Maple Island was where it all began. Ashni looked up at the blue sky, staring out into its wonderful features. Beside her sat Kohaku, his starry eyes set upon her. They locked eyes and Kohaku gave her a smile. Out of all people, he understood her the most. Ashni returned that smile and stood up, heading home. Kohaku suddenly spun her around and said, “May this job advancement never separate us. My love to you will be everlasting.”

She once again set out for home, with a tune stuck in her head. She hummed it quietly, thinking about Kohaku’s words of affection.

As we go on,
We remember,
All the times we
Had together.
~Vitamin C, Graduation Song.

Kohaku watched as Ashni disappeared from his sight before heading home himself. He often spent time this way with her, just gazing at the stars and heaven. Those precious moments were priceless. He sighed and thought about the future. The decision was tough, but he must follow his hopes and dreams.

With sweat dripping from his forehead, Kohaku woke up from a distressed dream. He shook his head and put on his armor. The first job advancement was creeping over; the looming dread of losing Ashni was drawing near. He walked up to the place where she always met him for training.

Packing up for a long day of training, Ashni picked up a photo of her and Kohaku killing their first snail together. She smiled and put the photo carefully back in place. Her memories with Kohaku were the happy ones in her life. Being with him made her forget about her past of that short amount of time. Ashni sighed and locked the house.

When she arrived at the place where Kohaku was meeting her, I gave him a friendly wave and sat beside him. He turned his head and looked at her with his handsome emerald eyes.

I can’t take my eyes off of you
I know you feel the same way too, yeah
I can’t take my eyes off of you
All it took
Was one look
For a dream come true
~High School Musical, I Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You

He held her hand and said, “I vow that I shall never desert you, my love. Our love will last until the day after tomorrow, no matter what may happen. Please, Ashni, always remember me.”

Wiping the tears of happiness from her face, she moved closer to him and gave him a hug. He softly sung a song in her ear:

Nobody’s going to love me better
I must stick with you forever
Nobody’s going to take me higher
I must stick with you.
~Pussy Cat Dolls, Stick With You

“You missed a spot,” Kohaku said, touching her cheek. Ashni began crying once more leaving him feeling confused. “What is wrong, sweetheart?”
She sniffed. “After today, we both have to part ways. I am afraid I shall never see you again…”
“Fear not, my dear,” he said, “Not a day goes by without me thinking about you. Even when I leave, this will help you remember me by.” Kohaku hands her an emerald necklace. The colour of his eyes, she thought. A pang of sadness struck her heart.

The atmosphere was sullen as the two lovers headed towards South Perry. Ashni kept on glancing towards Kohaku, fearing that he might suddenly disappear. After what seemed like hours, they reached Caption Shank’s airboat. Staring at Kohaku once more, she was lost in the beauty of his eyes.

“150 mesos each,” he said. Kohaku paid for the ride and they both climbed in the boat.

Dreading for their separation, the two sat side by side, both deep in thought.

I couldn’t find another man
Who loves me like you do
I couldn’t hold another hand
that holds me quite like you
Such a love is Heaven blessed
Couldn’t find another man
~Couldn’t Find Another Man, Jennifer Love Hewitt

The boat came to an abrupt end and Caption Shanks shooed them off the boat.

“Hope you had a nice ride!” he shouted.

Closing her eyes, Ashni dreaded the next part of their adventure. They would have to separate. Unexpectedly, Kohaku brought her close to him and gave her a passionate kiss on the lips. Recovering from the shock, she returned that kiss and slowly broke away from him.

A moment like this
Some people wait a lifetime for a moment like this
Some people search forever for that one special kiss
Oh I can’t believe it’s happeneing to me
~A moment like this, Kelly Clarkson

With a sad smile on her face, Ashni headed off to Heneseys. She felt the smooth touch of the necklace. A tear rolled down her cheek.

Pics: How Ashni and Kohaku will look in the future