Hello !
Title : Misery Business
Genre : Drama, Romance.
Disclaimer : I don't own the characters unfortunately. They are the property of HBO and Charlaine Harris ! I only own my OC, Elizabeth Adams.
Chapter 24 : As I Lay Here Dying
Arthur knew his death was coming, he had thought he could have escaped Russell Edgington but he knew it was pointless.
All those years, he had hidden himself and Lizzie, all those years he had ran away from him, hoping that he would forget about him… But that wasn't what had happened, not at all. Arthur had wanted to help Lizzie, he wanted her to finally get her revenge so he had tried to find a way to take down Russell but he had been reckless… He should have been more careful while trying to get some information, he should have.. If he had done it, he wouldn't be in this situation, he wouldn't die..
The only thing he hoped was that Lizzie would be safe and sound. Russell didn't know that she was alive and that was perfect. He couldn't do anything to her and it made Arthur smile… he was only going to die because Russell wanted to punish his betrayal..
Yes, Arthur had betrayed Russell because of William. While Lizzie's brother had been involved with Russell's business, Arthur had been here all the time and had formed a strong bond with William. He had helped him and tried to protect him from Russell. Of course, that hadn't worked but he had saved Lizzie.
Lizzie.. She was going to be devastated after his death. Arthur knew it, he knew how she would feel, he knew that she would want to find Russell and kill him. That was why he had made her promise to never go and meet Russell.. Russell would recognize her, and Arthur could take that risk. He didn't want her to die because of his own mistakes.
He could only hope that Elizabeth would keep her promise, she had to. Arthur knew her too well but she was not alone, she was with Godric. He wouldn't let her do anything stupid because he loved her.. At least, Arthur could count on him and he smiled at this thought. He was happy for Elizabeth, Godric was perfect for her and they were meant for each other. Though, Arthur was a little bit jealous of Godric. He loved his child too, probably too much.
" You really thought that you could escape ? " Russell exclaimed as he entered Arthur's house.
Arthur tensed. There was no escape now. The younger vampire turned around and faced Russell. It had been a very long time, but Russell hadn't changed. Maybe he was more insane that he already was. After all he had followed him here, far away from his house in Mississippi.
" I knew you would come but I'm not afraid of you. "
" You should have never betrayed me. You helped that fucking human, I trusted you. " Russell screamed as he paced back and forth. He had never thought that Arthur had been the one who betrayed him, he had never thought that he had been the one who helped that boy. This was just the most incredible news he had ever heard, but he knew he was right.
And now, this vampire was going to pay for everything he had done. It would be painful but quick and Russell was going to enjoy every seconds of his suffering.. If only Arthur knew what Russell had in his mind.
" You're insane, he didn't deserve your wrath. You should have never killed them, they didn't deserve it ! "
" I don't care if they deserved it or not. I'll never understand your kindness towards them but it doesn't matter anymore. " Russell smirked.
Arthur clenched his fists. He knew what was going to happen next, he could see it in Russell's eyes but he would fight. His chances were nearly nonexistent but he wasn't going to make it easy for Russell. He would fight the vampire who killed his friend, he would fight the vampire who made Elizabeth suffer. And maybe, he could kill him.. That was just a wish but who knew.. Maybe tonight could be his lucky night.
" I will enjoy killing you. " Russell stated and rushed towards Arthur, using vampire speed. The younger vampire was ready for that and dodged easily his attack. He could try to run away but he wouldn't get far enough to be safe.
However, Arthur didn't even have the chance to do anything because Russell grabbed him and threw him on the table. Arthur crashed into it and just when he was about to stand up, the vampire king of Mississippi grabbed him and pinned him against the nearest wall.
Arthur was no match against him. How could he be so useless ? Of course, Russell was older but Arthur felt so weak against him. He could do nothing.. Why ? This was awful.
" You can't do anything against me, I'm three thousand years old, Arthur. And you're what, a thousand years old. Why do you fight ? You will always lose. " Russell's grip on Arthur's throat tightened. He could behead him so easily, this would be perfect. However, he hadn't suffered enough. No one betrayed Russell Edgington like that…
" I still hope that I'll be able to kill you. "
Russell laughed hard, that was probably the best joke he had ever heard. " You wish you could but it's pointless. Look at you, you can't even move now. "
He was right and Arthur hated that. Russell was too strong… To tell the truth, Arthur had never thought he would die like that, he had never thought he would be killed by Russell… That was just an horrible way to die.
" I'm going to tell you a secret now. " Russell paused and looked at Arthur in the eyes. His little confession was going to destroy the younger vampire. Russell head was now so close to Arthur's ear so he could whisper to him. " I know she's alive and that she's your child. It's just a matter of time now, I will soon find her and she will pay. I'll make her die, slowly painfully. I'll take my time, torturing her, savoring every seconds of her screams of pain. The worst thing is that this is all your fault. You should have known that I'd learn about everything. You should have never searched for a way to kill me. " Russell laughed, sadistically. He was now watching Arthur's face, and there was a look of sheer horror.
