Hello all my lovely people, although I said I would talk more this chapter, I lie! I'm totally just saying thank you and I'll talk more next chapter! I've got a cold.. See down here in Australia its supposed to be summer… But it hasn't stopped raining and it's like 6 days till Christmas?We're normally like 35 degrees plus! (I don't know what that is in American hotess but its normally bloody hot)I will indeed chat more chapter. And there is a part in this I want you to do something for me and you MUST. Or at least attempt too. It'll be worth it! So a big thank you to everyone of you lovely people who reviewed! A special thanks next chapter.I love you all, read on my lovelies! And I will see you next chapter! Love to alll!Have a Merry Christmas if chapter twenty six isnt up by then!
Chapter twenty-five
Isaiah walked out onto the small stage set up in the pub, Garfield, Roy, Garth and Richard following behind him. Something seemed odd, almost like everything was moving slower then what things really were, he bent down to pick up his guitar and felt a sudden sting of something. His eyes turned towards Raven and he noticed the look that crossed her face, it was the same look he felt across his. Something was wrong, something was terribly wrong.
"Isaiah?' Richard called out over the cheering people who sat and watched them.
"Something's wrong…" Isaiah breathed out, he looked out across the people who had packed into the pub and couldn't see her… Raven stared at him with knowing eyes, she felt it too. "Charm…" He stumbled off the stage running for the exit.
Raven stared down at the floor for a moment, eyes wide, heart pounding painfully against her chest. She knew it too, something was very, very wrong. "Raven what is wrong?" Kori asked gently placing her hand on top of Raven's.
"I…" Raven swallowed the lump in her throat. "Something is wrong." She shook her head and stood. "Guys, something is wrong!" She turned and ran, pushing passed the people in her way, running for the door.
Garfield quickly ran towards the edge of the stage, jumping off it to quickly follow after Raven, the others taking quick glances at each other before following after the two. The crowd had become louder and pushier as the group made their way for the exit, trying to figure out what the hell was going on.
Raven pushed open the back door, glancing in all directions trying to see if she could see Isaiah, but he was too far gone, Garfield came through the door, confusion all across his face, the others stumbling out behind him.
"Rae, what's wrong?" Garfield questioned. "Where is Isaiah?"
"I don't know." Her voice was panicked. "I think something is wrong."
"With what?" Garth asked before anyone else had managed to. "What is the problem?"
"Charm." Raven breathing, lifting her hand and placing it on her heart, gripping at her shirt. "Very wrong."
"Which way?" Roy yelled, panic and fear coming across instantly.
Raven glanced around, the grip on her shirt forming tighter and tighter. She stopped moving and breathed deeply. "The house.." She breathed. "The house!"
The group set off as soon as she confirmed it, they ran for the house feeling a panic wash over them all, this was supposed to be their holiday, a chance for them to repair their broken friendships, relationships, themselves.
Isaiah ran as fast as his body felt possible, the cold wind freezing his face as he ran against it, hearing it howl. His heart fluttered, something wasn't right, he knew he was too late! How could he have been so stupid? He stumbled over a tree branch but regained his balance without stopping his fast movement, he had to get to the house, the flutters where getting weaker and that felt like a bad thing, not a good one. His lungs stung but he had to keep pushing it, he wasn't far off now, he wanted to see her and then convince himself it was just his mind playing tricks on him. She'd laugh at him and tell him how silly he was. He stopped dead in his tracks, panting harshly.
Isaiah stared at the front door in front of him, the deep red blood smeared across it, mocking him, it swayed in the breeze, opening and closing with a faint creaking sound. He panted, sweat beads across his forehead even in the chilly wind.
"No!" He yelled suddenly, his hands were pulled into tight fists as his nails pierced the skin on his palm. "Shit, shit, shit!" He ran towards the house, pushing open the front door, he felt the blood cover his hand as it slipped along the front door. "Charm!" He yelled before he could do anything else. "Baby? Where are you?"
The first thing that caught his attention was the blood trail it had come from the lounge room and although he couldn't see the lounge room he knew that was where she was attacked, he felt his heart pound and it hurt, the lump in his throat hurt."Come on baby girl call out to me!" But only silence greeted his despite plea. He willed his feet to move him towards the lounge room, fearing what he might find. He was worried that if he found her there, she would be dead but if she was gone he didn't know where.
He wasn't sure which was worse.
He slowly walked towards the lounge room, feeling his heart pounding against his rib cage. The first thing he saw was the mess, everything was everywhere. Blood was everywhere and his stomach churned at the sight, he thought he'd be used to it by now. But the one thing he couldn't see was Charm. He made his way into the middle of the room, almost robotically, unable to breathe. She was gone again.
He couldn't save her, again.
"Shit!" He yelled, fists tight, tears visible in his eyes but refusing to fall.
The others entered the house, each with a different reaction, unsure of the full situation. Raven limped into the lounge room, eyes setting on Isaiah as soon as she did so. "Where…"
"I don't know." Isaiah muttered, fists still tight. "She's gone…"
Raven heard the words come from his mouth but it didn't seem to quite register. She was in harms way again and she knew it had something to do with her father and that note she got on the door. So why didn't they take her instead?
