Shadowblood - Sorry I haven't updated in a while! It was my turn and TokioUndead did a great job tracking me down! :D I was drowning in homework and writing competitions, being sport house athlete…*sigh* But I'm back with a brand new chapter! Here it is, ladies and gentlemen!
Chapter 24 – The Unexpected
Bill's POV
'It's okay, Bill. I'll be fine. You need the last minute practice. We'll see each other for real tomorrow.' Catharine insisted, smiling as she said the last line.
'Okay.' I conceded, smiling back, hoping it looked convincing. I still wasn't happy leaving her alone with just Ayesha. Who would protect them? A lot could happen, they could be tortured again. Of they'd put up a fight but who knows if it'd be enough.
'Can't fool me. I see right through that smile, Bill and still I say…I'll be fine. Now go! You can rescue me tomorrow!' She said laughing as she pressed her lips to mine. I kissed her back hard, not laughing but at least smiling genuinely.
As she pulled away, I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and left. The first person I saw when I opened them again was Tom smiling slightly despite our battle tomorrow. I think he was still raw from his confession to Ayesha and that made me smile.
Arina stood silently for a moment but it looked like she was uneasy, eager yet just a little anxious, nervous. She fidgeted, she couldn't seem to keep still, tomorrow she would see her girls again but would it last. Her eyes focused on me, dilating slightly.
'Now that you're here, come. Both of you. And Tom? Bring the necklace.' She said, gliding out of the room.
Tom pulled the necklace out of his pocket and we followed her, by now we knew our way around the castle except when a room decided to pop up on its own. Enchanted buildings were funny like that.
We followed Arina to the library; a book lay open on the stand which Arina snatched up. She flipped the page and slammed the book down again onto the table in front of us.
'Ayesha…it turns out is right. She is destined not to live through this. I'm not willing to just let her go so both of you will learn the spell for the necklace. I know that you already know it but as you're not experienced, it is required for you two to spend 2 hours meditating.' She said, fiercely.
Both Tom and I groaned. Seriously? Sitting on the ground going 'ummm' for 2 whole hours?
'Meditating is not the same here boys. Listen carefully. Each of you focus on one of my girls; strengthen the bond between both of you. The bond is important, crucial. Only a bond strong enough can carry the magic of the necklace. In case Ayesha switches roles with Catharine, as…sacrifice, Bill must learn it as well. If Ayesha truly is the sacrifice, only Tom can do the deed. Go meditate now!' She said.
She threw her hands out and a breeze caught us along with a fog, Arina drifted in the distance and then Tom did too. I was alone in the wind and fog. I didn't know which way was up of where the ground went. There was just me and deep inside me, Catharine.
I closed my eyes, crossing my legs carefully, lowering myself down…I hope. I brought out our link and thought of her.
Catharine's POV
'So there's nothing we can do to prepare?' Ayesha asked me, worries making dents above her brows.
'Why do you ask?' I said, exasperated. Little sisters, they pester you endlessly.
'Because you spent 17 years of your life in the library training and learning and you know more spells.' She rushed out, cheeks flaming.
A smile forced its way out as pride and triumph filled me. It was always great to hear your little sister say you're awesome.
'Well, we could practice I guess. Tomorrow's gonna be tough and we should protect ourselves as best we can, just in case Tom and Bill have their hands full.' I said, thinking carefully, searching through years of spells and exercises.
'Well what do you suggest? Which spell?'
'Emotion Animation! Focus on an emotion and shoot the life magic into a non-living thing. Only takes a spark.' I said, remembering the laughs we had when Ayesha made an overactive rock puppy all those years ago.
'Um…I don't remember…' She admitted, shrugging her shoulders as I sighed.
'Watch.' I said already calling out the magic.
The bed was in the corner, unused and I focused on it. I thought of how Bill came to the rescue that time, to save Ayesha. Pure warrior. Brave, noble and selfless. Deep inside me I felt our connection, felt him meditating. I smiled.