" No… This is impossible. " Arthur said, trying to convince himself.
" How does it feel to know that your death won't protect her ? How does it feel to die knowing that she's not safe anymore.. I will find her. "
He had failed, that was Arthur's only thought. He couldn't even imagine what was going to happen to his child. Arthur hated that, he was useless and he was the reason why Elizabeth could die. If only he hadn't made some research, if only he had been more clever than that.
However, there was still hope, wasn't it ? Godric would protect Elizabeth, he would do anything for her. It gave Arthur the strength to fight… He struggled against Russell's grip and finally broke free. He grabbed the nearest chair and broke it, holding a piece of wood in his hand. He was ready to stake Russell now.
" Seriously Arthur, you think you can kill me ? "
Arthur didn't have the time to do anything, Russell had him on the ground as he broke his wrist and took the stake in his hand. " You are pathetic. "
This was the end… Arthur's last thought was to Elizabeth… He hoped she would be safe, he just wished she knew how much he loved her.
" Goodbye, Arthur. " And with those simple words, he plunged the stake right through Arthur's heart. And the younger vampire turned into a pool of blood.
Russell dropped the stake which felt on the ground. « You should have never betrayed me. » Russell finally said and left the house, looking one last time at Arthur's remains. Now, it was Elizabeth Adams time.
My phone fell out of my hand and broke on the floor, just like my heart broke seconds before. My maker was dead… No that was completely impossible, this couldn't be happening to me, this couldn't be true. This was just a dream, an awful dream… I would soon wake up and Arthur would be here with me… This was just impossible, right ? We had forever together, we were immortals… He was everything to me.. My maker…
" Elizabeth, what's happening ? " I heard Godric's soft voice, asking me.
I couldn't even talk at this very moment because deep inside of me I knew that everything was real. Arthur was dead, our bond was broken…. Russell Edgington had killed him. Why ? Why did it have to happen ? I couldn't understand… Why was this vampire so cruel ? What did Arthur do ? What did I do to deserve this ?
What was I going to do now ? I couldn't break my promise because strangely I started to understand something. Arthur was not only protecting me by not telling me who killed my family, but he was also protecting himself. I couldn't go and search for Russell because I would only end up dying… Russell had killed my one thousand years old maker, I couldn't do anything… It was useless, I was useless…
" Elizabeth, talk to me. " Godric said and I felt him taking my face in his hands. He made me look at him but I couldn't see him. My vision was blurry because of my bloody tears.
Yes, I was crying… I was heartbroken and no one could understand my pain.
" Arthur.. He's dead. " I managed to say through my sobs.
Godric's mouth fell open, he probably didn't expect that. Who would have thought it could happen ? Who would have thought Arthur could be killed ? No one…
" Elizabeth… I'm sorry. " Godric simply said.
I was sorry too… I had lost nearly everyone I cared about… Why was I so cursed ? This was just impossible.. This wasn't fair. I wasn't a monster, I didn't deserve that.
" I need to go there… I need to see him. " I blurted out, not really understand what I was saying. This was reckless and stupid but I needed to go where Arthur was… Even if he was dead. Even if that idea was dangerous because Russell could still be there, I didn't care.
I knew where he had been, it was in our house.. Our home. I had enough time to get there before sunrise, I needed to be there…
Maybe going there would make me realize that I was wrong… Maybe Arthur was still alive, it could be possible. Maybe he had just cut off our bond.. Yes, maybe… This was crazy… I was crazy but I didn't care.
I stood up, ignoring completely Godric. It was like he was not even here, it was like I was alone.
" Elizabeth, what are you doing ? "
I started to walk towards the door but he grabbed my arm, making me look at him.
" I'm leaving.. He's waiting for me, he must be. This is just a nightmare right ? " I said as I yanked my arm away. I felt like a robot… I was empty.
" You're not going anywhere. " He grabbed me again but this time his grip was stronger and I couldn't escape.
Why was he doing this ? Why couldn't he understand that I wanted to join my maker ? I needed to be there, I needed to be with my maker. This was where I had to be right now.
" Please.. Let me go." I begged him. I was completely desperate…
" Where do you want to go Elizabeth ? Look at me and tell me what's happening. "
I shook my head, I was losing time, This couldn't be true.
" I want to go home, please let me go. "
He released me and wiped my bloody tears away. He was so gentle, but I couldn't appreciate his concern because none of it should have happened.
" I'm coming with you. We'll get there faster if we fly, don't you think ? " He said, taking my hand and leading me outside. I felt like a little girl, Godric was guiding me.. I was just so lost…
" Are you ready ? "
I nodded and let him take me in his arms… It felt great to be in his arms during this situation.
" What happened ? Explain me, please. " He said as he started to fly away.
I tightened my grip on him and cried in his shirt. He was there for me and I was glad that I had him. He was being so perfect right now, he was helping me. However, it wasn't enough… He would never replace Arthur..