Richard walked into the room, bloodied note in his hand. "I found this."
They flocked towards him, wanting to know what the paper had written on it, Richard released it into Garfield's hand and sighed, leaning against the arm chair. Raven pried it from his hands and quickly held it in front of herself.
It's time to play-
No police
Raven swallowed hard, grip on the paper tightening, Roy looked over Raven's shoulder and read the words over and over in his head, each time he became angrier.
"This isn't a game!" He finally yelled, he paced up and down in a line. "What is wrong with these people!" He yelled turning and punching the wall, the wall crumbling around his fist.
"Why was she alone!" Isaiah yelled. "Why did we even think that was a good idea?"
"We didn't know…" Kori whispered shakily, holding onto the door frame.
"Well why didn't someone stay with her?" Isaiah yelled again.
"Isaiah stop yelling!" Garfield tried his best to calm him down, although proving pointless.
"You think we'd be used to the sight of blood…" Terra said queasily from the corner of the room, hunched over.
"So what do we do?" Victor asked, seemingly the most stable one right now. "Do we call the cops?"
"No, the note said not to call the police." Richard spoke up calmly, he was deep in thought.
"Do you not see the blood?" Garth said next, he was staring at the lounge room, pale.
"Exactly which means they have Charm and will kill her if we call the cop-"
"No proof she's alive." Richard replied, once again his voice strangely calm.
"Keep those thoughts to yourself!" Isaiah growled, he turned sharply to face Richard, index finger already pointed. "She isn't dead!"
"You don't know that." Richard muttered, staring at the blood trail.
"Rich, man, stop you aren't helping." Victor sighed.
"He is right though." Karen said. "We have no proof she isn't dead, we'd be going in blind."
"I know she's not dead." Isaiah growled, hands in tight fists.
"We know nothing." Garfield agreed, he sat on the arm of the couch, staring at Raven who hadn't spoken.
Raven stared down at the note in between her finger tips, her body felt numb but her brain couldn't stop. There was something about the note, something so familiar. She could hear them all yelling in the background but all she was focused on was the note. Suddenly it clicked, she bolted towards the stairs, ignoring everyone's questions but knowing they followed her. "This note." Raven began, even if just to herself. "I knew it was familiar!" She felt her ankle sting but continued running. She turned and headed into Charm's and Isaiah's room, pushing open the door. She reached for Charm's suitcase, pulling clothes out and throwing them anywhere.
"Rae, what are you doing?" Garfield asked from the doorway.
The others stood in silence just behind Garfield as Raven tore through her sisters suit case, throwing everything out of the bag, looking for something. She stoped her rapid movement and stared at the bottom of the suit case, breathing unevenly. She reached in, grabbing onto the piece of paper which sat on the bottom corner of the bag. "I was…" Raven breathed holding up the two pieces of paper. "I was hoping I was wrong…""About what, Rae?" Garfield asked softly.
Raven's arms dropped to her lap, her heart pounding against her ribs. Richard slowly moved passed the others, walking towards Raven slowly, almost nervously. He bent down next to her and carefully reached for the pieces of paper.
He held them up side by side, a harsh breath escaping him. "Arella…" As soon as her name came from his lips the others gasped but Richard just stared wide eyed at the notes. "….after everything…"
Raven slowly got to her feet, there was no expression across her face. She walked towards the door, the others moved out of the way, staying silent, but watching intently. Richard turned to watch her leave, confused, he followed.
Her mind wasn't thinking straight, it was thinking in all other ways, screaming things at her, making her want to cry, but she refused… this was what happened when you got attached to people. This is why she should have stayed away from them… kept them all out of her life, left her wall up.
Raven flicked on the switch to boil the kettle, eyes staring at nothing in particular. Richard came up beside her, others close behind. "What are you doing, Raven?"
"Making tea." Her voice was emotionless, matching everything else about her, even her movements.
"Why?" His voice automatically came across aggressive. "Why are you making tea right now?"
"What else is there to do?" She replied.
"We have to do something! What about Cha-"
"She's dead." Raven interrupted pulling a mug into his hands.
"Don't say that, Raven!" Richard growled.
"Weren't you the one just before saying there's no proof that she's alive? Look the hell around Richard. She's dead and you all need to get that in your heads."
Richard couldn't do much else other then stare at her, mouth gaping and eyes wide, what could he say to her? He felt his stomach summersault and twist into uncomfortable knots. "Wh…""You can't even come up with a good reply, you know it as much as I do, give it up." She sent him a harsh glare before turning back to the kettle, listening to it boil. "There isn't anything we can do. So give it up. It's not like she has any family left anyway. So we leave it, head back. Nothing we can do."
"What about you?" Richard yelled, throwing his fists down onto the counter. "You are her sister!"
"She is my half-sister." Raven snapped. "We wont ever be a happy family. Time to move on, we played this shit ass game called life and guess what Richard, it shit all over us. We lost! Game over! And it's best you all leave and go back home, unless you idiots want to wind up dead like Iris, Amanda, Charm and soon enough myself. We couldn't ever win, Richard. So just… just piss off. Pack your shit and leave."