I opened my eyes, flicking a single spark of living, pulsing magic to the bed. Ayesha watched as the bed-warrior twisted, raised on two legs and stood up. It even broke off a side bar to use as a weapon. Then it placed the make shift weapon against the bedding and bowed.
'Oh yeah! The rock puppy spell!' Ayesha yelped, then she had a weird look on her face. She placed a hand gently over her heart.
'Tom's here. Meditating I think.' She said, closing her eyes.
'Focus Ayesha. Don't find him. Leave him to his own practice. Now remember, life magic is special to all that's why we call it back once it's done.' I said, holding my hand out.
A spark siphoned out from the middle of the bed-warrior and melted into my fingertip and without it the bed-warrior fell instantly, a badly misshapen bed.
'Okay, okay. Let me try!' Ayesha said, closing her eyes.
I moved to sit on the bed and watch my sister glow with her magic.
Bill's POV
I've never felt so close to Catharine before. I needed her by me, wanted to hold her in my arms and make sure nothing bad would ever happen to her. I wanted to protect her and be close to her so bad. Our bond was so strong now I would almost think it would wrench me out of the wind, out of the fog and straight to her.
Then something tugged deep in me. It felt like fingers, fingers wrapping around my spine. Then another tug, harder and after that, it pulled. I was flying…backwards, painfully. I couldn't breathe, the rushing wind stole the air just as I was about to take it.
Then I heard the thud and felt the cold floor against my back. My heart racing, I gasped, gulping in as much air as my lungs would take. There were lights and I smelt the dusty ancient smell of old books. It was a comforting thing and yet it made me jump just a little. I could see, smell and touch again. These must be what birth feels like.
A slender face came above me, I couldn't see for the light behind it but I knew it was Arina from the second her dress skimmed along my hand. It was made of soft peat moss.
'Bill? Get up. You did great with the meditating. Now it's time for food, shower and rest. Tomorrow will be a big day for you and your twin.' She said gently.
I stood up wobbling a little. It was like learning to walk all over again. My legs felt like jelly but in a few seconds I was fine, just tired. I followed Arina to the banquet hall where Tom was already eating, eyes focused on something far away.
'Thomas?' I said softly, checking on him. He looked up instantly, eyes narrowing.
'Stop that. You know that's not my name.' he protested. He was fine apparently though he didn't look like it. Then as if he read my mind which he probably might have, he gave me a once over look and grimaced.
'You look like crap too.' He said.
'The first meditation is hard on all beings. Usually they vomit or black out, you two have once again proven yourselves as great warriors.' Arina said, marching me to the chair opposite Tom.
As I sat down she moved to take the centre seat between us. We ate in silence. No one said a word but it wasn't awkward or uncomfortable, it felt peaceful, serene like the most natural thing in the world.
After we ate, Arina said we should shower and head to bed. As we walked she held our hands and stopped us. She held Tom's face and kissed his forehead and then did the same with me. She smiled and closed her eyes.
'A blessing for the twin warriors, protectors of my daughters and savior of this realm. We shall go to battle in bravery and pride.' She said, dropping our hands and letting us go.
We smiled back and walked out, heading to our room. We each walked into a bathroom and showered as fast as we could. I've never felt so tired in my life. The hot water felt amazing and the steam was still rolling off of me when I was done. I dried myself with a towel and dressed in some boxers and sweats.
I stepped out and flopped onto my bed, pulling the blanket up to my chest. Tom stepped out and dumped himself on his bed too, turning off the lights. It was quiet still but I knew he wanted to say something. Something really important. So, I stayed awake. I didn't have to wait long.
'Bill, you know I meant it right? When I said I love her. I really do.' Tom said softly, waiting for my answer.
'Yeah I know. You've never said it to any girl before.' I said, smiling in the darkness.
'Yeah…she's different.' Tom said, and I could hear the smile in his voice too.
'I'm happy for you, Tom.' I said, eyes barely staying open.
'Thanks, Bill. Goodnight.' He said, letting out a big yawn.
