Author's Notes: Hi everyone! It's me, Lady Tatsu, or just Tatsu, as most of you know me. I know it's been centuries since I've done anything new, but time for myself is something I just don't really have anymore. ::sob::

      This is a story that I had for a very, very, VERY long time, but much like the stories I still have yet to finish, got writer's block and never got around to completing it till now. I downloaded this song that I felt matched this story perfectly and even inspired me to finish it! It's called "Moon Dance", played by a Japanese musician named Kitaro. It's really pretty! Hope you like the story, and as always, comments/suggestions are welcomed! A huge thank you goes out to Dragondancer for taking the time to look over this story! Arigato! ^_^

"Memories By Candlelight"
By Tatsu

"You used to captivate me… by your resonating light
Now I'm bound by the life you left behind
Your face it haunts… my once pleasant dreams
Your voice it chased away… all the sanity in me..."
-Evanescence, "My Immortal"

      He sat alone on the hardwood floor within an empty chamber of the castle. His face was painted in the foreboding shadows drawn out by a few candles that pierced the darkness about him. His eyes were closed, yet his ears remained attentive within the walls of silence that enclosed him. There he sat in a deep conscience of meditation, lost within his thoughts of the past.

      It's been well over a thousand years since I saw you last, and I can still remember it as if it were only yesterday. I can recall every detail, from the small peaceful village that we once called home to the way you would keep your hair, so soft… so gentle to the touch. The way your eyes seemed so happy whenever you would smile at me, and how sad they were the day I told you I was leaving to fight in the battle that called out to my restless heart.

      Anubis glanced up at the flickering light of the candle that stood on a small altar in front of him before closing them once again to let his mind drift back to his thoughts.

      I see you in my mind, standing on that cliff near our village, looking across the ocean stretched out below you. It was your favorite place. You said that it always seems to give you a sense of peace and tranquility whenever you went there, but on that day, there was nothing but sadness. A sadness that I alone had placed in your once oh-so-carefree heart...

* * * * *

      "Sachiko?"

      The girl slowly turned around, pushing back the long strands of her raven-black hair as it danced in the salty sea air. She was dressed in an elegant soft pink and white kimono that matched the color of cherry blossom petals. Eyes the color of deep amethyst stared sadly at him as they stood fixed upon the old samurai armor that had once belonged to his father. Much to her dismay, she had to admit to herself that the armor suited him well. Its dark colors made his long red hair stand out, as well as complementing his gentle yet determined blue-green eyes as he stared back at her.

      "I had a feeling that I might find you here." He smiled. "I've been looking all over for you."

      "I thought it would be easier for us not to say our goodbyes… so I decided to just stand here and watch as you rode away."

      "You know I could never leave till I saw your lovely face."

      "Then… perhaps my purpose here wasn't to watch you go." The young girl sighed as she looked away. "Maybe my true intentions were to hide from you, knowing that you could not leave till you found me. Maybe this is my one last weak attempt to keep you here with me… where you belong."

      Toshitada frowned. "Sachiko-"

      "No! I still do not understand! I still do not see why you must leave!"

      "We've been through this, my love. I'm doing this to bring honor to my family's name." He took a slight step back as he watched the anger deepen in her eyes.

      "Is that all you care about?! Honor?! What is the point of gaining such 'great honor' when you are dead?! What is so heroic about that?!" Toshitada looked away in silence as the tears fell once again from her cheeks. "Don't you understand, Toshitada? I care nothing about you obtaining great honor! I would love you the same as I do now no matter how little or great your family name is! All I care about is you and I fear that if you go, I shall never see you again!"

      "That will never happen," he whispered, taking her into his arms.

      "But… but how can you be so sure?" she sobbed. "I cannot bear to think of my life without you."

      Toshitada reached behind him, unhooking a small medallion made of pure jade from around his neck. He then latched it around her own neck, staring deep into her eyes.

