Chapter 3

Hey again! Writing straight away AGAIN because of reviews and views! So happy you guys like it so keep reading and bear with me! Also if you have any good soul names, let me know please! I will shout out whoever gives me the ones I like best Enjoy and REVIEW!

Wanda POV

All over again, it was like having my head back to myself. Nobody else inside- just me. Alone in my head for an unknown period of time. She jumped back to awareness at the most bewildering times, making life very confusing for me. Whenever I happened to need Melanie's opinion or help, she always seemed to disappear in my worst hours of need, leaving me to fend for myself.

That was exactly how I felt now.

Melanie had let me down. Again. After all I had done for her; it stung slightly, knowing she had repaid me with no signs of appreciation or respect. I had gone to such lengths to try to reunite her with her Jared, and her Jamie, and had almost died trying.

All the people she loved and cared about, I had protected. I had refrained from giving Melanie's memories to those who would destroy them. I had to say, I … cared if anything would happen to them. I didn't want to hurt any of them. If only she could finally realize that. I had run away from a seeker! Me, out of all people, afraid of my own kind!

I had to admit, it was a stupid idea and we hadn't been prepared, walking out into the desert like that, but we had taken her planet. I could give her that much. I failed numerously to blame her completely. After all, she was just human- Therefore I was just a soul. A filthy leech, parasite, however she decided to describe me. I supposed it didn't really matter what she thought of me. I had the control, and I was reluctant to let go of it any time soon.

As she had said, you never know how much time you have. Anything could happen from now. I wasn't exactly prepared.

Xxxxx

Slowly, I spun my head around to face the unknown being who had escorted me from the desert. I was glad that he was a soul, and hopefully wouldn't want to harm us in any way. If that were the case, he probably would have let me die in the scorching sand. We would have been long gone by now.

His kindness was understandable for a soul's standard, and gazing into his reflective silver eyes gave me the calmness I needed. I felt as though I was staring right through him, deep into his soul. I would have been beyond awed by the beauty if there was a soul in front of me, up to the point where I was paralyzed. Souls were always beautiful. It was in their nature.

As I lost track of time, meaninglessly staring into his face, he gently edged me back down onto the seat. I hadn't realized the comfortable position I had settled in, and I didn't imagine it looked any better from where he sat. When he was satisfied that I was in a comfortable position, his hands released our body, and he began to search us for any serious signs of damage, poking and prodding gently over our arms and legs, gradually up to our forehead.

Souls were always so kind. It warmed my heart. The humans hadn't always been so caring. Our thoughts began to drift away from Jared, and into reality, examining the figure which now stood in front of us.

It was unquestionably a male, with short ashen blonde hair which fell into his eyes naturally. His face was kind, and bore no signs of anger or frustration. I had to admit, we had worried for nothing.

He had thick, broad shoulders which lead up to a stocky structure which was well built for laborious and tiring work and loads. I was no longer surprised at how easily he had seemed to lift me off the ground, supporting our weight for who knows how long. It was actually quite impressive.

The short trim of his hair projected how little he seemed to care about his appearance, and there was no trace of dye or extensions in his short, spiky locks.

It was a comforting sight, not being surrounded by a dementedly annoying seeker, manic and violent humans or even a scorching desert, all of which threatened to overthrow my otherwise spotless patience. I was surprised at how much reality had seemed to bother me and had brought me down recently and I watched him nod in approval as he watched our tensed shoulders relax, and I let out a deep sigh of relief.

I had only just begun to realize that it was still surprisingly hot, and beads of sweat dripped down our face in result. The heat, from what I could see, seemed to have had the same effect on the soul, and he had removed his shirt in a case of prevention from the blistering heat, and I blushed rapidly, the blood forming below our cheeks in a hasty rush. Startlingly, I found it unreasonably hard to tear my gaze away from him.

I briefly wondered if these were the feelings that Melanie had felt for Jared. In return, although she was not submerged into awareness, she managed to throw a stab of bloodcurdling pain into my stomach, causing me to double over. Being precautious, I brushed the thought away. It was nowhere near the same anyway. Just a slight miscalculation.