'Night.' I whispered back, the need for sleep winning over my speech.
Bill's POV
The next morning…
'Boys! We must leave soon. Get up! Go eat something then join me on the tower. And hurry.' Arina said loudly, walking out of the room.
For the first time in our lives, me and Tom woke up without complaining. Sunlight streamed in and the clouds looked happy and the sky was a peaceful looking blue. It was hard to believe a battle would happen today, the eclipse blocking out the beautiful day.
But today the sky lied, I could hear the signs. The birds didn't sing. The town was quiet. There was no wind. Everything was so still and so tense. I could taste it in the air.
I took a deep breath and walked into the bathroom and got ready. Tom was gone by the time I got out so I ran to the banquet hall. Tom ate nervously, eating neatly for once. I grabbed a piece of toast and a purple fruit, shoving it down my throat.
'Tom, we gotta go! Stuff it your mouth so we can go!' I said, my words muffled by the food as I started walking out of the room.
Tom sighed, grinned and stuffed the rest of his breakfast in his mouth. He ran after me, looking a lot like a chipmunk with nuts in its cheeks. We raced up to the tower, Tom and I pushing each other to get there first. Arina rolled her eyes, seeing us, placing her hands on her hips.
'Come on, boys. I think you'll like our transport very much.' Arina said, smiling slyly as she turned to the sky.
'There's nothing here.' I whispered, leaning to Tom.
'I know.' Tom whispered back.
'Fero magna est! Veni, et tribus vestrum in suo nos egregius! Quaeso veni!' Arina exclaimed into the wind, her voice rising to a shout, her hands facing the clouds.
It sounded like Latin but I couldn't be sure. Then we heard wing flaps, like birds but it was a lot louder, it sounded huge. Then a squawk of an eagle rang out proudly in the air. My jaw dropped. I couldn't speak. No freaking way.
'We're riding that thing?' Tom shouted.
'Now, now, Tom. Don't be rude to the gryphons. They're nice creatures and you'll hurt their feelings insulting them like that.' Arina chided, stroking the feather-fur of the monster thing.
Another one alighted on the castle, three of them. They were lion sized which suits since chest to tail happens to be all lion. Except for the wings and the head, those belonged to an eagle. It turned its head catching my eye it unfurled its wings. Despite the fact that I was scared shitless, they were actually really beautiful. The way each glossy feather flexed and shaped the wind, the smooth golden fur. Huge, powerful muscles twisted and rippled as it moved. Majestic. Arina stroked its beak and it kneeled low for her. She jumped onto its back, rooting her fingers into the fur part.
'They are brave, warrior-like creatures. Very loyal. They won't attack us but you best show them respect.' Arina said, yanking her hands slightly to turn the gryphon.
I drew a shaky breath, nodding at Tom; I pushed my fear far back to the corner of my mind, shut it in a box and mentally swallowed the key. I started towards the gryphon, one foot in front of the other. Behind me, a pair of footsteps followed, further to my right. Tom wouldn't let me do it on my own.
I walked a little faster, reaching one hand out in dumb instinct. Sure, throw your hand in front of a monster that could swallow you whole. Very smart, Bill, pure genius. But it didn't move, not in the aggressive sense. It cocked its head, staring at me with surprisingly warm emerald eyes.
It stretched out so suddenly I had no time to move before it bumped its beak against my hand and licked my fingers. I stifled a laugh as its feathers tickled my arm. It kneeled for me, waiting. I climbed on, watching Tom stroking the beak of his gryphon. He was smiling, eyes practically twinkling with the excitement.
'Damn they're friendly!' Tom said, jumping onto his ride.
'To us yes, wait till they see the enemy… It's a real show. Up!' Arina said before she ordered it into the sky.
Ours followed behind her, wings beating creating the strongest wind ever. I squeezed my legs against its fur, the wind threatening to knock me off. I leaned low, trying to lessen wind resistance and increase my gravity. Oh hell, I hate this. Tom on the other hand was shouting at the top of his lungs though the wind stole most of his voice. He was grinning wider than I usually do which is a hard-won title but damn, it made me wonder if he wanted to live because he was leaning forward on his gryphon, coaxing it to sure-to-crash-and-die speeds.
