The Last Letter

"What do you have to say for your actions?" Empress Cygnus' voice echoed in the garden.

It had been two years in Ereve. Two very-long years after the unfortunate murder of Empress Aria, and Phantom had resulted back to his thieving ways.

"Well, Phantom?"

The Master Thief sighed. "I...I..." he stuttered, unable to complete his sentence. The piercing glare of scorn Cygnus' protector, the Divine Bird, Shinshoo, gave off made the blonde-haired thief shiver.

The empress closed her eyes and drew in a wry sigh.

"Phantom, you do know that as a Hero, you are a friend of the people now, right?"

Phantom hung his head low, "Yes..."

"Then why?" the young girl asked as her eyes fluttered open with curiosity, "Why do you continue to steal from the people?"

"She said those words, too..." the thief trailed off as he turned away.

She said I was not only a friend of hers, but also of the people, he thought.

The small empress looked at her guardian protector helplessly. No matter how many times she tried to get Phantom to explain his actions, he would always avoid it.

"It is time. Her letter," Shinsoo nodded solemnly.

Phantom's head snapped back immediately. Her? As in...

Cygnus sighed as she retrieved the yellowed scroll that laid beneath the Holy Beast's wing.

"This is a gift," she stated simply, handing the Hero the parchment with great delicacy.

Phantom turned the scroll around anxiously, wondering what the letter would hold. His breath was caught when he ran across her name, perfectly written in her best cursive handwriting.

"Aria..." he croaked as he slowly removed the small string that held the letter tight.

Dearest Phantom,

By the time you read this, I won't have a place in this world anymore. I knew that going to the meeting alone could result in some danger, but I that was a risk I was willing to take.

So, how does Ereve fare? Has it changed much in two years? Hopefully, Cygnus is doing all she can and making the best choices for Ereve. Please wish her good luck for me.

As for you, Phantom, how are you? Hopefully, you aren't stealing again. Do you remember when we first met? It was on my balcony. The moon was out and you were watching me from the bushes (I had the feeling that someone was watching me). You tried to take the Skaia from my neck, but the wind blew away your hat and it landed on my head. And after we talked, you came to my balcony each night after.

You never forgot.

Phantom... I... I love you. I can say that easily now. And, I know that there is a high chance of me not returning to your side. Because of this, there are two things I would like to ask of you.

The first is to continue to be a friend of the people, like how you were to me. Be close to them and protect them. The Heroes will need your cunning and clever tricks.

The second is to not grieve so much over me. There was something you made me realize when I started talking to you. You made me realize that you never felt any real love from anyone other than your mentor. You were lonely and had feelings, too, like a normal human being. You were always hated by everyone and never experienced true love. That is why you held onto me so dearly. That is why, Phantom, I must ask you to let me go. Love is a beautiful thing, and it should be shared with others. Share your love that I had in you with others, Phantom. Smile, like you always told me. Share that smile with the world and use your love to protect the people.

I love you, Phantom.

One day, we'll meet again. In a better place without fighting and tragedy. Until then, stay out of trouble, for me, alright?

Sincerely,

Empress Aria

The thief let his tears trickle onto the parchment, slightly smearing Aria's loopy cursive handwriting.

The empress could only watch with a heart of empathy.

After some time, Phantom stood and straightened his back.

"T-Thank you..." was all he could say with a lump in his throat.

Cygnus nodded her head slowly. "She really loved you, you know..." she trailed off.

Phantom managed a soft chuckle as he wiped his tears. "I know," he said.

He took one glance at at the empress and her creased eyebrows and her saddening eyes.

With a small, upward curve on his lip, he said, "You know, I prefer a women with a smile on her face."

The young empress looked at him and paused before smiling knowingly.

She looks like her, Phantom thought, an exact image, whether she is happy or sad.

The thief bowed in respect and before he left, there was one thing left to say.

"I'll lay off the stealing," he promised. "And, once again, thank you."

With a jerk of his cape, the thief disappeared within an array of cards.

Aria, wherever you may be, I hope I can still make you happy. If this means continue being friends with the people of Ereve, then I won't steal from them. Not anymore. I'll lend my strength to the Heroes and all of Mapleworld, because...

I promise I won't let anyone bury your dreams.

I love you, Aria.

A/N

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Yay! It's done! Well, it wasn't suppose to turn out like this... But it's all good!

Anyways, yeah, this is my first try at a one shot. If you think it needs improvement, comment away! ^-^

I'm thinking of...publishing another version of this. Honestly, it wasn't suppose to turn out this way. Sooooo, would you guys like that? Does another version sound good to you?

Dedication goes to @saintdane2579 for inspiring me to continue writing. Thank you!

Thanks for reading! Bye bye!

💘 Natalie

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