These human feelings were still so complicated. I would never grow used to them, no matter how long I lasted on this planet. The emotions were much more controllable as a flower, or a bear, although they were limited. They were overwhelmingly weak in comparison to this language. I wouldn't be able to bear a single lifetime in another species with such dull senses. I doubted I would last long enough to be shipped off to another planet anyway. Anyhow, I was in for more of a chance now, with an innocent soul beside me. I just had to cross my fingers and hope for the best.

My eyes had locked on the surroundings outside of the window, and they wandered out into the distance, once again wondering about our surroundings. It still didn't make any better sense than it had done before. I had hoped for some sense of improvement- instead I got nothing. It was more than I had expected anyway.

We were still enclosed inside a huge mass and stretch of sand, which now to these eyes, was fiercely threatening. We had settled in a more conveniently shaded area, and when I scrutinized and focused my eyes, I could make out the faint outline of a road nearby in the distance. At that, joy and relief flooded my head in warm and vibrant sensations, and I began to absorb the remarkably pleasing fact that we were no longer imprisoned in the deathly cage of sand with no escape route and nowhere to return to.

It was a newly comforting thought. He seemed to agree, and he followed my gaze out of the window, still silent. The relief endlessly rolled through and I wanted this feeling to last forever. Sadly, everything had to end somehow.

Xxxxx

He edged forwards, returning his view to me again, and caught my chin, drawing me to face him. The unexpected contact made me gasp through our lips quietly, but the contact was not rough, so I did not comment.

The movement brought on a newly fresh wave of dizziness, and I was suddenly hyper aware of a painful throbbing in the base of my head. My thoughts drifted backwards in rewind, tracing back to where I had gained the injury.

My closing results were from when I had slammed my head into the jeeps door. I wasn't aware that I had put that much force behind it, and conclusively, I must have been extremely irritated and frustrated with Melanie. Those were my only answers. At least she had vanished now. In my opinion, it was completely worth the damage. However, my opinion didn't seem to effectively match my company's.

The soul had gained the complete opposite reaction, and his face was first annoyed- which was surprising, even for a soul- and then concerned. His fingers instinctively traced directly over the sore spot acknowledging the damage. Seeing that this was nowhere near enough to examine properly, his eyes trained questioningly over my face, requesting my permission to examine the wound further. He was going to such extremes not to scare me. It was heart-warming.

I had no valid reason to object, as for I was in no way capable of fearing souls- my own kind, and I hesitated before nodding in encouragement, giving him the all clear.

He smiled apologetically, before pulling my head gently into a more appropriate angle, viewing it from underneath my hair.

For a matter of fact, I was beginning to state our body as my own, and I was no longer aware of Melanie's presence. She seemed like a distant dream. Sure enough- it wouldn't take her long to return. I was already regretting the moment.

He grunted softly, distracting me from my thoughts. He was prodding anxiously at the back of my head, frowning at what had been uncovered. Anyhow, the damage hadn't been caused intentionally- Just accidentally. I couldn't defend us further. It had been a stupid idea from the start. I had just been too dim to get it.

Xxxxx

I heard a murmur escape from his lips behind me, but I failed incoherently to understand or separate his words. I suspected he was on his phone, or something along those lines, for I had never heard him speak a word yet- never mind talk to me. Was he just as shy as I was? Maybe he was worse. I would never know.

It had seemed like a reasonable answer at the time, but when I turned, he was looking at me expectantly, obliviously waiting for an answer. I opened my mouth to reply, only to justify that I hadn't been able to make out his question. I frowned and shook my head.

'Sorry', I spoke softly. 'I didn't hear. Wh.. what was the question?'

He smiled to my relief, understandingly and patted my knee. This made me feel slightly uncomftable, although I sensed it was just a leftover reaction from Melanie. I was sure she wouldn't approve. All souls were kind to each other. It was only to be expected.

'I asked if it hurt', he repeated, surprisingly still smiling. 'Also if you were okay'. I was unsure how he had the patience. Then again, I had grown unused to the soul's society and ways of living over the agonizing period of time spent in the desert. I was found now anyway. I was safe. It was all I had ever wanted. It was far better than death in my case.

'I'm okay', I replied, returning his concerned smile. 'It's not that bad'.

He bit his lip.

'I really hope so. You don't look so good'.

I merely shrugged while he continued to ramble on.

'I suppose it's not surprising, seeing that you were half dead when I found you', he muttered.