There was no sounds made, no one even moved. The kettle automatically switched off and Raven pulled it onto her hands before carefully pouring it into her mug, the steam rising. Richard went to move, talk, something, but he couldn't. He sighed, withdrawing his hands from the counter and slowly stalked from the room.
"…Rae… you can't… you don't mean that…" Garfield had hardly found the courage to the words out but managed to.
"I mean every word, Garfield." Raven deadpanned. "You should all leave first thing in the morning. Save yourselves." And with that she took the hot mug between her hands and left the kitchen, leaving the others standing there awkwardly and in silence.
"So…" Terra's voice was a small one, almost non-existent. "What do we do…?"
"Perhaps… we should leave…" Kori's even smaller. "I do not wish…"
"Then leave." Isaiah grunted. "Leave and give up on everything… everything we went though over the last three months was for nothing. All of you can go. I'm not giving up on Charm. She's alive."
"I've got your back." Garth said quietly, placing his hand firmly on Isaiah's shoulder. "I can't leave."
"Me either…" Roy said quietly, ignoring the panicked look that crossed Terra's face. "I can't leave her… I know she's not dead… not yet…"
"I can't stay…" Karen whispered, tears falling silently from her eyes. "Staying with you all right now… I can't…" She grabbed the fabric of her shirt around her stomach and made her hands into fists around it. "Things will only end badly… I can't do that… I wont risk it…"
"We can't afford to risk it…" Victor sighed placing a hand on Karen's shoulder supportively. "I love Charm and Rae like my little sisters… but my girl friend and my unborn child … I need to keep them safe…"
"You guys are pregnant..?" Garfield squeaked, clearing his throat and its uneven state.
"About two months." Karen whispered, hand firmly on her boyfriends hand.
"Otherwise we'd stay." Victor added, they all picked up on the sadness in his words. "I'm sorry… Come on, Bee." And with that he gently led her out of the room.
"What about you, Korz?" Isaiah spoke once more, eyes staring intently. "Leave if that's what you want to do."
Kori shook her head slowly. "I will not leave them… Friends until the end… That is what Charmian would always say to me… I cannot leave her."
"Me either…" Terra added softly, ignoring the tears that slid down her cheeks.
"Well what do we do?" Garth asked. "We can't exactly do anything right at this moment, but waiting could be just as bad…"
"How long would you say?" Garfield questioned, moving to face him. "Around-abouts."
"Hard to say… It's a lot of blood, I don't know if it from a head wound, multiple wounds, wrist wound…" He replied with a slight shrug.
"Worst case?" Garfield persisted.
"Well… wrist wounds are bad if untreated, they cause a lot of blood to pool… head wounds can be just as bad because they can cause concussions… multiple wounds means multiple places to bleed from… at most another ten hours… that's really pushing it. If they truly don't want her dead just yet they would have cut her wrists, then wrapped them. But that's just a guess."
"I'll talk to Rae, you guys talk to Richard, we'll figure out a plan then go from there. Richard wont be hard to convince to help save Charm, Rae will be." Garfield instructed. "See if you can find anything to help."
He didn't wait for a reply and he figured they wouldn't give one, they'd just get to work. He headed for the stairs, scaling them two at a time, determined to find Raven. He headed for their room first, pushing open the door as soon as he had reached it. But the room was dark and empty, the only light finding its way into the room was that of the hallway, he thought quickly before shutting the door and heading for another room. If he knew anything about the one he loved it was that she was good at acting like she detached her self from everything around her. He pushed open the second door and let out a sigh of relief when he saw her sitting on the floor up against the wall, right next to Charm's suitcase.
She glanced up towards him, eyes red from the tears she had been holding back before. "…How did you know…?"
"You act like you don't care, Rae." Garfield whispered, he walked into the room slowly shutting the door behind him. "But you care more then any one else I know."
"I let her down…" Raven spoke. "Every time…"
Garfield made his way towards her, careful not to move too fast and set her off, she was way too emotional right now and trying far too hard to keep it bottled up. "You didn't do any of this Raven."
"She was my little sister. I always wanted a sister when I was younger… but I was terrified I'd be a horrible big sister… mean like my father… unable to stop harm from coming to her… I couldn't even stop the harm coming to myself… When I ended up at Arella's and found out about Charm I hated her. She stole this 'perfect life' one I was supposed to have… turns out it was just as bad and full of secrets as my own." She breathed harshly, painfully. "She'd almost died more then twice… I felt like all I was doing was failing her… then when she found out about… about…"
Garfield saw the pain across her face, he lifted his hand and gently placed it on top of her. "The baby."
Raven let out a cry, feeling the tears just pour down her cheeks. "She knew it affected me, she tried to help me and I hit her… I hit her over and over again… I was angry and took it out on her."
"Did you want the …baby?" The word 'baby' came out strained and it almost pained him to use it in that sentence.
She felt the pain crush her, her head pounded due to all the crying and the best she could do was sniffle. "It hurts… hurts so much… I… I'd make a terrible mother… look at my parents… I … don't know." She answered pathetically. "Now that its dead… it… died…" She burst into tears, surprising herself as much as Garfield. "I didn't think… it would affected me like this… it was his… but it was mine… The little person... it would have been something... someone... mine..."
