Chapter 455: Chapter 455 - Cherished Memories(Part 8)
"You should hold your head high. It’s thanks to you that the rest of us have a future...I just wish it didn’t have to come at the cost of your life," Remarked Satan solemnly.
"Yeah, you took the words out of my mouth," Nodded Argent quietly.
"I still can’t believe this is really happening. How much more time do you have left?" Ilex asked me.
"Five minutes, more or less. That’s it...in just five minutes, I’ll be gone," I replied as I checked the time, my chest tightening.
Over the last twenty-four hours, I spent time with everyone as much as I could. They’d all come to the castle, so I just roamed around, talking to all of them to try and get some semblance of closure.
But with every minute that passed, I just felt more and more discontent, the desire for more time with them growing ceaselessly.
And now, with the clock closing in on running out, I feel a sense of desperation, to make use of every last second I’ve got left.
But I have no idea how to do that.
About a couple of hours ago, we kicked off my farewell party, which was set up in the throne room, everyone gathering as I mingled about, trying to have meaningful final interactions with them.
However, I quickly realized the obvious, that that isn’t something you can force. I feel so hollow inside, and I can’t help but wonder what it was all for.
All the trauma, the trials and tribulations I’ve faced since I reincarnated into this world, after everything I’ve been through, I finally had my ultimate goal within sight, it was so close to being in my grasp.
But it’s gone now, so far out of my reach that I can’t even see it anymore. Everything I did, all the effort I spent to get to this point, has gone up in smoke.
That said, I can’t let it show...the sorrow and grief everyone has shown over this last day, it means more to me than I can ever put into words. So, for their sakes, I’ll put on a brave face.
I won’t pretend like I’m not upset about this, they’re certainly not stupid enough to buy that. But, at the very least, I can hide the despair I’m feeling.
"Wherever you end up next, I know you’ll be just fine. You’re stronger than anyone I know, so I have no doubt that you’ll land on your feet," Smiled Rhyle tearfully, as he placed his hand on top of my head.
No, you’re wrong...I’m not that strong. The only reason I was able to make it this far is because I had so many great people by my side. I wouldn’t have got to this point if I was alone.
"We’ll make sure you’re never forgotten, you’ll go down as the most famous name in the history of this world, we’ll see to that," Stated Phyurio with a thumbs up.
"And not just here in Arcadia, but the rest of the world too. We’ve certainly got the power to pressure the other nations into spreading your name across the history books, after all," Added Gior with a nod.
I do appreciate the sentiment...but a part of me can’t help but feel like it doesn’t matter. What’s the point of the memory of me persisting if I don’t? I hate that I’m thinking this way, but I...I just can’t help it.
"You have less than two minutes left. You should say your final goodbyes while you still can," The Goddess’s voice echoed through my head.
I froze slightly as I felt my heart sink, before steeling myself and looking around at everyone, feeling a swell of emotions rising up inside me as I cleared my throat.
"Well, guys, it looks like my time’s almost up. I just...I just wanted to say, thank you. Meeting all of you is the best thing that’s ever happened to me, across both the lives I’ve lived, and every life I’ll go on to live. Seriously, I appreciate every single one of you from the bottom of my heart, I can say that with absolute certainty.
And this sucks, this really fucking sucks...because this is everything I ever wanted. I wanted to live a full life with all of you by my side, I’ve never enjoyed life as I much as I have with all of you, because of all of you. There were ups and downs, good times and bad times, and yet...I know that it’s the positives that’ll stick with me in the end.
I may not get to live a full lifetime with you guys, but...you’ve all given me several lifetimes worth of memories I’ll cherish forever, and for that, I’m more grateful that I can put into words. So...thank you. I wish I could see how things turn out for myself, but all I can do now is have faith that you guys will be fine. The time I’ve spent with you has meant the world to me," I remarked, my voice cracking as my vision blurred, tears welling up in my eyes before I continued, " I-I’m sorry, I’ve never been good at giving speeches o-or being honest with my emotions, I...I just can’t seem to find the right words.
I wish you all the best for the future...whatever it may hold, I know you’ll be able to get through anything that gets thrown your way. I’ve had my fair share of unpleasant experiences in this world...and yet, I don’t regret being born into this world in the slightest. I’ll forever cherish the life I’ve lived here...and all of you. You’ll hold a special place in my heart for eternity. You guys are the fucking best...and I’ll miss you."
My lower lip quivered as a tear ran down my face from my left eye, my body starting to glow as it became translucent, slowly starting to fade away.
Looks like this is it...
I looked around at everyone, the people I’d come to hold so dear, my gaze lingering on each of their faces for what would be the last time.
Many of them were crying, others holding back their tears...to think that I’d incite such emotions from other people.
I never thought such a thing would be possible...and yet, here we are. This hurts...I should’ve told them all this so much sooner. Why...why’d it have to take me dying for me to say all this? Damn it...
"N-no, please...," Uttered Lumena as she collapsed onto her knees, letting out a choked sob, which only triggered more waterworks from the others.
Argent held Izzy as she began wailing, while tears silently streamed down his face, a single tear running down Satan’s face as he met my gaze and gave me a quiet, emotional nod.
Rhyle had his gaze to the floor, his fists clenched tightly as his tears dripped onto the tiles, while Ilex had his hand over his mouth, his shoulders trembling as the tears streamed out.
"D-don’t...don’t go. P-please don’t...please don’t go, LARRK...!!!" Exclaimed Prysm in anguish, starting to run towards me with her hand outstretched desperately...before she suddenly vanished from sight, the despairingly familiar void of white meeting my gaze as everyone disappeared...
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