Arina ignored him shaking her head; I could almost hear her thoughts. Such a boy. I closed my eyes and pressed my face into the space where the feathers and fur merged on the neck. It was soft and it helped to keep the panic in. I stayed that way for hours until Arina shouted out to us in a voice that trumped Tom's yells.
'We're here. We're landing on the rooftop but they're sure to hear us. I'll take the guards which is when you two will run and find my girls. Once you do that bring them up to the rooftop again. Once the eclipse starts, they'll be mortal, don't let them get hurt. Once we get them, jump on the gryphons and fly as fast as you can.' Arina said, fast and clear, no room for questions or arguments.
True enough when we landed, guards swarmed around us yelling. The gryphons squawked in rage and hate, burst of flames streaming out from all three of them. Tom and I slid off our gryphons, firing up our magic. Arina was already taking down guards, live vines slashing them too quick for them to react.
We ran to the door, knocking it open and running down the stairs halfway almost falling. Our shoes made loud sounds on the cold stone but the metal steps somewhere behind us were way louder.
'Follow me!' I yelled to Tom.
Twisting my body to face partially backwards, I threw balls of my magic making electricity the theme. Strings of sparking white light hit the guards, shocking them to the ground and soon Tom's customized blue flames followed exploding at it hit the target, frying them to a crisp so bad they fell groaning to the ground. We threw a few more and turned back again, running full speed to the girls' cell.
The door was obviously locked but Tom flung his hand at it throwing a purple light at it. Without any sound at all, the door disintegrated. Yup, disintegrated. Into a million little splinters so light, it rained down slowly. We ran through it the girls scrambling to their feet.
Catharine's small frame slammed into me, arms snaking around my neck; automatically I wrapped my arms around her tight, burying my face in her hair. I heard soft murmurs from Tom and Ayesha but I was too drunk with Catharine's presence to care. It wasn't like how I projected myself. That was almost nothing compared to this.
'It's really you.' She whispered, looking up at me with her warm chocolate brown eyes.
'I promised I'd come for you.' I said, leaning in slowly to kiss her.
Our kiss was sealed with magic, literally. My already heated up magic pulled hers out, combining and merging together as we kissed. It was like my magic loved hers too, it was amazing. We pulled away, gasping for breath.
'We're definitely continuing this later.' Catharine panted out, sliding her hand into mine.
I laughed, catching a glimpse of Tom and Ayesha locking lips. Their arms were wrapped around each other, so intense but my brother's face was soft so different from the other girls when his face was filled with want and lust. When they pulled away, Tom placed another small kiss on her forehead, taking her hand.
'Let's go.' I said.
But as we were running through the door, Tom and Ayesha fell. And they didn't get up.
Catharine's POV
'Ayesha!'
'Tom!'
Both of us dropped to our knees, grabbing hold of our siblings. I shook Ayesha, she was breathing but her eyes were unfocused, staring into the distance. Bill was calling Tom, slapping him lightly, he was breathing but like Ayesha he was just staring into space.
'No, NO!' my sister screamed at the air, grabbing my arm as she woke up.
'Oh my god! Shit!' Tom swore loudly as he came out of his own vision.
Ayesha looked at me for one second, eyes desperate, before bursting into tears, her body shaking with sobs. Tom crawled over shakily, stroking my sister's hair, wiping away her constant stream of tears. He wouldn't look at me.
'Tom, what is it?' Bill asked, placing a hand on his brother's shoulder.
Tom looked up slowly, eyes shifting to me and going back to Bill again. He drew in a deep breath but it was shaky.
'I'm so sorry, Bill. The vision…Ayesha was supposed to be the sacrifice but…' Tom said, leaving off as he looked down.
Bill gripped my arm tight but he kept his gaze on Tom. 'Catharine's the sacrifice?' He asked, voice tight.