      "Your mother's necklace… but… Toshitada…"

      "Let it serve as a reminder of my love for you, and my vow that I will return."

      "Then I shall await your return with each passing day, my love. Until the day comes when we are together once again."

      With that, Toshitada gave her one last kissing embrace, taking in the sweet smell of her hair, her elegant features, and burning them all into the memory of his mind. He then turned and started walking away, letting his hand slip from hers ever so slowly.

      Sachiko watched as he mounted his horse and rode away. "Toshitada! Remember your promise to me!" she called out after him. "I will be here awaiting your return, no matter how long it may be!"

      He closed his eyes, hearing her words but daring not to look back as his own tears began to flow freely from his eyes.

      Sachiko remained on the cliff as his horse galloped along the shoreline, and continued her faithful watch long after he had disappeared into the distant sunset.

* * * * *

      Saying goodbye to you was truly the hardest thing that I had ever done, but if I had known the consequences that would befall us, I would never have left. I became a strong and noble fighter, and was quickly made general of my own troops. I won many battles… and made just as many enemies.

      These same enemies, who vowed vengeance on me, took away the two things that I treasured more than anything in the world… my home… and you. I raced over with my men as fast as I could the moment I received word about the attack on the village, but when I got there…

* * * * *

      Toshitada rode ahead of the band of soldiers that he had with him the moment he saw the black smoke rising in the distance, only to find his home village engulfed in flames.

      "No! This cannot be!" He quickly dismounted, running towards the home of his beloved Sachiko. "Sachiko! Sachiko, can you hear me?! Sachiko!"

      Toshitada tried to get closer to see if she was trapped inside, but the intense heat forced him back. He stood, eyes wide with fear and complete helplessness, as he watched the fire rip away at the remains of the small house that once stood so proudly. Was she in there? If so, there was no way he could get to her, not unless… could it be possible? Could she still be there, waiting for him like she said she would?

      Without another second of hesitation, Toshitada quickly remounted his horse. "You men there! Start putting out these fires, and search for survivors!" he ordered as his horse galloped away, heading toward the one place where its master prayed he might find his love.

* * * * *

      Sachiko fell to her knees, trying hard to keep her focus and fight off the urge to fall into the eternal sleep that her body and mind yearned for. Their attackers came without warning. Like locusts, they laid waste to everything in sight. Her home was gone; her family and friends were butchered like cattle. She had tried to escape, but the arrow planted deep in her wounded side proved that she was not fast enough in her attempts.

      Somehow, she had managed to reach the cliffs in hopes to see her beloved Toshitada riding with his mighty army to save their home, but he never came. Why? Why did he not come to save them? Why did he not keep his promise to return to her? Could it mean that their enemies have gotten to him first? Perhaps ambushing him and his men before they were able to come to the village's aid.

      Sachiko shook her head. No, she refused to believe that he was gone; she would not believe that her love was dead. Then, why else did he not come? Why else, but his own death, was he not here?

      Tears filled the young girl's eyes as she came to terms with what she felt was the inevitable. "Toshitada, our enemies feel that they have won by taking you from me. They thought that only through death could they separate us… but… it is through death that we shall be reunited once again."

      Sachiko gathered up what little strength she could muster, forcing herself to stand. Her body cried out in sheer pain as she slowly limped toward the edge of the cliff. A moment of hesitation and fear swept over her as she stared down at the waves as they crashed upon the rocks below. She clutched the jade medallion in her hand, pressing it close to her heart as she stared up at the sky, taking in her last and final deep breath.

      "Wait for me, my beloved… I shall be with you soon."

* * * * *

      Toshitada raced his horse like the wind to the top of the cliff. "Sachiko! Sachiko, where are you?!"

      There was no one there to reply back, only the mocking sound of the ocean waves as they fell against the shore.

