And we are up to the last chapter.
Ready?

Chapter Nine: Genesis

I was warm.
If I was dead, why was I feeling anything?

The darkness still held me, my body aching every time I moved. Taking a breath, it was like my lungs had never been used and besides the pain that flared in my chest, the air tasted sweet. It was impossible to tell if my eyes were open or not, the darkness shrouding me thickly.
I felt light, detached from my body as I lay there, suspended.
Movement caught my eyes and I tried desperately to twist and focus on it but even when it moved above me it was like a hand trailing softly behind a shield of black.

'Live.'
Again I tried to snap my head to face where the voice was coming from but instead settled with straining my ears to hear.
Leah...please
'Tyler?' I croaked; my throat dry. I dropped suddenly, the black rushing around me until I hit something solid. White chased away the black and I moved, testing. I had control again and rolled onto my knees, hands out in front to support me.
They were almost as white as the ground under me, but nowhere near as smooth. Feeling strength return to me slowly, I gripped my hair, pulling it around to see the grey and white strands loose in my hand. I gave a sob, hands resting on my cheeks as I lost my breath suddenly.

'Live.'
That voice was back and I looked up, a child in front of me.
The warmth began to burn and I staggered to my feet as the child held out a small hand.
'Anna?' I asked, staring at the youthful face before me. Dark hair flowed down her back and bright green eyes pierced me.
'Why are you here Leah?'
My eyes spun around the empty place; there was no horizon, no features, no end; only myself and my little sister before me.
'Where is here?'

That smile, god how I had missed that smile. Anna swivelled gently in her dress, the blue fabric swaying as she giggled. It echoed around me and I couldn't help but laugh myself.
'Silly, your home.'
Behind her, more figures appeared and I felt my heart clench as they waved, faces becoming recognisable. Anna's hand was still out, waiting for me to slid my old fingers in hers but I couldn't do it.

Come on Leah...
'Sister?'
I looked back down at Anna, taking her in. This was the last time I had seen her, those eyes big and round and smiling at me. Tears brimmed them suddenly and the figures behind her vanished like smoke in the wind.
'Anna, I should have died years ago. I want to be here, with you-'
Her head shook violently and a froze from taking her hand.
'This isn't what you really want, silly.'
My frown was deep, and even with my body now reflecting my age, I found enough strength to gesture to her.
'What do you mean?'
'Someone is trying very hard to bring you back.'

It was then that I knew what the warm sensations were burning through my body.
'Tyler...'
Anna nodded her head, her hand lowering back down to her side and she began to be transparent.
'Wait! What is going on? I'm dead, how can I go back?'
'You're not dead yet, it is your choice. If you go back, you will not be bound to the crystal and I can't guarantee that you will live. Or you can come with me, to rest.'

I bit my lip, hard enough that it should have bled but it never did. My eyes were too dry to cry even though I desperately wanted to show my little sister how torn I was. I wanted to rest, to finally die and move on to where I belonged but then there was also the greedy half of me that wanted to live, to survive and explore the new world.
Explore the world with Tyler.
Don't leave Leah!

Anna gave a smile.
'I'll be waiting, sister.'
With that she was gone.

Around me the white world moved violently, closing in on me. I wanted to scream, terrified as to what was happening but as I was suspended in the white light, I felt it pierce my skin and through to my very core and I lost everything.
Don't leave me Leah...please

'Leah!'
My name was loud in my ears and I groaned, only to lose my breath again as strong arms wrapped around me. With a cough I was dropped back onto the pillows and I stared up at Tyler.
I sat up quickly, trying to shield my face with my hands, terrified that Tyler would be repulsed.
All I felt was smooth skin, my breath was easy and the beat in my chest was almost matched to Tylers as I flung my arms around him.

'Thank god,' he mumbled into my hair and I gripped his to pull him back, my hands holding his perfect, baby face.
Behind him, Reid cleared his throat and I smiled at him.
'Glad to see your alright.'

Unease washed over me and my eyes widened as I looked back at Tyler.
'Caleb? Sarah? What happened to Chase?'
His soft hands gently took mine, taking them off his face and holding them tightly.
'They're fine.'
'Yeah just a bit sore and tired but they'll live.'
I sighed with relief, only then noticing that it was early morning. I was still wearing my yellow dress but the blankets were pulled up to my hips. Reid was resting in the chair as Tyler sat beside me, his glance not wavering.
'Here, Caleb said that this belongs to you. And he said that Chase just vanished, like he fell into some sort of portal.'
Tyler lifted something from his pocket and I stared at the crystal dangling on the leather cord. It was not damaged, but the glow it normally had was gone.
I was free.
My spell had worked, Chase was gone and I was no longer trapped to the crystal. I was mortal again, I could feel it in every beat of my heart. Taking the crystal in my hand, I closed my eyes and squeezed it tight in my hand, not caring that it cut into my palm. Reid stood suddenly and I looked up at him, watching as he shrugged his shoulders.
'Remember what I told you, Leah.'
With that he left and Tyler chuckled nervously beside me.

'What was that about?'
I just smiled, pulling his face close to mine. His hands gripped me, not letting me go, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Soft lips captured mine and I could feel his power thrum through my body.
I may be free from the crystal and Chase, but as Tyler held me I couldn't help but feel that I was now bound to him.
But I couldn't care.
I was alive and with Tyler. I had been given a second chance and there was no way I was going to waste it.
After all, this life is my curse, my artifice.

Yay, all done. Yes ok it might be gay but if people have a different ending they want just tell me. I was reading it to my sister and she wanted a happy ending. Happy endings are not really what I like but hey.
I like my character and sad to see her go haha. Might do a sequel to this... or even short stories of these two. Anyone want anything particular please just tell me, I will not bite and it might even be better than this haha.

Silver-Kirin
xXx