Aether.

Aether laid weakly in Xiao's arms staring at the sky.

"Xiao, I'm afraid." Aether said quietly.

"What's going to happen to me?" He asked.

"I'm here for you. You'll be alright." Xiao spoke softly as he wiped the blood from Aether's mouth.

"You did good to protect them." Aether smiled slightly.

Everyone stood and stared at Aether and Xiao in tears. The couldn't believe that they were losing the hero of their nation and their friend.

"I'm sorry Aether..." Xiao mumbled.

"I should've tried harder to understand you back then..." Xiao whispered.

"Xiao, look!" Aether whispered with a smile.

Aether pointed weakly at the sky.

"They do look like lanterns, don't they?" Aether laughed.

"...Yes..." Xiao chocked out through tears.

"I feel tired." Aether weakly said.

"Will you stay here with me?" He asked in a whisper.

"Yes. Don't worry, I'll keep watch."

"I love you, Xiao." Aether said quietly as he closed his eyes.

"Good night, Aether." Xiao whispered.

Xiao bit his lip to hold back his sobs as Aether fell into a forever sleep in his arms.

I love you too, Aether.

_________________

THE END.