Farewell from my dreams
Yuuri
When he awoke, little had changed in his mind, his troubles had not ceased, the questions of his past still upon his mind. Now more than ever Yuuri craved answers. He did not know how he could face Victor with an ever growing feeling of decay upon him. It had only recently begun, but the thought of Victor both excited him, and caused him fear. He knew not why, though as time progressed it grew only stronger. How could it be that someone whom had appeared to be so kind, so full of life, could place within him such feelings of despair. Though with light comes shadow, Yuuri wondered what lie within Victors. What secrets did he hold, what was he withholding from him?
Yuuri rose, taking little food to break his fast. He had some inkling of how to resolve his issues, though it offered little promise, he’d decided to go along with the idea. With haste he trekked deep within the forest, leaving behind his duties for now. Moonlight followed his wake, fireflies softly murmuring about his feet, every creature eager to greet him, for Yuuri was not only a fair king, but very earnestly loved all those under his charge. Though today he was able to pay them only little mind, he greeted the owl hatchlings, and whispered soft good evenings to the whisps and fireflies, even so never veering from his path. Eventually the forest opened up, before Yuuri lay a lake, black as the voidless sky, a waterfall continually refreshing its depths, However black the water may appear, upon closer inspection one would find the galaxies held within. Here was the pool of dreams, From here Yuuri is able to craft dreams, letting loose upon the world visions of joy, sorrow, anguish. But once again, yuuri is a loning god and seldom delivers such frightening dreams, only does he do so subconsciously in his own dreams. However; the lake allows one to revisit past dreams as well.
Removing his shirt and shoes, Yuuri drifted into the water, allowing himself to be cradled by it as if like the womb. Submerging himself, he let the water fill his lungs, his body overtaken. Around him past dreams began to dance with all the vivacity of memories.
Yuuri stood atop the meadows, the summer wind playing about him. He knew not how many eons the ritual had taken place, but its repetition was daunting. The sun was just beginning to set, soon the other would be there. Yuuri examined his obsidian blade, making sure it was ready to exchange blows. He knew not why, but for many epochs, the other had assaulted him, constantly grappling for dominance. Twice as the sun rose and set they battled, neither winning. Despite their even match, yuuri worried for his people. He worried what would become of them if the other ever struck him down. Would he be forced to bow to him, or would he perish. With his death he was certain many of the creatures he protected would die. When the other arrived, the two exchanged feverent blows. Their battle was short and as the sun gave way to the moon, the other vanished, never daring to stay into the night.
Reborn from his dream, Yuuri surfaced, crawling onto the shore he hacked and expelled from his lungs liquid of stars and void. He seldom used the lake in such a way and this was why. Every time one used it, it was akin to exiting the womb. Finally yuuri managed to force air back into his lungs. He lay on the banks of the lake, staring up into the night sky. For many years the same dream had come to him. Him and the other would meet, they would fight, and the other would vanish nearly as soon as he came. For all his attempts at analyzing the dream, he could never tell who the other was, his being forever blurred from his sight. Though, perhaps without consciously realizing it, he knew that it was the other whom had killed him.
‘did you figure it out this time” A familiar voice wafted towards yuuri. It belonged to no other than Otabek. He was a druid, his tree a brilliant dogwood that stood not far from the lake. Yuuri entrusted him with the duty of protecting it, he even felt he could give Otabek the title of friend. His complexion was dark, nearly matching the bark of his tree. It was nearly spring now and the druid looked to be in good spirits as his tree was once again ready to bloom.
“No…No matter how many times I look at it, it never makes any more sense…I just wish I knew what it all meant.”
“you’ll find out in time” The druid assured, taking a seat next to the god, bits of galaxy still clinging to his wet skin.
“That’s what everyone tells me. I do my best to take care of everyone, but no one will even tell me how I died… or why I should be wary of Victor…or who the other in my dream is..” Sitting up, yuuri began to braid his hair, seeking to do anything but sit still.
“We want to protect you, yuuri. You cannot fault us for caring about you. You’ve protected us for so long, we’d just like to extend the same courteousy..”
“oh…”
“we wouldn’t force that pain on you, yuuri”
“I’ll have to bear it eventually.” Yuuri rose, pulling his shirt on, he bid his friend farewell. “ I should go”
“Send Yurio my way sometime’ The druid said, a coy smile playing at his lip.
I will’ chuckling the god left, his troubles somewhat lifted from the presence of his friend, though still ever present. Perhaps Victor would know the answers to his questions, he thought.
Sitting upon his throne, cold and dark as his troubles, yuuri examined the gift Victor had bestowed upon him years prior. The flower never wilted, its flames forever twirling, dancing to a melody unbeknownst to this world. Yes, perhaps Victor will give me answers, he thought. With that he’d made up his mind, on the morrow he would go see the day. No matter the pain, he would have his answers.