Encore

Fires raged from crumbling buildings. Dust filled the air. Esca’s hand retracted and Sayane jumped down to help Azag from the pilot cabin. His tunic was soaked in blood by now. More purple crystal flecks began to drift from Sayane as the two of them sank onto the creaking metal bracing.

Golden orbs drifted from Sayane’s throat as the souls of the lost songstresses faded into restful oblivion. As they vanished, Sayane felt a sense of conclusion.

“Gods, I could use a drink,” Azag sighed.

“I know a really good bartender. He’s quite handsome.”

“Mhmm. I heard he had a cute, amazing bar back.”

They both laughed as their bodies sank into one another. Azag’s arms drooped slightly and his broad chest rested on Sayane’s shoulder. Her tears returned.

“When I called out for help, you were the one who helped…” Sayane whispered.

“Hmm?” he asked.

“When I first arrived here. I cried out for help so many times. But it didn’t come. Until you appeared. And the first thing you said to me was that you could help. And you did. You helped me and so many others, Azag. I… I love you.”

His eyes widened and his head lifted. Sayane felt his hand hold her bloodied cheek.

“I love you, as well. For so long I didn’t know what that concept even meant. But now I do. You let me feel love in so many ways. I will cherish you across time, Sayane.”

His unmasked eyes met hers once more and his ungloved hand rose to hold her face. Hers did the same.

“Goodbye, Sayane,” he whispered.

“Goodbye, Azag. Thank you,” Sayane said softly as the bracing beneath them snapped.

There was a drop, and a lurch as Sayane’s stomach lurched upwards into her chest. Azag pulled her close and they fell into oblivion.

Sayane closed her eyes and smiled. It was all okay. She was okay. It was a beautiful life.

Azag’s firm embrace kept her close as the wind rushed by. His spirit felt calm. He was also at peace. Sayane exhaled and hummed a final note.

Then there was a roar of annoyance from nearby.

“Open your damn eyes you fools!!” Erosc shouted.

Sayane’s eyes ripped open to see Erosc descending beside them in a small skiff, his hand extended.

“Erosc?!” Azag shouted.

“Get on you over-dramatic lovers!!” Erosc laughed in rage as Azag reached out and took his hand.

Azag and Sayane were pulled onto the skiff just as the crowd began to become clear. The ground was close, but they did not collide. Hisses of shifting energy screeched out as Erosc brought the craft to rest before the roaring crowd. Sayane gasped in wonder as thousands rushed forward to surround them with cheers.

She was still here. Looking down, she saw that the purple flecks were still dancing around her, but it was not a sign of her vanishing. It was merely another mysterious layer of her power and this world’s wonder.

As she looked at her hand that was still clasped in Azag’s, she heard a familiar scream.

“Sayane!!! Dear child, you did it!!!!” Attis shouted as he leapt into her arms.

Erosc patted Azag’s shoulder as he stepped onto the ground and knelt before Azag and Sayane.

As he did, the entire crowd joined. Sayane and Azag watched as thousands of beings, across numerous races, nations, and creeds, all bowed in honor.

Attis jumped down and bowed as well.

Azag started to flinch and hide his face, but stopped and instead held his head high. All the while, he never let go of Sayane.

Sayane looked up to see the sacred instruments descending. Indeed, just as she had sung, she was still here. To her great joy, she was still there. 

Life truly was strange. So, it seems, was death.

All she could do was laugh and clap as the seemingly never-ending torrent of tears returned.

Azag laughed with her and wiped his eyes.

As he did, he stepped back to give Sayane the spotlight. Cheers erupted as Azag knelt as well. Sayane’s heart swelled and she could hear a new note rising. It was time for her encore.

“Who wants to hear one more song?” Sayane asked.

The earth-shaking cheer was her answer.

I Died As A JPop Idol And Now I’m A Revolutionary Songstress

By

Prufrock