'No…they both are.' Tom said, taking Ayesha's hand.
'There's only one necklace.' Bill stated, voice blank.
'There's no debate, boys. If it comes to that, Ayesha takes it.' I said, strongly.
I was not about to let my baby sister die. Even if it means leaving Bill behind. Suddenly, my throat felt tight, dry. I'd have to leave him behind, along with everything else. But Ayesha was my sister, I'd do anything for her even if she didn't want me to and true enough…
'What? NO! No! You're not dying to save me, forget it!' Ayesha yelled, grabbing my arm so tight it hurt but I didn't care.
Tom pulled her slowly into his arms, wrapping his arms around her; he tried to soothe her, whispering something in her ear. Her lips trembled. I knew she wouldn't give up so I pulled out my big sister voice.
'We're not talking about this now, we have to run. When it comes to it, we'll decide then.' I said, Bill helping me to my feet.
Tom stood up, supporting Ayesha in case she was still a little weak from her vision. I felt bad tricking my sister because I'd already planned to make her take it. I wouldn't save myself and let my sister die and the only one who knew what I was planning was Bill. He looked at me now rage clear on his face; he pulled me close making sure there was no space between us as he leaned this mouth to my ear.
'Don't think like that ever. Just don't. I'm not letting you go. I'll find a way, we'll make it through.' He whispered, fierceness burning in his voice.
Even though I didn't believe it yet, I nodded my head and he pressed a hard, quick kiss to my lips, leaving the imprint of it lingering there. Then we ran, ran as fast as we could up ahead, there were the sounds of shields and swords. I brought out my magic, thinking of the practice I showed Ayesha. Emotion Animation.
I threw a single spark towards a broken door, its metal binding unraveled into arms and legs, it snatched up a sword and giving a creak of battle cry, it charged towards the hoard of guards. Thank god all the doors here were huge.
We continued running, Bill yanked me through a sharp turn and then we were stumbling up the stairs, without warning two guards jumped out one heading for Tom and one for us. Tom grunted behind us, slamming the guard against the wall before throwing him back down the stairs, strength boosted by magic.
The guard in front of us drew a sword but Bill moved his body to shield me, hands forming claws the yellow glow of his magic switched to a blazing red and with a very feral growl, Bill slashed the guard's armor shredding the metal through to the flesh. The guard stumbled and fell, tumbling down the stairs.
We ran ahead, we could see light now and we heard the clashing of swords along with the smell of burning flesh. A battle cry rose in the air followed by the squawk of a gryphon. I knew instantly who screamed out the battle cry.
'Arina!' Ayesha and I shouted simultaneously.
We burst out into the light but it was darker than midday should be. We looked up slowly; the eclipse had begun and was already halfway through.
'Run! Boys, take them and go! Now!' Arina yelled as she swiped her vines, eliminating the last of the guards.
I knew why we had to run. Of all the guards on the ground, The Ministration was not there not even one. That's when a triumphant 'now' resounded in the air. One of them pounced on Arina, fighting with a blade, cutting her vines; she slashed his arm, trying to make him drop his weapon. I was so caught up, I sensed too late the other mega-wizard emerge from the shadows holding a dagger so bright, it sparkled with a light of its own. But the light was evil, evil, poisonous and very powerful.
He advanced towards my sister, Tom moving in front of her, he matched every move the wizard made, putting himself between Ayesha and the wizard.
'Don't fool yourself child, walk away! This doesn't concern you!' The wizard hissed, anger contorting his already ugly face.
'And leave my princess to die? You must be an idiot then, ugly.' Tom taunted, flexing his fingers as the purple glow faded to an emerald green.
The wizard flicked his wrist, the dagger moving towards Tom with a speed unmatched. Tom brought up his hands up, knocking the blade away, there was clash of metal. Tom's hand was impervious. They fought constantly, Tom all the while making sure Ayesha was behind him, safe. The dagger was never ceasing in its need to slash the two of them but neither was Tom. Until he fell.
