The sound of never-ending raindrops echoes through each falling droplet. The vibrations felt with it sent shivers along my spine. The earth's scent was rich and far too sharp for my taste, I would've complained but now wasn't the time. Dim but glowing sparks alongside a mix of smoking ashes descended. Its short-lived warmth brings warmth among the cold and cruel situation I find myself in. They'd given my skin short pricks of static but it was that that'd made it all the more exhilarating. My legs ached and as they'd felt as if someone had chucked a torch painfully slowly across the very fibers of my legs as I took one more step forward, my muscles felt torn and it screamed to me to end the pain, everything would end this way. There would be no more suffering, no more pain. I would be able to rest in peace now. Peace as naïve the word meant was still considered a worthy temporary luxury after all.

But what about him? He had enchanting golden eyes, hypnotic even. His courage bottomless, and he was wise. His kindness held no evil intentions, but was one of pure concern. His bright crimson feathers clashed beautifully and magically with his bright golden ones, they held the perfect combination and were my favorite, they glowed even. In comparison to his wisdom however, his compassion measured far greater. I was disgusted at his acts to be honest as I did not feel the need towards it. Nonetheless, it could just be my nature and selfish thoughts after all.

In contrast to his 'personality'; our past, was anything but sweet, his kin were hunted for centuries. His brethren were given no mercy. Everyone was wiped out. He was the last of his kin.

Yet, why does he continue these actions of his? He could die. ‘Stop!’ ‘No!’ I scream from the bottom of my heart. My heart was bleeding. A clash of sharp and dull jabs attacked it relentlessly. The thought of the loss of a loved one was unbearable. I was tired. There was no need for you to sacrifice yourself any more than this. Let the sun die, your life, do not forsaken it. You alone are worth more than these selfish, prideful, and ugly people. You alone should live. Please, I beg of you.

Humans were ugly I often thought. Their acts of self-righteousness and virtue; even towards the beings they worship and pray to; in the end, weren’t it towards their pride and well-being as well?

Situation be, the sun was breathing its last. Life would be no more, crops will die and so will life stock. People were no exception. Phoenixes however, could live. They're existence itself were ones from another world and a breath-taking miracle. The Final Sunset held no effect on them. What he was about to do was outrageous. Sacrificing himself to replace the sun, humanity and all its creatures would live on.

There were only a few more steps ahead of me, I'd fallen to my knees and started crawling towards him. A pitiful sight it was. My right hand reached out to him and he looked back. His outstretched wings were beautiful. His golden eyes bore through me. Even through his slightly cracked beak I could tell that he was smiling.

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His beak pried open and a rich, soothing tone escaped it. He spoke with infinite gentleness: “It’ll be alright. I promise." He said. Like he always did.

Memories flash. Red. Red everywhere. It was on the floor, the tables, and chairs. Everything. I could hear screams of agony. The feeling of having your soul teared apart from your mortal body, the burden on my mind was heavy. A burning sensation slid down my throat. It was my blood I’d sooner realised.

I was always so helpless and I hated it. So, I did the unthinkable, the daughter-in law of clichés. It was normally the female who protects the male if I weren’t mistaken. Just a missing happy ending as the result of a continuation; not that I mind. My legs sprung to life and I was sprinting towards him. I took hold of him, my hand plastered against his temples. I was unconsciously hanging onto my final time with him for dear life. I kissed his soft forehead, between his beautiful eyes and rummaged his back to feel the silkiness of his feathers one last time. And with all my might, I pushed him aside. The look on his face was priceless. And chuckled I did. The phoenix blood in me pulsed strongly, the sun couldn't and won’t refuse my sacrifice. I was its last hope, the star of life and hopelessness (take note my hatred) couldn’t afford to reject me. Icy raindrops continued to land on my now glowing skin. I could hear sizzling and the evaporating steam of science. My lips parted and I gave my last words to him,

"Everything’s alright now,” The rain hid my tears; blending in with it to be more accurate. And my breath hitched. I continue my final words.

"Thank you, Rim." I smiled my very last to my beloved and everything went white. Last I heard was a musical, high pitched and sorrowful cry. ‘I’m so sorry, but live.’ these were my final thoughts after my words. How funny these thought were, when the death of a loved one was truly so painful; it’d be ironic to tell him to be happy. Soft but glowing ashes a fallen and i'd long closed myself; my eyes to such a beautiful and sorrowfully enchanting scene. So slowly they drifted, so slowly time went. Brief touches of warmth dissipated alongside I.