time. As long as I live. But I know it's not possible.

I inhaled sharply, preventing myself from breaking down further. "Me either. I love how it seems to give our world one last glance before it dissapear. Like it's been saying goodbye to us until he comes back tommorow." I softly said.

I looked at him and saw that he smiled, but rather a painful smile to anyone. He grasped my hands with his tiny ones.

"I would like to see the sunset say goodbye daily..."

It broke my heart more. To hear him say that he wants to live longer than what the fate destined to him.

"Of course you can. Nothing is impossible when you have faith, Brian." I lied. It's the least I can do for him.

My tone may be bright, but it hides sadness in it. How I wish I can turn back time.

"Really?" Brian asked, looking at me with hope in his eyes.

I just nodded because I can't take it anymore. If I open my mouth to respond, I might cry harder.

He doesn't deserve this. He doesn't deserve everything that happened to him. There are so many people here in our planet. Why does Brian have to suffer this much? He's the kindest soul I've ever met. As bright as the sun, as soft as the clouds above, as gentle as the flowing water. He's anything nice combined. A rare combination.

Hugging him here in this place, I swore to myself that I'd do anything to keep him comfortable.

"Everything's gonna be okay, right Kystin?", he asked. With a smile so sweet, he laid his head on my shoulders. He sighed.

"Yes, Bry."

Brian giggled, like it's the most funniest thing he heard in his whole existence. Being as young as 14 years old really gave him a short time to venture the wonders of the world. How can life be so cruel to him?

I gathered my strength to tell him something I don't want to say. But I have to. For his sake.

"You can rest now, Bry."

I can feel my own heart shattered, the pain destroying my facade.

Then, I heard him sob. The time has come. But isn't it too fast?

"I guess I should. But I'm scared."

I put his fragile body on my lap and carried him like a baby. I stood up and walk down the path as the light starts to fade away. Until the end, all I wish is to be with him for a little longer. To be with my dearest friend.

Brian closed his eyes, his little arms around my neck.

I drew comforting circles on his back just to calm him. This is the moment I've been dreading to encounter.

"Don't worry. I'm here. I won't leave you."

He smiled and sighed one last time.

"You're my favorite character in my book. See you in the next chapter, Kystin."

And just like that, his little grabby hand fell down from my shoulders. Before he was clinging to me. Now, I'm the one clinging to him.

With no more strength to hold my body, I sank down to the ground, hugging the person who lost his life in my arms. Now the moon is high up the sky, it's light shimmering on Brian's serene face.

He's like sleeping.

I rested my face on his head, inhaling the mint smell of his hair. His blonde locks caressing my cheeks.

Then, fresh batch of tears flowed down my cheeks. My cries became louder. Until I can't hear anything other than my heart breaking.

"Until your last breathe, my arms were still you safe place. Rest well, my angel." I managed to said between my cries.

Maybe in my next lifetime, I'll be able to save you.

2023/02/16