The night I met you had been the first clear night after three weeks of rain.

The sky had been a pure, solid black and the full moon had been carved out of the finest marble, the stars out of diamonds. The rain had washed away all traces of bloodstains from the earth, only to have it soaked with dark crimson once again, like always.

That night, my lungs had been freed, the scent of grass and dew tickling my nostrils instead of the usual stench of perspiration and death. The hours of darkness had been peaceful and soothing, until all bloody hell broke loose, like always.

But you changed what ‘always’ meant for me.

Because above all the horrible clashing of swords, sounds of blades slicing flesh and blood-curdling screams deafening my ears, I heard your voice. Your strong, soulful voice pleading them, us, me, to stop fighting, to stop killing.

Your pleas had been so sincere, it was frightening. So compassionate, it was disgusting. But your unwavering faith in humanity had called forth a miracle---a miracle in which you were the last one standing amongst your fallen guards and my dead comrades, and I had not killed you.

The silence between us had been heavy and impenetrable, as thick as the blood that was gushing from my wounds onto the earth. A gentle breeze had combed through the treetops and caused the lingering raindrops to pitter-patter on us.

I remember, I remember everything. The feel of sloppy mud against my cheek, the warmth of my blood pooling around my body, the radiance of your tears glistening under the pearly moon beams. And the scent of rain, promising to cleanse the sin from Mother Earth once more, like always, so we humans can dirty Her again.

But no, not anymore.  Because you had changed what ‘always’ meant for the world.

Jongin-ah, I always think of you. I am especially reminded of you when the skies mourn your absence, when the teardrops descend from the heavens in the form of rainfall or frozen tears.

I wonder. I wonder if your bones are resting peacefully beneath the earth on which warfare exists no more.

I wonder if you still love me, love me as much as I love you. If you are happy and proud that I have given birth to a nation that will eternally praise your name. That I have bloomed a life for your people free of bloodshed, from my own bloodstained hands.

Jongin-ah, I long to cup your face in my hands, these hands that have been dyed crimson to the bone, these hands that you have kissed and told me are beautiful. I long to gaze into your eyes, sparkling emerald and so crystal clear I can see all the way down to your righteous heart. Your eyes, which had washed away my hate and drowned me in the sweetest, most endearing love.

We had grasped eternity together, Jongin-ah. The stars and moon are our witnesses.

And so I will return to your side, after all these years, for I have atoned my sins and have fulfilled my duty.

I will finally return into your strong arms, because I love you, and you have loved the world.

This story won second place for memories; a writing contest with these prompts:

 And many thanks & appreciation & mad respect  to balloon_ for the beautiful poster!<33

Welp, hope you will enjoy this story & if you do, please subscribe!

Thank you & happy reading :D

PS; Belatedly, now I think a better title would be "My Earth, Air, Water, Fire" because I LOVE Love Love Love and it seems to fit the story better in general. But I adore the poster too much to change the title hehehe