The Loss of a Friend

[08:53] Yoshiko Taiyang says, "Alexios, come here for a minute.."
[08:53] Alexios Taiyang asks, "Yes, dear?"
[08:54] Yoshiko Taiyang says, "Follow me inside."
[08:54] Yoshiko looked like she was about to tear up again.
(Yoshiko Taiyang)
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[08:54] Yoshiko Taiyang says, "Read this.."
[08:54] {Item} You drop To Yoshiko Taiyang.
[08:54] Alexios blinks, picking up the note.
(Alexios Taiyang)
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[08:55] Alexios Taiyang asks, "A goodbye letter?"
[08:56] Yoshiko nods.
(Yoshiko Taiyang)
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[08:56] Yoshiko Taiyang says, "A -final- goodbye.."
[08:59] Not something he wanted...

As the rumors of her going back to Barsburg weren't something he accepted so easily. He hoped she didn't and knew she was better than that. But for this? It was a final goodbye... It meant she wasn't going to come back, and he wouldn't be able to help fix that void left inside of her. He knew Yoshiko always wanted to, and even now he was ready to bring her home again.

"I'm sorry, Yoshiko." He frowns, even he seemed a little conflicted about the letter. As he had several private talks with her and the threat of harming him if he ever wronged Yoshiko was pleasant to hear. It meant the Kitsune he loved always had someone to watch their back, but now with her gone...

"Anastasia wasn't ever a bad person, just a confused one. I think I could have accepted her as my sister too, as she is certainly one to you. Don't let this drag you down, my love... My sun... Remain bright for her too. I'm sure this is a choice that makes her happy, so let us continue and be happy for her-- And protect the people she cared so dearly for."

Stepping forward, he brings his arms out to offer an embrace for Yoshiko to accept. She could come into his chest and sob if she wished, he would be here to help her get past it. "Come here..."
(Alexios Taiyang)
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[09:08] There was certainly a void in the Kitsune's heart that would never be refilled. A puzzle piece had been ripped from her without her expecting it. The piece was now lost for eternity.

Anastasia meant a lot to the fox. She was someone that she had been friends with since she was young and did mostly everything with. She worried, loved, and cared for the Astor any time there was something going on with her. If Yoshiko could tell Anastasia something right now. It'd definitely be

That life was much better when they were younger...

But none of that mattered now. All Yoshiko could do now is sulk and then forget about it at a later date. ".. It's fine." She wished to hold the letter. She would keep it on her person to remember the Astor for as long as she could.

"She's.. apparently gone off to die. But I will remember her when at all times. She won't be forgotten in my heart and my mind... This won't hurt me, I can assure you." Yoshiko accepts the Teraphim's embrace and digs her face deep into his chest. It'd be quiet.

Until she began bawling...
(Yoshiko Taiyang)
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[09:14] Squeezing her into himself, he wanted to make sure she felt warmth. As she gave off so much of her own, it was his turn to grant some back. so that she knew no matter how far Anastasia was, even if she was remembered... Alexios was here, and he wouldn't let her be alone-- He wouldn't let her suffer or be hurt.

Planting a kiss on her head, he smiles. "Shh… It's okay. We'll both remember her, she'll never be forgotten. Keep the letter close, one that shows how much a friend cared to say her goodbyes. But the spirit realm will welcome her, and she'll live in paradise. And even now, she will guide us."

Rubbing her back, Alexios didn't care how wet she got his clothes. She could drown him in tears if it helped her feel better, as he wouldn't let the one he loved feel hurt.

"I'll make up for the hole left behind, I will always be here... I love you, Yoshiko."
(Alexios Taiyang)
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[09:35] It was like when she was young. She cried all the time but when got older, it definitely got better when she knew how to control her emotions. Now she had reason to sob into one's arms. This reason being the lost of a close friend.

Similar to the time Yoshiko first met Anastasia, Yoshiko cried her heart out. Albeit for different reasons, Anastasia still made her cry the first and last time. It was heartbreaking to hear and Yoshiko didn't know if said hole would fill. But luckily she had Alexios to put a placeholder within the void.

