Hold on to me, love
You know I can't stay long
All I wanted to say was "I love you and I'm not afraid…"
I felt absolutely battered; it's amazing how much a fall from a Duel Runner can actually hurt…but that was nothing compared to the other pain I felt. It was almost a pulling feeling, like the darkness was trying to split me apart and drag my soul away.
That's because it was…
I had lost my Shadow Duel with Jack, and that meant I had to die. My loss was intentional, to save Jack from being taken by the darkness. Surely it was a noble way to die, in the place of someone you loved…
"Carly…Carly!"
Was that Jack? Yes, it had to be. I felt myself being lifted into someone's arms, but I couldn't open my eyes.
"Just hang in there, Carly! You hear me?"
His voice sounded urgent, almost desperate. As hard as it was, I managed to turn my head upward and open my eyes slowly. I was met by two brilliant violet orbs, Jack's eyes. My spirits lifted - just a little.
"Yes, Jack," I whispered. "I hear you."
Can you hear me?
Can you feel me in your arms?
"You're gonna make it through this," Jack repeated.
"I know, Jack…I will…but not here."
I seized up a little and held back a cry as another wave of pain racked my body. No! I had to hold on…just a little bit longer!
"Don't say that," Jack pleaded.
I couldn't help but smile a bit. Jack, showing so much concern for me…I almost forgot that I was dying for a moment. "Thank you, Jack, but…I don't want you to worry about me. Even though the Netherworld is calling for me, I-I'll be alright. I'm not scared…and you shouldn't be either."
Who was I kidding? I was terrified! I didn't want to die, not yet!
"W-we'll be together again, someday…" I managed to get out.
I'll miss the winter
A world of fragile things
Look for me in the white forest
Hiding in a hollow tree
I know you hear me
I can taste it in your tears…
"You're right," Jack said, a new ring to his voice; instead of desperate, he now sounded determined. "And I'm gonna do whatever it takes to bring you back. I'll never give up hope, and I'll never stop fighting for you, Carly!"
He didn't even have to come right out and say the exact three words…I knew that he meant he loved me.
So many times I had imagined this moment, the moment when Jack and I admitted our feelings for one another. I just never thought it would happen like this. I guess I just had to accept it…
"I know, Jack," I smiled up at him weakly. "That's why you're my number one…"
I could feel myself fading; my time in this world was almost up.
"Now then…" I whispered. "I'm afraid it's time I get going…"
Say goodnight
Don't be afraid
Calling me, calling me as you fade to black…
With the last of my strength, I reached up and wrapped my arms around his neck and pressed my face into his shoulder, and I felt his strong arms go around my back, holding me close to himself in a loving embrace. It hurt a little, the strain on my already weak body of returning the hug, but it was a good kind of pain, a wonderful pain. I felt so happy, so safe…but I knew it couldn't last.
I drew in one last breath. "Goodbye, Jack…" I love you.
"Carly…"
The last thing I felt was Jack's arms tightening around me, as if begging me to stay with him.
And then nothing.
Holding my last breath
Safe inside myself
Are all my thoughts of you?
Sweet raptured light
It ends here tonight…