He feinted backwards, hands behind his back as he changed his magic, the new glow looked deadly. He was about to strike and so was the wizard. When Ayesha lunged forward…she had no idea he was feinting. My sister was throwing her life to save his.
'No!' Tom shouted.
'Ayesha!' I screamed, knowing what would come next yet not wanting to believe it.
The wizard slashed the dagger across my sister's belly, blood spurted out as she was blown backwards, stumbling. Tom sunk his hand into the chest of the wizard, ripping it out again in fury. He turned without hesitation, catching Ayesha as she fell backwards; he knelt on the ground slowly, holding her in his lap.
I fell to my knees beside her, Bill following me. Tom yanked out the necklace, trying to place it around her neck, but she was fighting back, she wouldn't allow it.
'I can't let you go. Please. I love you.' Tom said, trying to convince her as hard as he could while her blood pooled around us.
'No. Catharine. She'll need it. I'm so sorry.' She spluttered, fighting Tom but there was real sorrow in her eyes.
'Don't cry.' She whispered to me, wiping the tears I didn't know were there.
'No! Take it! If you let yourself die, I won't take it either! Take it, damn it!' I screamed, grabbing the necklace from Tom, I forced it around my sister's neck and held her hands as she struggled to take it off.
'Tom, hurry!' I choked out through the tears but he looked at Bill's face one second.
'I'm sorry, Bill.' He said.
'The girl you love is dying, Tom. Save her already. I can still protect mine.' He said smiling feebly but I saw the pain in his eyes. It made my heart ache knowing the pain I was causing him.
Without another word, Tom performed the spell as Ayesha looked at him, drowsily. The slash across her belly was sealing itself but she didn't seem to notice she only had eyes for Tom even after he finished the spell. But she was losing consciousness quick.
'Kiss me?' She whispered as Tom pressed his lips to hers.
Then she blacked out. Tom picked her up in his arms and Bill helped me to my feet. We started running again to the gryphons. I should have been happy. Arina was waiting for us, my sister was alive and the other wizard was nowhere to be seen. But I knew deep inside it wasn't over. I just knew.
'Don't leave just yet now!' the wizard said, jumping out in front of Bill.
'Get out of my way or you'll be dead in minutes, I swear.' Bill threatened darkly, placing me at a safe distance from the shining sword he held.
Jewels were imbedded into the long blade, the metal was the finest grade and the hilt was so marvelously sculpted, it looked absolutely beautiful but in my mind I heard dark whispers and dying screams, the souls of thousands, exactly what you need to slay an immortal like me. Bill's hand glowed a dark blue as they circled each other, the wizard holding the sword high, biding the time to strike me down.
'Stay behind me.' Bill whispered, eyes never leaving the wizard's mutilated face.
I felt the heat of the magic in his hand, it was a huge collection, and it would probably kill the wizard, if Bill hit the target. He flung the collected power at the wizard, but he dodged at the last minute. The magic hit a stone corner, exploding with a deafening roar, leaving a crater in its wake.
Bill flung his hands again but this time the magic came in the form of ice. Sharp, miniscule, splinters of ice. The wizard dodged in an irregular pattern, going one way then another, Bill followed then taking a risk, he feinted to one side, exposing the right. An easy kill. As the wizard brought up the sword above me, ready to plunge it into my currently mortal body, Bill turned, a sharp icicle pointed directly into the torso of the wizard.
I happened too fast. The plan didn't really work. The icicle pierced the wizard, killing him instantly but at the same time the sword still fell, unstoppable in its search for my blood. It fell onto Bill, skewering him clean through the shoulder and into my heart. I didn't feel it. I didn't feel anything. The noise sounded strange, faded or muffled.
I felt the sword coming out of me, I couldn't keep my balance and I fell but not for long. Bill caught me and fell with me, he held me in his arms tight, and I smiled. I was getting sleepy now but I didn't want to go because I knew if I left now I wouldn't come back. Tears spilled freely from his gold-speckled brown eyes and onto my cheek. I savoured them, tiny drops of Bill's emotion, I could still feel him, I felt all his pain and sadness. He didn't want to let me go and neither did I but we both knew that it wasn't that simple.
