I looked anxiously at my watch. It was already half past eleven and the others hadn't come out. The witching hour came at midnight and with so little time to spare, I considered the risk of going back into the portal. With a sigh and a bright light, I transformed into battle mode and for the second time that night stepped into the vivid neon world. The colors danced around me, and I felt as though I might vomit. My confidence had never been high, but I wasn't cowardly either. I was just normal, sucked into this cruel game by an innocent looking creature, promising me wishes and fortune. Hearing a sound, I summoned my bow and turned around. Staring back at me was the bloody face of Lucy, my comrade.
"I made the contract a year ago, I guess it might have been hasty, but it is fun." Lucy, who had just saved me, flipped her golden hair and grinned. "Anyway, what was you name?"
"L-Lucy" I breathed the name softy, praying that what I saw was only an illusion. I felt tears coming to my eyes. Lucy. Beautiful, playful, a friend. When Tievel had cornered me and was in the middle of forcing a contract, she had showed up stopped him. She knew what this world was like and knew the cost of playing the game. Meeting her, it was like a new life. Going on missions, patrolling the town, she was the sister I had always wanted. Her lifeless eyes, her mangled side, it was all too much. I wanted to leave. I stumbled backwards as she advanced.
"You betrayed us, you left." The voice was menacing, harsh, not like her sweet as honey tone that sang through the day. I wanted to scream, shout, just do anything to stop this nightmare.
"Lucy, please, just stop." I pleaded. I knew she was gone, somewhere in the back of my mind. Lucy wouldn't want this. She would want me to just go back, ignore this whole thing and try to live a normal life.
This thought ran through my mind as I raised my bow, knocking an arrow and pulling back. I reasoned with the side of my brain saying this was wrong, this is Lucy. I shook my head and prepared to fire, ready to end her, no it. I heard a soft shwoo and turned away. Walking on I thought about the pledge we made to always be together. Me and Lucy. Forever.