Of all the things to come true

[notagiraffe]

Characters: Taiki and people
Setting: Graveyard
Format: Any you pick
Summary: Taiki comes back to himself after the event, to find that part of his future has come true
Warnings: Grief

And overnight he was eleven again, the memories of those fifty years faded though he still remembered what it felt like to have been here so long, how sad Zelda had been. What it had been like to be older and yet still trapped.

The first thing he did once he got dressed was leave his room and head downstairs, though he couldn't feel Gyousou's presence he had to see his things, see his name on the door. Remind himself that even though he wasn't here he was coming back.

Because he had to be.

A few moments later after looking at the name plate a worried looking child burst into room 3-20 and stared in silent disbelief at the empty trunk. He stood frozen for a few moments and then burst into tears and ran out of the room.

It couldn't be true, his things had been there, before last week. They had been there.

He reached the graveyard his tears still flowing and slowed down as he began to walk the rows of headstones looking for the name he hoped wouldn't be there.

But it was and Taiki's tears got faster as he fell to his knees in the light snow and curled up next to the stone, shaking with sobs.

Comments

[notagiraffe]

I don't think Lord Gyousou ever cries... [Taiki had never seen him do so, not even here where things were so bad.]

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

Oh no, everyone cries. He likely does it when none can see though. As a king, he can't let his people see him full of sorrow, too angry or uncaring. As a king, he has to put on an image that will inspire his people.

[notagiraffe]

[That just made Taiki sadder, the fact that Gyousou would cry when he was all alone, and he didn't even have Shirei to hug him when he was scared...] He... he could have cried in front of me... I'm his Kirin...

[Maybe he had been a really awful Kirin, maybe that's why he had never seen Gyousou cry, because his king hadn't been able to let him see him sad.]

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

[As though he felt that Taiki was growing more sad, he gave him a gentle squeeze of a hug and brushed a hand through his hair to comfort him, as Haldir did for Legolas at times.]

I know and I think that he knows that too. You're such a kind and loving soul though, Taiki. He probably felt that you might grow sad at his tears and didn't wish to burden you with such a thing.

When you see him again, you should tell him.

[notagiraffe]

[Taiki looked down, it was probably because he was little and got upset so easily. If he were stronger Gyousou would be able to rely on him more.] But Kirin are meant to help their king...

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

[He gently tilted Taiki's head up to look at him, giving him a small but fond smile.] Yes, but you're also young. And he is wise. He may fear that so much being placed upon your shoulder may hurt you more than it hurts him. It is how I would feel in his position, as would my father.

[notagiraffe]

[Taiki blinked sadly at him, he didn't like being so small and helpless to do anything.]

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

[Oh, Taiki. He holds the younger one just a bit closer and presses a kiss to the top of his head, a fond gesture.]

[notagiraffe]

[Taiki rested his head on his lap and closed his eyes feeling safe with Legolas.] Thank you...

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

You're welcome, Taiki. I will always be here for you.

[notagiraffe]

I know... [Except he wouldn't be, because he might disappear too... Taiki clung a little bit tighter at that thought.]

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

[He just held onto Taiki, having an idea of why he suddenly held tighter to the elf. He'd do everything within his power to remain here for as long as Taiki was and to care for him until they could return him to Lord Gyousou safely.]

[notagiraffe]

[Taiki closed his eyes, safe with Legolas and happy to lay here until Legolas told him to go away, or he fell asleep, whatever came first.]

[bow_of_the_galadhrim]

[And he'll hold Taiki the entire time. If he falls asleep, Legolas will remain and if it grows dark, he'll carry Taiki back to his room and remain until he's awake or Haldir joins them. Right now, he didn't want to leave him alone without someone that he knew would be there for the kirin.]