'Please don't leave. Don't leave me. I love you so much. I'll never find anyone like you again. Not even close. I don't want to lose you now; I don't want to lose you ever.' He choked out, desperation in his eyes. If his voice hadn't cut through the fog in my mind, his eyes would have.
'It's not up to me. I'm so sorry. I'm going to miss you. I love you, Bill. So kiss me once last time before I go.' I said and I felt tears leaking from my eyes and my lips quivered.
Bill's POV
I crushed my lips to hers, letting her feel my love for her and unfairness of what's happening to her. I was so angry and hurt, it wasn't fair, I loved her and now she's leaving. Magic laced our kiss as her lips moved with mine, her lips were weak but I could feel the intensity of it. This would be our last kiss together.
I could feel her struggling to stay awake, to stay with me. And I felt it when she failed. I squeezed my eyes shut and kissed her until she stopped kissing back. When I pulled away, her eyes were closed and I kissed her one last time. The last of the darkness left, it was daylight again. The birds sang and the trees rustled again. The battle was over, we won. But it didn't feel like it. It left like death. I felt like death. She was gone.
I picked her up and carried her towards the gryphons. Her wounds healed on their own but her life didn't return. Deep inside me, our bond was still there, faded but I could still feel it. Loss, missing, love. Would I always feel her? Would it make it better or worse? Or was this just temporary, an echo that would fade and leave me alone? I don't know. I didn't want to think right now. I just wanted to take her home and be alone. Cause that's what I was. Alone.
As I approached, they bowed their heads all of them, even the gryphons. Arina and Ayesha had tears streaked down their face. Tom held Ayesha come, pain obvious on his face. Did he feel my pain? Yes. Would he ever understand? No. And I didn't want him to. Arina, Tom and Ayesha came around me, Arina taking her hand, Ayesha touching her face and tom holding her shoulder. But I held her. I know I should have let her go, just for them to see her but I couldn't. I just couldn't do it.
We flew home on the gryphons, they left right afterwards. I carried Catharine still, heading towards my room.
'Bill.' Tom said, looking at me.
I turned around looking at all of them. I was being selfish but I couldn't help it. I didn't know how long I'd have her for. I didn't want to lose her body too even if she wasn't in it.
'When is she going to be buried?' I asked, voice hollow and choking.
'This evening. We will incase her in a tree, in her bedroom garden.' Arina said, tears following once again.
'I just need a few minutes with her.' I said, swallowing the dryness in my throat.
'Of course.' Ayesha said, sadness in her eyes.
I turned around and went to my room, laying her on the bed. I stroked her cheek, kissing her forehead.
'I miss you. They're going to incase you in a tree. I wouldn't even get to see you every day. It's not fair that you had to go. I still love you.' I said, pausing to take in a deep breath.
'You might not be able to hear me but if you can, please promise, I'll never stop feeling you. When I go to that tree, promise you'll be there. Promise you'll stay with me. Please.' I said, tears fighting their way out of my eyes again.
Deep inside, I felt our bond tug, just a little. And I heard her, her voice so faint deep inside me. But it was there. I promise.
A knock on the door tore me away from my thoughts and I knew it was time for me to let her go. I stood up and opened the door, letting in Arina clad in fresh clothes.
'Why don't you shower and change, then meet us in the garden beside her room. We won't start without you.' she said, picking up Catharine and taking her away.
I walked into the shower, bathe and changed. I've never felt more alone in my life. I walked out of the room and headed to Ayesha and Catharine's room. I remembered how beautiful the garden was. I wonder if it would look just as beautiful without Catharine. When I got there, I knew the answer, it didn't.
Catharine was on the ground, dressed in the most beautiful dress I've ever seen. The light of the crescent moon reflected off the water and onto her, making her glow. I walked up and stood beside Tom. Arina nodded towards me and placed her hand on the trunk of a really old oak tree, leaning her lips close to the tree; she whispered a few words and the trunk twisted open and created a large, smooth space inside.