      Toshitada felt his heart sink into despair. She was not here, which could only mean that she was in the village when it was attacked. He was about to turn away when he caught a glimpse of something moving by the edge of the cliff. His eyes widened as he recognized the red silk sash that was snagged on a twig, struggling lively in the wind to break free. There was no doubt in his mind now. She was here after all, but where was she now? Had she fled, and was now somewhere in search of him?

      All these questions and more flooded the young man's mind as he bent down to retrieve the sash, but nothing could have prepared him for the gruesome sight that was cruelly laid out for his eyes to see.

      Toshitada felt his breath lodge thick in his throat, his mind sending the world spinning about him in a dizzy frenzy. There, lifeless along the jagged rocks, laid the broken body of his cherished love, her blood painting the rocks and water in deep crimson. Toshitada's legs gave out on him as he gasped desperately for air. He tried to look away, but his eyes refused to obey him as they remained focused on the appalling scene before him like some kind of sick joke played out by the gods.

      Images began to suddenly swarm his mind: her smile, the sound of her voice and laughter as she stood faithfully awaiting his return. Then the chilling sound of her calling out to him as she fell from the top of the high cliff.

      "Sa… chi… ko…" Toshitada let out an anguished cry as the ocean waves covered her body, pulling her into the sea. "SAAAAAAAAACHIIIIIIIIKOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!"

* * * * *

      My heart died that day when I saw you lying there against the rocks. You thought that the attack on our village was a sign that I was dead, and you committed suicide in hopes that we would once again be together in the next world. I wanted to die as well! What was the point of living if all that you loved was gone?!

      We found no survivors within the village. If there were any at all, they must have managed to escape before my soldiers and I had arrived. I searched along the rocky shores for your body, but to no avail. No doubt that it was taken by the strong tow of the current to be buried at the bottom of the sea, leaving me with nothing. I gathered up what few things that I could find that had belonged to you and wrapped them in your favorite sash, then buried them in a small grave up on that very same cliff.

      I swore then and there that I would have my revenge! Even if it took an eternity's time, I would seek out those who had done this treacherous act and stain my sword with their blood! I eventually did get my revenge, as well as the honor that I so once desired, but I gained no satisfaction from either accomplishment. I felt nothing except the dark pleasure of seeing my enemies suffer by my hands. I relished in the feeling till it consumed me… hardening my heart and turning it as dark as the night itself.

      No longer was I the kind and gentle man I once was. I had become cold, ruthless, caring nothing for those about me, whether they were my enemies or my own comrades. Guilty or innocent, it made no difference, for such things as honor held very little importance or value to me. Power is what I desired, and nothing more.

      That's when he came to me… Lord Talpa of the Dynasty Realm. He offered me the power that I so richly craved. Power to destroy my enemies with a single blow. Power to have the mightiest of men fall to their knees trembling before me in fear. All this and more he promised if I became his Dark Warlord and followed him. Thus, it came to pass… the final fall and death of Toshitada Koma and the birth of Anubis, Dark Warlord of Cruelty…

      "Excuse me, Master Anubis...?"

      Anubis opened his eyes, glaring back over his shoulder at the Dynasty soldier who had entered the room. "Yes, what is it?!" he growled. "Did I not say that I did not wish to be disturbed?!"

      "F-Forgive me," the soldier stuttered, "but Master Talpa wishes to see you and the other Dark Warlords at once."

      Anubis stood and transformed into his sub-armor. He stared down at the candle that stood on the small alter. There was a small hint of sadness in his dark, hate-filled eyes. A single unshed tear glimmered within them before he banished the small flame from existence with a wave of his hand.

      Sachiko, my love… each day I ask and pray for your forgiveness. I have become something far worse than any nightmare I can ever fathom. I cannot go back and change what has been done in the past, no matter how hard I may want to. All I can do now is to continue on this dark and lonesome path that I have chosen in hopes that I shall someday see you at the end of my journey. Until then, all I can do is ask that you wait for me, my darling… till the day when I can hold you in my arms… never to leave your side again.