Garfield moved forward and pulled her against his chest, stroking her head and trying to be as reassuring as possible, but unable to not feeling the pain she was feeling. "…It's okay…"
She gripped tightly onto his jacket and cried, clawing and pulling at his jacket as if trying to make herself hold onto it tighter. "Its not… its far from okay! Everything! Everything is wrong!"
"I know." Garfield whispered resting his head against hers. "The best we can do is try to begin the healing process… and Rae… That means saving Charm." He took a hold of her shoulders and pulled her back to look into her eyes. "You know she's still alive, Rae. We have to save Charm before she dies. You'll regret it so much if she dies and we weren't there trying to save her in every way possible."
She stared into his lovely green eyes, once full of laughter, live and joy now just hollow sadness. She went to open her mouth but quickly closed it, unable to make any words come out she simply nodded.
"Lets get back down to the others."
Charm's eyes slowly fluttered open, white the only thing coming to her and it startled her, the movement making her cry out in pain. That was went she felt the metal tight around her wrists, too tight, the wounded that was lazily bandaged throbbing numbly. Her head felt light and dizzy, she was still unsure as too where she was or what happened.
"Finally awake huh, had us a little worried." It was a female voice, that much she was sure off, but her vision was spotted.
"It's about time, worthless shit." Another voice spoke, male she thought, everything was disorientated.
"Wh…where am I?" She heard the words slur, licking at her lips to bring back the moister.
"Now." The female spoke.
A sudden chill hit her body like a brick wall, she let out a scream from the shock and pure freezing feeling, but then the scream turned into pain from her movement against the chains. They had thrown water on her, not just any water, ice water. Everything began to come together, even though she was shivering now.
"…Arella…" Charm breathed, her face was full of shock.
Arella uncrossed her folded arms and a small smirk came onto her face. "Not mum anymore, sweetheart?"
"What the hell are you doing?" Charm yelled, anger the only clear emotion.
"You've been such a perfect little pawn." Arella said. "From the moment you came into this world you've done everything you were supposed too."
"What are…" She stopped, she finally noticed the other voice, the man stood at the back of the room, arms folded, smirk across his lips. "Dad…"
"Hello baby girl, I'm so proud of you." The tone was teasing, just like the look on his face.
"What… I've done nothing for you! And I never will!" Charm growled, the throbbing in her wrist intensified.
"But you already have." Arella spoke. "Can't you see?"
"Your lying!"
"But we aren't." His voice still covered her body in goose bumps.
"Everything that's happened in your life was because we planned it that way." Arella began. "Mina was such an easy little slut-"
"A trait you picked up it seems."
"Tri." Arella growled. "As I was saying, Mina was easy enough to per-sway to sleep with Tri, his brother none the wiser, her dying during your birth was a bonus. We payed Mina's husband a lot of money to ignore you, mistreat you, the idiot was none the wiser when we killed him one night in his sleep; planned it so you'd walk in on him. Planned it so Mina's sister wouldn't take you in so I had too. Your attempted suicide almost screwed up all our plans but thankfully you made friends with Richard Grayson." Arella saw Charm's face change and another smirk crossed her lips. "Yes, we planned it so you went to school with him, you and him were just destined to be closed friends, you both shared tragedy and we knew you'd bond over it. We knew Raven would call me soon or later, stupid girl waited till later but she still did it. You were the person Raven could bond with, you were the first person she cared about, she loved you.""What for?" Charm's fists tightened, ignoring the pain. "What was it all for?"
Arella slowly walked towards her, high heels clopping against the stone bricks, stopping in front of her and crouching down. "Raven is apart of something so much bigger then you could ever understand. She'll come for you.""Arella." Tri warned, his glare sending chills down both their spines. "Let's go." And with that he walked out.
Arella stood and turned, heading for the door. "Mummy please." The voice that came from Charm was a small one, pleading and desperate. "Please, it hurts."
Arella stopped for a moment, she didn't move. "I'm… I'm sorry." She whispered glancing over her shoulder towards her. "It's a shame you were the key in all this, you are a beautiful, smart and talented girl." And with that she turned back and left the room.
"No! Please! Mum? Come back!" She cried out, tears falling from her eyes, something very common these days. "Don't leave me here!" Her fists where so tight that she felt her nails pierce her skin, she let out a long frustrated scream, unable to stop the tears.
She began pulling on the chains, feeling it pinch her skin painfully, but that didn't stop her kicking her legs about screaming. She felt a sharp, intense pain in her wrist and a new scream came from within, stopping her movement. She glanced up towards her wrist and saw the fresh blood quickly staining the cloth wrapped around her wound. Her head drooped and the tears fell silently, splashing onto the stone beneath her.
"Rae…" She whispered into the dead air. "…save me…"
Raven shot upright from the couch she was sitting on, Garfield had notice this because he had been keeping a close eye on her. The others were trying to come up with a plan as to what to do- where to go from here. Garfield leaned towards her noticing the strange face she was pulling."Rae." He said softly. "What's wrong."
"I… I felt her…" Raven replied, Richard turned his attention towards her and listened. "She … I think she called for me… She's in pain…"
"What do you feel?" Richard asked causing everyone to stop talking and look towards Raven.
"It hurts…" Raven whispered running her left hand along her right wrist, frown on her face.