This surprised me. He actually seemed to care. I raised my eyebrows, scrambling my brain for answers.

'Was it really that bad', I asked, my voice barely audible.

He frowned.

'I suppose you could ask that…' he started, before I interrupted him, which was considered rude for a soul. I instantly regretted it.

'I thought I was already dead', I mumbled back to him.

His smile grew, and I was bewildered at how it continued to increase in size. Again, it was impressive- and comforting.

'Well it's a good job you weren't then', he stated, keeping the mood cheerful, always looking on the bright side as souls do. It was familiar, and I was endlessly grateful. It was nice to return back to reality, even for a short period of time. Melanie was sure to interrupt us soon. I was already mentally preparing myself for the occasion. It sure wasn't going to be a pleasant one.

He outstretched his hand to me, and I took it gratefully, shaking it in a friendly manner. I had lost some of my politeness in the walk- most likely rubbing off from Melanie's presence and I mentally noted to improve it. It would take work, but it was not impossible. Besides, I had already proved the impossible. I really was quite a wanderer.

'Rises with the moon', he greeted me formally. 'But call me rises. I like it better that way'.

I smiled, as I recognised his former planet. I raised an eyebrow and laughed, which seemed out of character for me. It was a light, and strangely pleasant emotion and I had never really experienced it here on earth. There were still many things I had not yet explored. I was not keen to give up on this planet. Not yet.

'The Bats?'

He nodded, confirming my suspicions. I realized he was waiting for my name in return. I gave a nervous smile, before granting him my reply.

'Wanderer. My ninth planet'.

He gave a mild gasp, and looked me up and down, seeming impressed.

'How unexpected', he finally managed, his face lit up like a shining star. His name matched his character perfectly, and I was instantly grateful for his presence. He was no longer a stranger. He wouldn't harm me. I was sure of it.

'I couldn't exactly list them all off', I joked, as we both chuckled in harmony.

As we both settled, he finally managed to catch his breath enough to manage an audible reply.

'I guess you're right', he stated.

I nodded as he stared off into space. The brief silence was becoming awkward, although I was glad that Melanie was not here to break it. It was only a matter of time.

I sighed, and he misjudged my exclamation for boredom. His words tumbled out of his mouth before he had time to think them through.

'So how did you end up lost in the middle of the desert? I mean, it didn't exactly seem like your average hike'.

His joke was mild, but I began to uncover the advantage of having a friend. I opened my mouth and out came everything. Everything I had experienced- everything that had come to go wrong on earth- even about Mel. I could sense her listening in the back of my head, but she made no notions to notify her awareness.

And so, my story out spilled, and he was left to pick up the pieces. Poor soul. I had no right to drop this on him. Then again, nothing was exactly right or wrong anymore. Those words had long since disappeared, until they had lost their meaning, just like everything else.

Xxxxx

As soon as my words had stopped forming, and had transferred into silent tears, he pulled me onto his lap, reassuring me with occasional pats and soothing motions in the center of my back. Nobody had ever been so kind to me, and this only made me cry harder. He was the only species on this planet that was fully aware of Melanie's presence, and I was forever grateful for all the care he showed me.

Of course, Melanie chose this precise moment to reappear.

'What are you DOING?' She screeched at me, causing me to flinch violently. The amount of physical pain she was providing me with was unbearable. Apparently I wasn't the only one who noticed.

'Wanderer?' Rises was staring at me, with a worried expression crossed all over his face. I had never seen somebody so concerned on this planet. Obviously, now wasn't the time to awe over that.

'GET AWAY FROM HIM', Melanie yelled. 'HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?'

It was complicated communicating with two different people in two different formations all at the same time, and I struggled with words for both of them. I responded to Rises first, ignoring the screeching Melanie at the back of my mind- only it wasn't just the back of my mind. She was drawing in closer. For once, I was truly scared.

'I- ah!' I gasped, clutching my head with both hands.

Rises placed both of his over mine, staring anxiously into my eyes.

'Wanderer', he repeated. 'Are you alright?'

He was growing rapidly panicked, although it was nothing in comparison to Melanie. She was going beyond insane.

I placed my hands back over his, lowering them to the seat below us. I was going give my best attempts to calm him- After all, I had placed him in the center of my mess beside me, drawing him attached to me- stuck in this helpless situation. Mel wasn't making it any easier to concentrate on the task. This wasn't going to be easy. It was worth a shot though. I had already confirmed that I was not weak. I just had to try.

