FOUR: Promises are meant to be broken

I curled up against Sora, crying softly. I couldn't look at Chow's collar, my heart hurt too much.

Sora's fingers weaved in my hair, her soft voice hushing my pain. I lifted up my head and looked up at her. She reminded me of someone dear. She reminded me of so many years I kept on my toes to keep the title of Pure. I didn't want scars decorating me, I didn't want to die in exile. I felt her breath beat my face before her soft lips pressed to mine. Her arms wrapped around me, holding me tightly to her. Her fingers knotted in my hair, electricity pulsing through my veins. I felt her lips leave mine, and her chin rested on my head.

“Promises are meant to broken, Little Sky.” She whispered.

I buried my face in the crook of her neck. She was so warm, so kind, so troubled that all I wanted was to give her everything; to spoil her with my care. She shifted uncomfortably, motioning for me to move. I did so.

“Lemme see your back.” She said quietly. My face flushed.

“But that would mean�"“

“I won't look,” She said turning her back.

The cold arctic air stung my back. I kept my arms crossed, gripping my upper-arms. Sora's breath tickled my flesh, as she blew on the ink.

“There.” She said pleased. Her arms wrapped around me, the heat causing me to shiver.

“W-what did you t-t-tattoo?” I stammered with chattering teeth.

“My name with torn angel wings beside the first letter then the last letter.” She reached for my folded up shirt and coats which sat out of reach from the fire's flame above the fire-pit. “Here.”

I put the warmed cotton back on and huddled against her for warmth. She wrapped a thick wool blanket around us, and leaned against the thick ice. Every few meters we had to lighten our load up, Leaving the tent, the gas-range oven, the sleeping bag, and...Chow. I buried my face again, fighting the tears. I started humming A perfect Sonnet.

“Chow...” I mumbled, half-way through it, allowing sleep to get me.

 

“Wake up sleepy-head, we gotta keep moving.” Sora's voice said groggily as she woke me up. I rolled onto my back and yelped when the coldness pierced my clothes.

“I'm up.” I said quickly. I picked up Chow's collar, placing it around my neck, and wrapped the wool blanket around me.

I watched Sora pin the edges of the blanket around me. She took my hand and held it tightly. I stumbled tiredly. I looked up above me and saw nothing but light blue skies. I expected to see the path, but it wasn't there. It made me wonder if there ever was an end to the path. I wondered if I'd ever come up with a sonnet for Aney. I looked up at Sora admiringly, and realized all I wanted was a companion who would stick with me. Aney wasn't that important anymore.

“Sora, if we do see Aney, what would you ask her?” I asked with a small smile.

“I can't tell you, otherwise I might not get to ask for it.” She looked down at me with soft violet eyes. “Did anyone ever tell you how pretty your eyes are Little Sky?” I flushed. “I take that as a no.”

She smiled warmly, and crouched down. I climbed onto her shoulders, yelping when she stood up.

“Wow.” I breathed, amazed by the view. The snow covered valleys and hills, the patches of green where spring was blossoming in distant lands, the birds flying above the clouds. “This is unbelievable!” I felt tears leap to my eyes. “Sora...” My head rested on the top of her hat. “My Sora...Thank you.”