The Awkward Dance by augmentedfourth

The desert's lack of trees provided Rune with a clear view of the night sky as he paced through the fields at the edge of Krup. He stopped for a moment and stared up at the sparkling stars. Is she up there somewhere, he thought. Can she see us now?

He had his mission since he was a child. The memories of those before him would aid him in protecting the Algo system and preventing its destruction. Somehow, though, he had never really considered the possibility that his destiny would not include Alys.

They had loved each other, he was sure of it. It was their own unique kind of love - it hadn't been like the love between Hahn and Saya, or between Gryz and his sister, or even between Alys and Chaz, but it had been some sort of love nonetheless. He knew that if he had ever suggested it out loud, Alys probably would have laughed at him and brushed it off, but deep down, he had always been sure of their feelings.

Rune continued looking up at the stars. She had claimed she'd never had to worry about him coming back to her, and he knew it was inevitable he would some day. Now was not the time, though, as there was so much left for him to do.

He closed his eyes and tried to replace his last image of her with one of the beautiful, vibrant hunter he'd grown to care about so much. He could still see her smile, hear her voice, and he knew she'd always be with him. After casting one last look skyward, Rune turned around and headed back to Krup to find Chaz. Not only was it part of his own mission to guide him, but Rune had assured Alys that he would look out for the boy. She had always trusted him and, knowing that she'd be watching, he knew he could never break a promise to her.