Garfield got onto his knees and moved towards her, placing his hands on her knees. "Tell me what you feel."
"It's cold… dark… bad pain here." She gripped around her wrist. "She called for me… I heard her so clearly…"
"They cut her wrist then." Garth spoke up taking another look around the room at the blood. "Looks about right…"
"This is insane, you know that right?" Terra asked looking between each one of her friends. "Maybe you've gone insane, Raven."
"I feel it." Raven growled sending a glare towards the blonde. "I'm not insane. It was real."
"Do you know where she might be?" Kori asked pointing towards the map. "Perhaps you might feel her presence on the map.""Kori that's brilliant." Richard exclaimed. "Quick Raven, before you can't feel her anymore."
"This is insane." Terra restated, folding her arms against her chest.
Raven stood and made her way towards the large city map that was laid across the kitchen table. Part of her was doubting that this was true, perhaps she was crazy, insane with guilt that she made it up but another part of her knew this had to be true, she heard Charm beg her to save her. The others watched patiently and curiously while Raven stared at the map.
"Perhaps hold your hand out." Kori suggested. "I have seen it done that way before."
Raven looked towards her, uncertain of whether to just try or not. She lifted her hand, slowly moving it out across the table, it was now that she realised how much she was shaking. She moved her hand slowly across the length of the map, shutting her eyes, connecting to herself.
"Please… please help…"
Raven's eyes shot open and her hand dropped. "Here." She breathed. "She's here."
"How sure are you?" Richard asked moving her hand away to look at where she had pointed.
Raven stared at the spot she had just pointed at, she felt like a train of Charm's emotions hit her and the tears slid down her cheeks silently. She managed to nod her head. "She's there…" She shut her eyes tightly once more, the tears escaping faster. "…She's dying… far too close to it."
Garfield pulled on her elbow to turn her to face him then as soon as she had he pulled her into a hug, gripping onto her, trying to be reassuring but also comforting while feeling like any moment he would break.
"I wish they'd left her out of it." She whispered. "Why target her…"
"Because you are connected to her." Roy spoke softly, forcing all eyes on him. "They wanted to get to you for god knows what reason, getting to Charm has made you the emotional mess you are now. The thought of you losing her puts you in an unstable balance and that's what they want." He stared down at the floor. "Hurting Charm is the best way to get to you because you love her, with all your heart."
Raven tried to blink away the tears but it didn't work. "I do love her." She whispered. She held onto Garfield for a moment longer, then pulled away and turned to face Richard. "I'm going to need a gun… and quickly." She took a deep breath. "This ends now."
(Alright people, if you can do this for me it might be worth it! When reading from now until the end of the chapter listen to The dead island theme song on youtube. (wouldn't let me link) It will totally be worth it! Thanks 3 This is what Charm and Iris would have played. )
Charm's body felt numb, her head was light, her eyes heavy, she was dying… it had been such a common feeling lately that it didn't scare her anymore, but that didn't stop the tears. They slid down her eyes, over her nose before splashing onto the floor. "I…" She paused, shallowed and shut her eyes tightly. "I knew I couldn't be away from you for long…" She felt the tears fall uncontrollably. "Pretty stupid that we got split up." She faked laughed at that, holding in the harsher cries. "… I … I know you wanted me to live… I'm so… so sorry… This just seems… do you… remember in the year seven talent show… we did that… that song together… me piano.. You violin… no words… just music… That… that song is in my head now… I didn't want it to end like this… either of our lives… is it bad that I'm not fighting anymore?… Did you stop?… is that why you left? Was it just too hard? I don't even know… if… if…" She let out the harsh cries, tears never ending. "Is any of it worth it? You used to tell me how magical life is. How truly beautiful it can be… I… I can't see it anymore Iris. It's like someone took it, everything good in life… Iris… I'm so scared… please… please help me… somehow… something… I… I don't want to die alone… I don't… I'm … we had so much planned… didn't we?…" She lifted her head weakly, being greeted only by darkness. "He was going to ask me again…" She whispered, voice breaking. "We would… have… been happy, Irie… like we always planned… to…too live happily… just… just like the princess' we were… But… but now… all I feel is hate… pain… anger…" Her head dropped once again. "I… I hate… this. If… if this is how… if I die… promise me you'll stay by my side, Irie… please don't… don't let me go at it alone… I've been alone too much… no one should… should…" The words caught in her throat and it hurt, she stared at the ground now wet with her tears. "…die alone…" She swallowed once more, about ready to say her final thought to Iris… even if she wasn't listening. "….You once asked… asked me what my final thought would be… we were watching the sun set… just after the talent show… that music… it had touched both of us… and everyone else, so deeply.. I told you back then that I wouldn't have an idea unless I was in that situation… I've been in this situation three times now… and once… once the pain went numb… my thoughts… they always went to my family… you and the others… my real family… I wish only that you all would continue to live… be happy… be free… even in a world filled with so much violence.. I just… I wanted you to be happy… I want Isaiah to move on… find a nice girl and have the big family like he's always wanted… I don't … don't want him to be sad. I could… go on… about each of them… each one of those… perfect people… but… I think… I'm just about… out of time, Irie… It wont be… too much longer now…" She took a shaky, deep breath. "My final thought… I'm going to miss them… all of them…"
A bright light shone into the room, almost burning her eyes. She tried to cower back into the wall but was unable to move any further away. A moment later the large light was replaced by a small one, a thin stream of light coming from something.
