Chapter 25: Not Tonight

I check the watch I brought with me and it says it's 10:45. I rub the sleep from my eyes to stay wide awake. Hershel's been here for a day or two now, and he ended up finding Luke. The woman with him, who I now know is named Emmy, doubts whether Luke can predict where the Specter will show up. Apparently she's Hershel's assistant, which for some reason makes me feel weird. They haven't gotten too far into the town, not even going to the town center. I suppose it's easier on me, since I've gotten no sleep since they arrived. There's just so much I have to take care of, and I get little time to relax. The light from the hotel room is glowing onto the street like a beacon against the foggy darkness. Loosha will be coming soon, along with...Descole.

I slowly stretch out in exhaustion as my eyes try to close. Come on, Teresa. You need to stay up for a little longer. I lightly pinch my arm, listening to the low speaking voices coming from the hotel. "I'm still having a tough time buying all of this. It sounds like some scary bedtime story. Is this even possible?" Emmy's voice rings out into the night. I can see Hershel walk away from the window, though I can't hear what he said. "Oh Hershel," is all I can say. What would I do if he found out who I am? I bet he'd be mad; no that's not like him. Maybe he'd be upset I didn't show myself normally. He might never speak to me again, and I'd have to live with that for the rest of my life. I shake my head and hold my arms together. This is Hershel we're talking about, he would never be mad at you, a hopeful thought points out. I steadily get to my feet and lean closer towards the hotel. "What is...What on earth could that be?"

Immediately, flute music begins to play and I hear more talking. "Thank you, Arianna." I mutter with a smile. The ground progressively shakes and the small group in the lit room are scrambling towards the window. I pull my mask on and crouch low to the roof. I can see the creature slowly moving towards the street. Because of the fog, Descole's robot and Loosha look like one being, which is what the townspeople think the Specter look like. I try to get the blue animal's attention, but I get no response from her. Damn it Loosha, you can't attack him now. A thin black arm lets go of a lamppost and tears off a chunk of the building I'm on. Instinctively, I leap across the road and land in a windowsill near the open one. "What is that thing!?" Emmy yells in shock.

My heart is pounding so hard it's louder than the "Specter". The black figure slowly raises its head and stares at the hotel. Its red round eyes cut through the shadows and I can barely hear Luke's small cry. I crane my neck to look at the ajar window and Emmy fumbles to take a picture with her camera. The dark shape throws an arm into the air and in two seconds flat, rakes its down onto the building. "Loosha, NO!" I scream out as I jump into the room. Right before the claw reaches the room, I dive into Luke and Hershel, knocking them away from the window. Emmy is safe, falling back onto one of the beds. I can feel them both and pull them tighter towards me. The building shakes momentarily and some of the smoke clear up. Hershel looks at me in surprise as I help Luke to his feet. "It's you again." He says distantly. I smile mischievously, "I told you I'd be watching over you." He nods in thanks.

The ground rumbles as the creature romps away. "I got to follow it. Make sure you don't get too close to it, okay?" Before I can leave, Luke tugs at my coat and I look down at his frightened expression. "Please, don't go after it! You'll get hurt, or even worst!" He sounds so concerned, making me feel so touched. Emmy walks slowly behind me as I think of what to say. "Luke, I will never stop anything for this town. As long as I'm here, there'll be something worth fighting for. I need you to be brave and help me away from the battlefield. Can you do that for me?" He stares at me for a moment, and then nods determinedly. I smile and walk to the open window. "What is that thing though? Is it really the Specter from the legends?" Hershel asks me. I turn towards him and grin. "What's the use in telling you when you'll just find out later?"

It's not hard to follow them, especially when they're fighting. I take a route on the ground and find the two clashing against each other. Loosha squeals as she headbutts the robot at its center. I race towards the big animal and climb up to its head. She chirrups as I rub her forehead. "Don't worry little one, I'm here now." I murmur. With a defiant gaze, I stand up facing towards the black robot. "Come on, Descole! You don't see me using crappy machines to fight. I'm using what I've got!" I shout while extending my hands. "How about it's just me and you, no tricks?" As if in response, the machine grinds slowly as Descole jumps to the ground. "As you wish, my dear." He replies smartly.

He throws his cape off and I take out the same pipe I had when I fought in my first fight. Loosha squeaks in protest but I ignore it. "I won't be playing easy with you alright?" he points out smugly. "You pointed that out the first time, but you obviously weren't right." Descole tightens his grip on the sword in his hand and makes a slash towards me. I lean back, barely avoiding it. I counter with a sweeping kick and it knocks him onto the floor. I attempt to barge into him, but he dodges and slices through my sleeve. I move back a little, clutching my cut arm. We both clash our blades together, trying to make a hit on one another. Descole elbows my head, causing me to fall to the ground. Loosha growls angrily, but I force her back. I gently wipe some of the blood from my head as I shakily stand up.

I run at the masked man and shove him away. He thrusts his sword forward, and at the right moment, I use the metal pipe to knock it away. Both objects fly to the right and while Descole is recovering, I grab his white scarf and knee him in the stomach. He nearly falls to his knees and I throw my arm across his face. Falling on his side, he quickly kicks my kneecap and his robot snatches him away. It runs away as I rub my leg. Loosha flops to me and chirrups like she's asking if I'm okay. "Don't worry, Loosha. I'll live for now." I reassure her. I slightly cringe as she licks my face. I stroke her cheek with my eyes once again starting to close.

I hear running footsteps coming towards us and I notice Arianna and Tony coming fast. "Teresa, are you alright?! We watched some of the battle and you did amazing!" Tony exclaims excitedly. His older sister realizes my injuries and races to the nearby river. She wets her handkerchief in the water and returns back to me. "Your head looks terrible! We'll have to fix that when we get home." She dabs at my forehead but it still stings. Loosha turns her head in confusion as Arianna holds it to my head. "Keep it there for now until we're home." She orders. I bow slightly, causing her to giggle. We walk back to the children's house on the green hill and we all sit at the wooden deck, watching Loosha swim around in the lake.

Arianna dampens her hankie again and lightly presses it to my head. "I put some antiseptic on it, so it'll heal." The wound starts stinging more as she explains. I bite my lip so I don't shout. Tony is at the shore throwing rocks into the water. "How do you take care of yourself and Tony up here?" I ask the ginger girl. She looks over at her little brother and sighs. "It can be tough sometimes, but Loosha is like our parent. She always watches over us." She replies. I nod solemnly and suppress a yawn. "I haven't gotten any sleep since a new person arrived in town. I know him from my past, but he doesn't know it's me. He's going to help us against the robot." I explain. Arianna grins brightly and lays her head on my shoulder. I put my hand on her shoulder and rub the cloth on my head. With heavy eyes I drift off happily.

I had to do some "research" while writing this chapter. Again I'll be able to write more in Spring Brieak! Thx 4 reading and keep your eyes on the screen!