" Arthur has been killed… He told me who murdered my family, it's Russell Edgington.. And then.. Then, that fucking vampire killed him. He's dead, my maker is dead. " I shook my head, this was just a dream. " No, he can't be.. This is just a dream…"
Godric said nothing and just held me close, knowing that he couldn't help me. It must have been frustrating for him…
" I need to go home. " I said and stared at him.
" Tell me where to go, my love. "
We arrived two hours later and I was afraid to enter… This was our home… I should have been happy to come back here, to come back home… I had so many wonderful memories here. Arthur and I had shared so many things here… Our home was like a shelter.. Somewhere we knew we could be safe. Somewhere we knew we could heal our hurt.
Was everything going to change now ?
When I finally decided to enter, my eyes fell on a pool of blood on the ground. So it was true… Arthur was really dead and I hadn't imagined things. Our bond was forever broken… I was alone, completely alone. A part of me was slowly dying, in fact I was dying inside.
" No… He's not gone, he just can't be gone. " I ran towards the pool of blood and fell on my knees. Arthur's remains all around me, my hands were searching through them. Why ? I didn't know, I still wanted to be close to him. His blood was inside of me.. His blood was a part of me…
And then, I just started to cry again.
He was gone forever. He would never smile to me again, I would never see that little spark in his beautiful green eyes. I would never hear his melodic voice again… He would never hold me again in his arms, never tell me he loved me… This was the end.. Who would have thought our forever could be destroyed so easily ?
I heard footsteps behind me and knew it was Godric. He didn't come near me, but I could feel his eyes burning my back.
" He was mine… He has always been mine. " I muttered to myself and stared at my now bloody hands.
I was broken, empty… I was a broken doll. Nothing mattered, this was just Arthur's remains and I. I wanted to be with him, I needed to be him. A part of me wanted to die right now, I wanted to join him and be with him. However, I knew that he wouldn't want that, no… He would want me to be alive and happy with Godric but now that simple thought seemed so far away.. It was like it wasn't even possible to be happy again after that.. How could I forget ? How could I live without him ?
" Elizabeth. " I felt Godric's hand on my shoulder. " I'm here for you. "
" He was mine… Russell had no right to kill him. He had no right. This is impossible, he had done nothing wrong. I want Arthur…"
I was starting to become irrational and I knew it but I had every right to be like that, right ?
" Calm down. " He said and I found him in front of me, kneeling. He made me look at him and I could see how much he hated to see me in this emotional state.
" He's gone, Godric ! Arthur is gone ! How can I live without him ? " I screamed and started to hit Godric with my fists.
I didn't want to hurt him but I couldn't help myself. I needed to find a way to make my pain and my anger disappear. I knew it wasn't the right thing to do because Godric didn't deserve it… However, something told me he understood, or tried to.
" It will be okay. I'm here for you Elizabeth. " He said and prevented me from hitting him again. His grip was hard but he didn't want to hurt me, he just wanted to calm me. And then, he just hugged me as I cried on his shoulder.
" I lost everyone… Why ? This is not fair…I'm going to lose you too.. I won't be able to deal with this.. No… " I screamed in my almost hysterical state. « Maybe I should just kill myself and end this pain.. »
Maybe that was just the best solution.. Everything would be easier…No one would suffer because of me.. And I wouldn't have to deal with that awful pain.
" You're not making any sense, Elizabeth. You will never lose me, I will always be here for you. We'll get through this together. " He said and I felt him kissing my neck gently. " You gave me something to believe in when you stopped me from meeting the sun and now it's my turn. "
If only I could believe him… If only I could believe that everything was going to be okay, but that wasn't possible. I couldn't live with that pain, I couldn't live knowing that Russell Edgington was somewhere, alive and happy… He had destroyed my human life, he had destroyed my vampire life and he was not going to pay for that… I had made a promise to Arthur and I couldn't break it, I couldn't do that to him.
How could I live knowing everything ? This was going to destroy me a little at a time…
" I promise you, everything will be okay Elizabeth. " Godric said trying to reassure me. He was smiling sadly at me.
" You can't promise this… You don't know what will happen… " that was true… What if Russell find me and kill Godric too ? I couldn't even imagine what I would do…
He once again made me look at him, and his hand started to stroke my cheek. " I know that I'll do anything to make you smile again. I'll do anything for you. "
I hope you liked this chapter. It was very hard to write, especially Arthur's death but well I did it anyway. Now, I can already tell you that the next chapter will be sad , but I'm sure you'll like it too. Will you miss Arthur ? What do you think will happen next ? Tell me about it, I'm really curious !
Now, I want to thank Nelle07, Carlypso, stina222, DarkAngel620, princess moon shadow, MissLuLu2010, nicola for their amazing reviews !
By the way, next week is going to be very hard for me because of College so I don't know if I'll be able to update. I'll try to do my best but I can't promise you anything.
So now, please leave me a little review ?