"Shit…" A voice spoke out startling her. "You're running out of lives here, kid. Shit I hope I'm not too late."
"Who… who…" She used all her energy to lift her head, piercing blue eyes greeting hers. "Yo… you!"
"Don't waste your energy." He growled. "I know I've done bad shit, Charmian. But letting you die isn't going to be one of them."
"Why… why-"
"You don't remember me… do you?" He asked softly, staring so intently at her.
"You're that… that jerk who…"
"No… before I was brought into this act." He interrupted softly.
Charm looked into his eyes, although it used all her energy she connected with his.
Charm walked down the street slowly, her father had forgotten to pick her up from kindergarten again. The other children had spent the day picking on her because her clothes were dirty, old. She sniffled and wiped away the tears, Iris was away with her family and without her she'd never felt so alone.
She stopped walking and stared at the scene ahead of her, head tilted in slight confusion. The boy's head retracted from the rubbish bin, scraps of old food squished between his fingers, his shaggy, light blonde hair fell into his eyes and dirt covered him from head to toe. He looked about a year or two older then she, he turned and saw her staring at him, his bright blue eyes catching hers.
"Are… you okay?" Charm whispered.
"Don't you judge me!" He growled point a finger at her, taking determined steps towards her.
"I… I wasn't." She squeaked, grip tightening on the bottom of her dress. "I… don't have much but…" She fiddled with her dress, staring into the boys eyes. "I can make you something to eat if you like…"
He frowned at her suspiciously. "What do you want?"
"N… nothing." Charm squeaked once more. "You're… the first one to look like me…"
He glanced down at her. "I'm a boy, you're a girl."
"I know that." She huffed. "I don't get clean clothes or nice things either…"
He stared at her once again, confused yet intrigued by this courageous little girl offering him food when she herself didn't have much. "Sure…" He finally grunted.
She grinned at him, extending her hand. "I am Charmian, you can call me Charm."
He found himself simply staring at her in confusion, he slowly extended his own hand to grab onto hers. "…Malchior…""That's a funny name." Charm smiled, entangling her fingers with his, pulling him into walking down the street with her. "It's nice too meet you."
"I guess…" He grunted in reply, unsure of how to react to her holding his hand.
"Do you have a mummy or a daddy?" She asked pull him from his thoughts.
"Nah." He spoke turning to look in the direction they were walking. "What about you?"
"My mum died." Charm answered. "My dad… he may as well be too…"
"Grown up suck, hey." He scoffed, but hearing a small giggle come from Charm a real smile appeared across his lips.
"Let's be friends, Malchior, I only have one." Charm smiled softly turning her head to look at the boy, tugging on his hand to stop him from walking. "She's not like me at all, she's lucky."Malchior stared at her for a moment, thinking. "Sure kid." He said finally sending her a smirk.
"Now neither of us have to be alone anymore!" She grinned. "Never alone."
Malchior stared ahead of himself. "…ever…"
"I'm guessing you remember now." He said softly, unlocking the cuff around her wrist.
"Why didn't I…"
"Remember? I'm pretty sure you blocked most of those memories when I disappeared." He answered gently placing her hand onto the ground before making his way over to the other one to unlock it. "I almost blew my cover when I saw you in Australia."
"You betrayed…"
"Let me explain.' He said softly resting her other hand onto the floor beside her. "I'm going to have to stitch this shut otherwise you will bleed out but I'll also have to connected you to me so you can get some blood back." He looked back up into her eyes, he missed seeing them. "I don't have anything to numb the pain. So this is going to hurt but I need you to focus on me, listen to me speak." He pulled out what he needed to set up the blood transfusion and when he looked back up to catch her eyes he saw the same scared look in her eyes the day she found her father. "Listen to me, I'll tell you everything, just stay with me…"
The next four years passed by quicker then we thought, we often took to scavenging food together whenever you weren't off with Iris somewhere. You wanted me to meet her but I just couldn't… it was bad that I let you into my life but I couldn't help it. You made me smile when nothing else could. I knew you were depressed, you tried so hard to hide it but I could see it, your 'father' took no notice in you at all. I tried hard to make you happy when you were around me, even if we were both starving. You had just turned ten, I was twelve… this woman approached me one day, saying all these things I didn't quite understand, before saying something that shocked me.
"You love her, don't you." She asked me, her arms were folded across her chest.
"She's a kid." I growled back in reply, about done with this fool.
"Two years is nothing, specially down the track when your eighteen and she's sixteen."She was smirking at me, not that I really got it back then. "She's a friend."
"One that you're scared of losing."
"Piss off lady, I'm done here."
"We're far from over." She replied giving a swift click of her fingers.
Next thing I knew I was hit over the head with something and I blacked out, last thing I remember thinking was 'I had to meet Charm'… I'm pretty sure you waited for me.
"I did…" Charm said weakly, letting out little whimpers of pain, watching as he threaded the needle to stitch her wound, the blood flowing from his arm through a tube and into hers.