The Kitsune sniffled and muffled words began to erupt. Even if she struggled. ".. I-I miss her already." Yoshiko's form began to succumb to a light glow. This however wasn't the regular glow that she would maintain. It was like embers of fire that floated off of her frame. Nothing like the rays of light that would radiate from her. The cackling of fire was audible to one's ear, as well.

"She's... always been there for me and I was always there for her. Even when she wanted to push me away from her problems.. Why... did she have to leave?

I suppose she'll watch over me now... And when the day comes that I can reunite with her. I will never leave her side again.. But I have to make her proud while I can and continue... She just has to be patient like I've always been," she murmurs, aiming to look up at Alexios with flooded sockets.

".. I'm glad you're in my life to help, too. I love you, Alexios…"
(Yoshiko Taiyang)
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[09:50] Those embers, ones that represent her heartache. Something that she wouldn't just forget or get over, but Alexios would be here each step of the way. It would take some time to get past, but they would get past it together. Anastasia was right, he would keep her safe and do anything to make her happy.

"Come on... She wouldn't want to see you crying." Leaning back, he uses his thumb to wipe tears away from Yoshiko's eyes. "I know its hard, but we'll face this obstacle together. Anastasia will be right here to help us too, trust me."

Bringing her back in, he rubs over her back to comfort her. "I think you've already made her so proud, Yoshiko..." He whispers, bringing his hand up to brush fingers through her hair.

"You've done so well, I think she is happy for you. So now we'll live for her, and do all we can to make things better for Esshar. And I promise I swear on my very life... I will always be here for you." What else could he do though? It was hard to think... He had never had to cheer another up, so instead, he just holds her close.

No intention of letting her go, only to share his warmth with her.
(Alexios Taiyang)
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[10:05] Funny enough, Anastasia has seen Yoshiko cry on many occasions. So it wouldn't have been anything new to her but Alexios was right. The Astor wouldn't have wanted to see her cry and worrying about her any longer.

But the fox stayed quiet for a while. She wanted there to be silence even while Alexios spoke, she just wanted there to be silence for a mere moment.

But if Alexios was right for another time. She'd faintly grin to herself knowing Anastasia was at least proud of her. The letter said that much. She was the sun and had to continue being so. The embers would continue to rise but instead would sizzle before Yoshiko erupted into a light glowing flame. It was warm and not harmful in any way.

"I know..." Yoshiko squeezed Alexios tighter than she already was, gripping on his clothing and pushing her face deeper into his chest. "...I know." For now Yoshiko would just stand there with her husband. She still had a lot of people there for her. Alexios being the closest. However, there was still her friends like Saewyn, Avalainn. Even Aeliana when she was around. A motherly figure like Amalia was still there for her. And a cute little teraphim like Melina to show her little goals.

Yoshiko still had a lot to live for. Even if Anastasia was gone. She wasn't truly gone.
(Yoshiko Taiyang)
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[10:10] Alexios allows for Yoshiko to take as much time as she needed, she could remain in his arms and against his chest for hours if she wished. And he would be here for her to lean against, until she felt comfortable and ready to smile again.
(Alexios Taiyang)
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[10:11] Alexios Taiyang whispers: Do you want to go lay down for a bit?
[10:12] Yoshiko Taiyang whispers: I'll be fine.
[10:12] Yoshiko Taiyang whispers: Let's go back outside.. And just... continue to hold me, please.
[10:13] Alexios Taiyang says, "Alright... But if you want to rest, I don't mind laying with you for a few hours."
[10:13] Alexios Taiyang says, "I'm sure I wouldn't be needed for anything."
[10:13] Alexios Taiyang says, "Otherwise, we can go back out and smile."
[10:13] {Item} You picked up To Yoshiko Taiyang. Dropped by Alexios Taiyang..
[10:14] Yoshiko Taiyang says, "Mm.."