"I cast you out!" Claudia screamed as she plunged the dagger deep into Artie's chest.
Her mind was overcome with horror and sadness over what she had done. The man who was like a father to her was now going to die and it was all her fault.
"I'm sorry. Artie I'm so so sorry." She sobbed as she slid to the floor with Arthur Neilson in her arms.
She didn't care that the orchid was lost. All she could think about was Artie. She heard Pete and Myka run in followed by gasps behind her; all she wanted was for Artie to be okay.
Strong arms lifted her shaking form. A face appeared in front of hers, out of focus and muffled voices reached her ears. She had lost her parents, Joshua, Steve, Leena, and now Artie.
It was too much, her knees buckled and she sank into Steve's arms. Everything was gray blurry and muffled; all she could focus on was that Artie had left her. He had broken his promise to be with her.
The next thing she knew Mrs. Fredrick was there looking into her eyes. Her mouth moved but all Claudia could hear was muffled murmurs. It seemed to be important.
Mrs. Fredrick reached for something in a bag. Something cold was placed in her hand, and Mrs. Fredrick started talking very quickly and urgently.
"I'm sorry Claudia, but there's no other way."
Then her world exploded in to agony. She felt the pain of thousands crying out in despair. She saw Leena, felt what she had felt when Artie had shot her.
She felt Steve's pain when he had died. She saw Joshua, trapped in the rift desperately trying to save her. Finally, she saw Artie, felt his emotions. He was proud of her, he was happy.
"Artie." Claudia chocked through the pain and the fear and the sorrow.
"Shhhhhh, it's okay kido, I'm here."
He started to walk towards her. Claudia dropped to one knee, clutching her head.
"It hurts." she moaned, her eyes squeezed shut.
"I know. I know, but you've got to hold on. We're here for you." He put his arms around her and held her fragile form.
"I can't." Claudia whispered.
Leena appeared next to them and placed a hand on Artie's shoulder.
"It's time."
Artie looked into Claudia's eyes, "I have to go now kido, but I promise if you get through this I wouldn't be gone long."
He stood up and the world started to haze over.
"Artie no. Don't go."
She curled up into a ball to try and stop the pain. In that moment her mind shattered, unable to take the agony any longer. Claudia let herself slip into the haze, away from all the screaming voices.
"Artie." she whispered before the world dissolved completely.