"I know." He said softly. "I'm sorry."
She bit the bottom of her lip, watching him point the needle down towards her wrist, the flash light the only light to guide him. "Please continue…"
I woke up with a saw head, they were surrounding me, I mean it wasn't like I hadn't been in this situation before but I was worried that something bad was going to happen to you, they knew about you already.
"We have a little deal for you." Her voice was cold, it didn't match her features at all, she looked like a kind and caring woman. "You either accept it and live or deny and die."
"Do you honestly think I care if I die?" I spat back harshly.
"We'll kill her too then." A male spoke up, his eyes were like the devils and if I was honest, they scared me.
I balled my hands into fist tightly, I knew my friendship would be bad for you, I had no idea that all along you were apart of their plan and it was you who had dragged me into it. Not that I minded. You were something special in my life back then, I had nothing until I met you.
"What… what do you want me to do?" I asked.
"There are many things, we'll pay you handsomely for your services, if you do well enough. You wont have to live off the streets anymore." The female spoke, arms never unfolding.
"I don't have much choice do I…" I growled.
"No." The female spoke. "you don't."
"The first thing is to tell that little girl you're in love with to piss off. That you no longer wish to see her. Get her so sad she runs away for a bit."
"Wh…""Don't asked questions." The male snapped. "Just do what you're told and the money and her life, are yours."
"You will keep doing what you are told. Until we no longer have use of you." The female pulled me to my feet before pushing me towards the door. "Go, we'll be watching."
I walked out of the room almost in a defeated way, I knew where you would be and I made my way for you, I knew you would be waiting for me even though I was hours late. When you saw me your face lit up, you bounded towards me throwing your arms around me and hugging me tightly."I missed you!" You squealed happily. "I was worried…"
I stared out into the distance, not returning the hug. I took a deep breath and pulled up back by the shoulders. "Look kid, it was fun while it lasted but its time for me to move on."
I saw your heart brake and it killed me. "Wh…why?"
"Kid, you kept me fed most nights so it was worth staying with you. But now I'm moving on. You're just a stupid little kid who I used."
"You're lying!" You yelled at me, tears forming in your eyes. "Why are you lying?"
"Not lying, kid-""Stop calling me kid!"
"Stop yelling like one then. It was great while it lasted but I've outgrown this and you were getting to annoying anyway. Better off this way."
"Please… please don't leave me… I don't want to be alone… Never alone! Remember?"
I stared at you, that look on your face scared me. "You'll always be alone kid. I was just using you to get what I want, I don't like you- never did. So do us all a favour and just accept it and go." I wanted to apologise but I couldn't. "Get used to it kid. No one will ever stay with you."You cried, just staring at me until you turned and ran, I had to fight so hard not to chase after you. I felt a hand on my shoulder before her voice broke through the silence. "Quite a heartless bastard, aren't you."
"I did it to keep her safe!" I growled pulling away from her grasp.
"Yeah, yeah." She muttered pulling back on my shoulder. "Come."
They told me that they killed the man you thought was your father, planned it so you would walk in on him, it was sick. They gave me my money and a house, told me to stay there because the woman was going to be your new mother and if I screwed this up you would die. A few years later they made me get to know your sister, I knew she was your sister… she looked so much like you… it almost made being nasty to her easy… but she fell for me, whether she admits it or not and I treated her horribly. I had too. Arella would send photos of you with all your friends, reminding me not to bolt. When I saw you in Australia I… I almost blew everything, last I heard you were shot and I didn't expect you there. I focused on Raven like I was told too but whenever I got the chance I was hoping you notice so I could tell you everything, but you never did and then you ended up hurt again.
He finished stitching her arm and looked up into her eyes, the dark blue eyes he spent so much time with so long ago stared right back at him, tears still sliding down her cheeks. He lifted his fingers up gently and wiped some away, unable to look away from her. "I hated the person I was."
Charm breathed unevenly, trying to keep herself from bursting into tears again. "I remember… everything now…" She felt stronger, his blood was flowing in to her. "Raven was pregnant." The shock in his eyes surprised her but she continued. "She lost it."
His head dropped in embarrassment, he shook his head. "I regretted that night almost as much as when I told you to leave…"She slowly lifted her hand and ran it along his neck up to his chin, forcing him to look up at her once more, this was when she noticed how pale he was getting. "I forgive you… Raven is another matter but me… everything that happened… I thank you for always trying to keep me safe."
"I hope… one day you do tell her, how sorry I am for everything." He said softly, moving forward to place his forehead against hers."You can tell her yourself." She whispered in reply, closing her eyes.
"I made it my sole purpose in life to make sure a certain brave, selfless little girl lived safe and happy." He whispered back. "Getting you out of here will be the last thing I'll do…"
She pulled away from him, staring at him with wide eyes. "What?"
"I'll die down here, Charmian, but I'm okay with that. I've always been fine with it." He simply smiled at her, it was the pure, sweet smile she remembered on his grotty face all those years ago. "From what I hear all the guys fall for you." He gave a small chuckle. "You'll always be special to me, Charm, you and your sister. I hope you both live long and happy."
Charm stared at him, tears still managing to escape her. "Leaving me again…huh?" It was her attempt at a joke but it just made her sadder.
