He crested the top of the hill, moving through the tall wheat with the steady assurance of someone who knew exactly where they were going. He had chosen to walk instead of flying this morning, because sometimes the world was better appreciated with a slow walk than a rushing flight. Already the dark sky was beginning to brighten with the slightest hint of pink on its edges; the sun would rise soon, but he knew that he would make it in time to see it happen. He was really in no hurry this morning, for he knew that time was really all he had. There were no obligations and nothing to hold him back; the world was peaceful and still, as if it had set aside this moment especially for him. There was no one around for miles --- he knew this because he could feel it in his heart that he was alone. But although the thought normally brought him pain, it lightened him this morning. Sometimes it was good to be alone, especially when you had a lot to think about. He paused for a moment to look down into the valley below, a hint of a smile tracing its way across his handsome face.

Although it was still dark, the field of wildflowers and wheat still held the same magical quality that it did before.

He waded through the tall wheat, brushing aside the wildflowers as he walked through it, heading towards the very center of the valley. He could tell exactly what time it was by the way the horizon began to soak up the color from the sun, dark purple and blue melding with the lightest of pinks and oranges, shimmering and changing as the sun began to move. He settled down into the ocean of gold and breathed in the thick smell of the flowers around him and the morning dew that was still settled on the long blades of grass. Turning his head to face the sun, he was hit by an instant shining light --- the sun finally cresting the mountains in the background, rising up to take its rightful place in the sky. As the sun rose, the light from its burning surface began to creep across the golden field, silently falling over each individual blade of grass and each flower petal until the entire valley was filled with a beautiful pink color. It was in the air around him, in the sky above him, and on the ground below him. The magic of it completely engulfed him and filled his soul with peace. He closed his eyes for a moment just to let the feeling wrap itself around him, knowing that this was the only place where he ever felt this kind of comfort.

Because there was hope in that rising sun, as he had explained to someone long ago. It rose day after day in the same, brilliant fashion, never ending and never dying. As long as the burning sun was able to raise itself into the sky, he was able to hold onto a hope that he never wanted to let go of. It was no longer a hope for the people around him, or for the peace that his world had longed for so many years ago. His wish then had come true, and their world was safe now --- safe from any kind of terrible threat. He knew this because he would protect it, just as he had before. These people would never have to suffer again. It was a personal hope now, a deep hope that ran so thick and fluidly through him it was almost like a never ending river. It was hope for love, and hope that he would one day be able to see that beautiful smile again --- hope that he would be able to see her again.

Without even knowing why, he let his eyes drop from the glowing orange sun to stare at the edge of the valley in front of him. It was hazy and so thick with color that he could barely see, but there was a figure there, moving through the tall grass.

He heart suddenly stopped, slamming hard up against his ribs.

The figure waded through the wildflowers slowly, brushing her hands along the blades of wheat and grass. Her golden hair was loose and spilling over her shoulders, tinged pink by the rising sun behind her, and even from a distance he could see the brilliant green of her eyes.

His legs were numb and tingling, but he stood to his feet anyway, his heart pounding relentlessly in his chest. It was incredibly hard, but he forced his mind to concentrate, searching for something that he already knew would be there. A familiar ki signaled back at him, burning just as brightly as the sun, alive and well and here. He couldn’t stop the tears from coming; they simply poured out of him, spurred on by years and years of waiting and hoping and praying. A joy like he had had never experienced before filled his soul and he waited for her to join him, a genuine smile spreading across his face. She approached him with her hands behind her back, then stopped to stare at him for a moment, her beautiful green eyes locking with his.