"It's an honor. To die by your side."
It hurts to speak whenthe coppery taste of blood is filling his mouth, but when he hears Zero talk, hisheart screams in agony. Looking up into the sky he hadn’t known who wouldperish along with him, but he should have known that the man who would followhim to hell and back had already chosen the exact same path. It’s their finalmoment together after years of hardships, and he owes so much, but there’s justnot enough time to repay any of his debts.
“I’m so sorry,” hecoughs, struggling to force air into his lungs. He manages to turn his headsideways, forcing himself to look at his dear retainer. His familiar white hairis matted with blood and it looks like something nearly shredded through hisentire torso. His eye is closed, and the eyepatch concealing the empty socket hadfallen away. Leo hopes that he still can hear him, hopes that his final wordscan mean something, however small it is.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t save you.” he wheezesout. He wishes Zero had never been so loyal. He wishes Zero hadn’t stayedbehind to watch his back, to protect him. He wishes that Zero chose to be selfishfor once. He could have fled on his own, escaping the ravages of the battlefield, but he had stayed – he had stayed for him. So many wishes left ignored,from childhood to his very death. Will any of his wishes ever be granted?
The only comfort wasthat he’s allowed to perish alongside his retainer, one of the few people to gain hiscomplete trust. He wouldn’t know how to live with the guilt if only he had madeit back alive. “You and I will meet again Zero.” He’s not sure how he knowsthis, but he can feel their connection, even when death threatens to sever it. “Maybewe’ll meet on better terms than we did in this life.” He offers a weak laugh.He doesn’t have the strength to keep his eyes open anymore, so he lets themfall shut. “Until next time,” he utters and lets the words carry to the winds,a silent prayer to any being willing to listen to a prince cursed by war, a truefinal wish, simply for a chance to be together once again.