"Isn't it funny." His voice came off weak and this worried her. "We both have AB negative blood. Rarest blood type…"
She looked down to the tube connected to her veins and watched the deep red blood go through it. "Funny…" She repeated turning to look back at his face.
"I love you Charm, you've always been my good friend." He whispered. "When I drag you out of this room you mustn't look back, no matter what. Do you understand?"
"I-"He reached out and stroked the side of her soft cheek, resting his hand around the nape of her neck. "Do you understand?" He repeated staring right into her held back the cry and nodded, the tears falling off her chin at the movement. He gently pulled her forward with his hand, bringing her closer. His lips touched hers and he kissed her deeply, she put her free arm around him so as soon as he pulled away from the kiss she pulled him into a hug.
"No matter what happens, know that you are the definition of true hero." She whispered giving him a squeeze. "Your heart always had the purest of intentions even with the pain that was caused. Thank you… for everything."
He pulled out of the hug and quickly detached each of their tubes, quickly dressing Charm's, ignoring his. "We're running out of time." He stood up but the quick movement and loss of blood made him quickly got up to help him, ignoring the pain she felt from everything. "What do you mean?"
"No questions, just follow." He sent her one last smile, running his fingertips down along her arm before intertwining his fingers with hers. "I'll keep you safe, I always have."
"I want to stop loosing people I care about." Charm whispered as he led them towards the door. "Stop making me loose people." She whispered again, gripping onto his hand.
"Just stay with me." He reassured, giving a light squeeze of her hand.
It felt like slow-motion as they made their way to the door, she turned to look at him, unsure of what was going to happen. He sent her a sideways smile but kept his eyes on the door. He reached for the door handle, sliding it open and taking a deep breathe; his grip on her hand tightened and he ready himself.
Charm gripped onto his hand following his lead, he took a run out of the room pulling her behind him. He was drained from giving her the blood, she could tell. Masked guards turned when they noticed the two running out, for a moment too stunned to react in anyway. Charm thought she would have been scared but holding onto his hand kept her calm, safe.
They ran down the hallways, dodging left and right passed guards, leading her towards the elevator. They heard the heavy footsteps behind them, an occasional gunshot here or there. They were both panting, exhausted from the blood loss both had gone through but both wanting to make it to the elevators.
"There… they are!" Charm breathed out excitedly upon seeing the metal doors. "We're going to be okay!"
Malchior crashing into the button, unable to stop himself crashing into the wall, which made Charm land on him. He pushed the arrow up continuously, hearing the heavy footsteps draw closer, Charm gripped onto his sides and hugged him tightly, just like she used to when they were kids.
The footsteps stopped and the sound of guns loading filled their ears, in an instant Malchior had spun around, putting himself in front of Charm, arms out stretched, protecting her."Give it up, Malchior." Arella's voice spoke from behind the group of gunman. "And we wont harm her."
"You were going to let her die!" Malchior growled keeping his position firm.
"She'll die anyway." Arella replied.
"No I wont." Charm spoke out from behind him, arms still wrapped around his waist. "I'll live… for him…"
"Last chance." Arella warned. "Other wise you die."
Charm gave a squeeze to Malchior, he placed his hands on her arms and gave a small squeeze back. "Never forget." Malchior whispered to her. "You are never alone in this world."
He unattached her arms from around his waist and the gunmen pointed their guns up at them, he took a step backwards, Charm doing the same so her back was pressed up against the elevator doors.
"So this is really your choice Malchior? My husband's daughter?" The tone of surprise in her voice was easily picked up on.
"It always was." He replied softly, still holding his hands out stretched.
"Fine."
And in that moment she felt deafened, the guns went off at once, she watched with wide, tear-filled eyes as the bullets ripped through her human shield, she saw Arella stand there watching and she instantly felt sick, Malchior stumbled backwards into her and just then the elevator doors opened, both crashing to the floor. Charm jumped up and pressed the close door button over and over, staining it with blood."Enough." Arella called over the bullets.
Silence fell and Charm stood staring at Arella with tears, Arella stared right back at her with cold eyes. The elevator doors shut firmly, she slammed the button to take them up before dropping to her knees beside Malchior, crying harshly.
"S…see.." He gasped, body twisting in pain. "T…told you…"
Charm inched closer to him, gently lifting his head so it rested on her lap, blood pooled around them, coating the elevator floor. She stared down at him, tears falling from her eyes once again.
"But what… what about you?"
"I'm… I'm…" He breathed harshly, arching his back, wide pained eyes staring up at her. She brushed his shaggy light blonde hair from his face, best she could. "…glad you're here…" He stared up into her eyes for what he knew to be the last time. "… glad… I'm not alone… for this…"
"Never alone." Charm cried softly, biting her bottom lip between her teeth.
His eyes glazed and his body slowly stopped shaking, he let out a groan. "…ever…"
Then she knew he was gone.
She hunched over his body, hugging him tightly against herself, crying.
Next chapter will be all about Raven, had to get Charm out of the way first! I hope there are tears! Or at least a sadness. yes, review please, let me know what you think and next chapter Raven is going to get some revenge! Love you all and see you next chapter!