Rise Again

I’m sorry, I’m sorry,

I can’t let you go.

Maybe like the phoenix, from the ashes

You’ll rise again for me.

Prologue

The two young men clung to each other desperately as they were brought out of hiding into the light they hadn’t seen for months. An audible gasp startled them, as they turned to find a man staring in horror at their pale, ghostly appearance. Both swallowed, unsure if they should go close to them. With how everyone thought them to be dead, how would they react to their appearance? Would they look disgusted like the captain before them? Would they be worried?

Quickly, reassuring them, the captain’s expression changed to one of joy as he quickly strode over, taking the taller, blond one by the shoulders. Smiling a little, the young man wrapped his arms about his mentor, assuring him that hugging was fine, and he wasn’t about to disappear anytime soon.

“C-captain…” The young soldier spoke nervously, interrupting the friendly hug. “H-how did you find us? I thought we were hiding well.”

Pulling away, the tall brunet gazed into the blue eyes of the silver haired youth. “There were reports of strange, pale, beings running about here. We like to keep track of all those living in the desert in case there’s a need to evacuate, without imperial notice. I apologize for being rough, but we had to see who it was that was out here.”

“Highly understandable, Captain, though persuasion, or threats may have worked better.” Scowling, the young blond massaged his bruised shoulder, leaning against a rock face. Eyeing the soldiers gaping at them from behind the captain, he turned back to the man. “Would you mind sending them away for a while? I am not fond currently of people knowing of my existence. Though I am sure Ashe would love to hear news -”

The captain cut him off, sending off the troop. “I must warn you, before we take you from here. Ashe is assumed dead. If you come with me though, I can bring you to here. I am soon to embark on a rescue as she was captured in a raid.”

Sliding down the stone wall, the young man stared up at him in shock. “Where will we stay?”

“You two will be staying with the resistance in Bhujerba. I will see to it that you are properly looked after. Though, like how you are now, you must lay low until I call for you. Perhaps wait in the aerodrome?”

“Understandable.” Nodding, the young blond stood again, brushing some sand from his hand made clothes. “Will you be transporting us there?”

“I wouldn’t trust you two in anyone else’s hands. Naturally, I will be.” Nodding, he looked to the silver haired boy. “And you?”

“I follow him.”

Nodding, the captain, turned, leaving when he heard them follow. “I will make sure we don’t lose either of you this time, my lord.”

“And what if Reks, and I were to lose you?”

“Gods forbid we should hope the empire falls before that should happen.”

Holding tightly to the blonds arm, Reks shuddered. “I told you we should have changed locations, Rasler!” He hissed in a low voice.

Smiling in a reassuring manner, Rasler ran his fingers through the soldier’s hair. “I trust him with my life. Don’t worry.”

“I hope you’re right.”