Summer fades again. As Winter's cold touch wraps around me I hug one signal ember of the past. Desperately trying not to let it go out. I know that it will not last much longer but I still try my best. As my eyes become heavy from the weights of sleepless nights that ember goes out and finally dies. I lay alone again cold and alone.

Sweet warmth. The fire burns bright and hot. Hotter than it's ever burnt. My eyes filled with light. My body is numb and in pain. The marks line my body constant reminders of my failures. My eyes focus and the bars disappear. The stream flows from my mouth and out of the cage. My mind fills with flickering images of her. Steam leaks from the cracks and crevices in my armor. With her in my mind I know I can't be beaten. The bright light at the end of the tunnel and the roaring noise fill my ears. I kneel and pray for victory at the battle ahead but also for her happiness and safety. I slip into the darkness and stand. It is my time to lead them to victory. I would die on the barren ice for that win. Not because I'm greedy and want to win but because if I win I have the chance of being able to make her happy.

As my eyes open and the steam leaves my body I look for her in the stands. I see her and smile but then realize she's not She hasn't been mined in a long time now. The only place she is still mine is deep in my mind, but even there I'm starting to lose her as my mind forgets things. The cloudiness covers her eyes and face now. I stare where she should be and watch as she gets up and walks away. Her image fading away as she walks. A tear comes to my eye as I'm soon surrounded by people. I fake a smile so they don't ask...