'It's just Melanie', I whispered to him, unable to control my own voice. My hands began to shake, and he gazed down at them in horror, before returning his wide eyes back up to my face. He was obviously confused. The words 'It's just Melanie' didn't quite follow my reaction. I didn't blame him. It was a lot more than just Melanie. I felt as though I was losing myself to her. Losing control.

I gave a sharp gasp before I realized that it was too late for me to do anything about it. My knees sank to the ground below me, just as Melanie gained all the control.

This wasn't going to end well.

Xxxxx

Melanie POV

I had finally done it! I broke free! No more imprisonment inside my own body. That part was over. This was MINE. It was my body, and they had no right to take it away from me. Nothing in this universe would make me willing to give it back to them. I would rather face death itself.

I had been so close to finally dying! No more being locked away inside my mind. But this parasite had come to torture me. To make my life an endless misery.

Trapped.

The word stung me, and my violent instincts kicked in.

He had no right to touch me that way, and more importantly, he would pay. I had to save them. Jamie, Jared… they were no longer safe. They had to run! Hide! Get as far away from here as possible. Nowhere on this earth would be safe for them now. I had failed. Again.

Something inside me felt sorry for the soul which I had gagged inside me. It hadn't precisely been her decision or fault that her kind had invaded my planet. She had tried to save them. She had attempted to bring me back to them. I now understood. We had both failed. I would fight for both of us. There one way to win, never mind staying alive. I just had to try…

Throwing myself upwards, I scrambled out of the strangers arms, kicking and slapping at the arms that fought to restrain me. As I violently defended myself, I wondered how Wanderer had felt so comfortable and at ease with this stranger and I felt a surge of anger rise up inside me, and I was abruptly furious with her for sharing all her information with this leech. I didn't blame her though. She was only a soul. All souls were kind. She couldn't change her nature.

I felt as though I was repeating he own words, only this time with a few additional changes. I did feel a little bad for being so reckless and forcing her out of my head this way. I hoped that I hadn't hurt her. I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to her. I wasn't a bad person- not that bad anyway.

Even though she was the one who had invaded my mind in the first place, she hadn't done it on purpose. It could have been someone else. Someone far worse- possibly even a seeker. I shuddered at the thought of having Wanderers particular seeker inside of me. I wouldn't have lasted this long if that were the case.

Besides, she really wasn't that bad, and she had helped me part of the way. I was surprised that she was able to lie her way past a seeker. I had thought souls couldn't lie. Then again, she was peculiar- different. I would have to thank her later- if we made it out of here alive.

When the soul's strong arms continued to take swings at me, I lashed back out at him, my fist connecting with his skull just below his left eye. He yelped out in pain, and I took my opportunity and ran.

As my legs bolted, my mind cast back to a similar situation, although Jared was in the place of Rises. The memory brought tears to my eyes, and I pushed myself ahead further, not daring to look back.

I ran for my life, which I yearned to win back. They would never defeat me. Never.

Xxxxx

Just as I thought I had outrun the soul, a crippling weight crushed on top of me from behind, throwing me onto the desert floor. I wriggled and squirmed form his grasp, although all the notions were useless. He was stronger than I was- Much stronger. I stood no chance up against him. Why was I always letting down the people I loved? Why couldn't I do anything for once in my life? WHY HAS EVERYTHING BEEN TAKEN AWAY FROM ME!

My arms thrashed about wildly, all in a vain attempt to free myself. It was all useless. He had gripped both of my wrists, pinning me down to the sand effectively. He had caught me. There was no way to win now, and I knew I had to give Wanderer back to herself. Still- I fought it. This body was MINE! They couldn't take it from me! They couldn't. I wouldn't let them.

I was bluffing, for I was already fading. Tears rolled down my face, signalling the last action I would intentionally make while fully in control of my own body.

My sobs were my only goodbye, as I slipped back behind the walls, into the blackness.

Tadaa! Hope you enjoyed it! Don't forget to review!

P.S. I haven't forgotten Ian. I'm an O'shea all the way! Just you wait! His turn will come: p and is Rises who you really think he is? You will just have to wait and see won't you! REVIEW!