Reaching her hand out to Catharine, she levitated her body gently into the tree. She folded Catharine's hands on her belly, placing a flower underneath her palms.
'Give her something special to you. A token of remembrance.' Arina said, taking a step back to allow Ayesha to come forward. Ayesha walked up, unclasping the necklace which saved her life from around her neck. She locked it around Catharine's neck.
'I wish it could work for you now.' Ayesha said, voice shaking threatening to break.
Tom went next as Ayesha stood beside the tree. He unhooked his lip ring and slid it into Catharine's palm.
'I wish you would have stayed. It'll never be the same without you.' Tom said, eyes cast downwards.
As he walked over to stand beside Ayesha, I walked to the only girl I would ever love. I took off my silver ring and held it between my palms, heating it up. Carefully, I placed the burning ring against my shoulder. I heard the others gasp, wondering what I was doing. My flesh burned but I closed my eyes against the pain. When I took it off, there was a brown circle mark. I cooled the ring again and slid it on Catharine's finger. I leaned in close and whispered my words though I knew they would all hear me.
'That is your mark on me, permanent forever. You'll always be my princess. I love you.' I said, moving to stand next to Arina.
Arina placed her hand on the trunk again and whispered in a foreign language. The trunk twisted back and doing so, it hid Catharine from me, trapping her in the tree.
Arina hugged each of us one by one but as she hugged me she whispered. 'That mark you burned is an oath. It means you'll always love her and she, you. I'm proud of you.'
She pulled away then, walking back into the castle. Ayesha and Tom stopped in front of me. Ayesha looked hard in my eyes and I saw something there. She knew something.
'May I?' She asked, gesturing to my shoulder.
I bared my shoulder to her and she traced the circle and I saw her eyes unfocus for a moment. Tom didn't notice. But as soon as she refocused onto me, there was a change in her face. There was hope there.
'Bill, do you mind switching places for the night? I can't be in that room tonight. It's instinct, I always follow it.' Ayesha said, though it was like she directed the last line at me. A guidance, a clue.
I narrowed my eyes and nodded. She immediately pulled Tom away into the castle. I followed behind them, lying in Ayesha's bed as they left. I waited about 15 minutes, then I got up again. There was a reason, Ayesha said what she said. She had hope for something. Hope right after her sister died. It was important, I could feel it.
Again the bond inside me, so still earlier, tugged but this time with it, the mark on my shoulder tingle. Come to the tree, Bill! Quick! Help! I could hear panic and I ran, ran as fast as I could outside to the tree, it was shaking. I placed my hands against the tree and tried to feel a way in. I can't breathe! Ironic, I panic-thought, earlier she wasn't breathing at all. Was she alive? She had to be! The damn tree was shaking. I sparked my magic and using the strength of it I dug my fingers into a crack and ripped the tree open.
Catharine fell out onto the grass but she wasn't breathing. I rushed to my knees beside her, taking her into my arms, she was warm. She was alive just moments ago! I was too late! I failed again. She died twice because of me. In sheer rage and frustration, I kissed her hard but before I could pull away, she kissed me back just as strongly.
'Catharine! Catharine! Oh my god, you're back! Oh god, I love you.' I said, pressing my lips to hers again.
'I love you too. I'm never leaving you again.' She said, wrapping her arms around my neck.
Faraway, we registered the sound of the others waking up and running to us. She carefully slid my shirt down, revealing the mark I'd burned in her name. For the first time, I blushed about it. She kissed it, magic sparking in between.
'I can't believe you swore yourself to me.' She whispered.
'I'd do anything for you.' I said.
I leaned in again, kissing her lips softly which is exactly how they found us. Wrapped in each other's arms, linked by a bond and willingly bound by a promise.
Tokioundead483- THE FINALLY IS SOOO GUNNA BE UP SOOON! Im sad its coming to an end =]