When All Was Lost...

Chapter Twenty-Eight

28

A Bitter-Sweet Reunion

"Wow...that's...a lot to take in." Crow heaved a heavy sigh as he ran his fingers through his wild hair,

"That's about the jist of it." I said softly,"I ran and somehow made it back home..." she leaned back as she looked up at the old familiar ceiling.

"To think...you were kidnapped..right under my nose!" He clenched his teeth and thrust his fist into the firm mattress,"And I was none the wiser..." he huffed,"By the time I got back you were probably long gone...and I-"

"Crow!" I stopped him before her could hit the mattress again, his hand was already burned from the friction of the mattress against his knuckles."It wasn't your fault...please don't blame yourself."

"I shouldn't have left you alone!" he stated,"You were depressed and I just...left you!"

"Because you wanted to cheer me up." I reminded him,"Your heart was in the right place."

He sighed as he finally loosened his tense hand.

"So...then what happened?" he asked.

"Well..." I blinked as I tried to recall what I could,"...I'm sorry Crow...but I can't remember much else..." I sighed,"My most recent memory before now...was being found by Rally in that alley some time"

Crow gasped.

"I mean...bit and pieces are coming back slowly but-"

"Wait!" Crow snipped,"...some time ago?" he blinked as he stood,"You mean you've been here for a while!?" he huffed,"And you didn't think to see me until NOW!?"

"Crow, Please-"

"Three years, Akarii!" he snapped,"Three years you were gone! And Three years I worried for you! Searching for you everyday!" he huffed, as he held his head down, his fists clenched tight and trembled.

"Crow...please calm down..."

As I reached my hand out for his he swept his up and grasped my wrist tightly in his hold and I gasped.

"Three years you've been gone and I never stopped thinking of you!" he declared," Not for a single day!" his voice came out in a loud cry and his hands trembled as they held me,"Do you have any idea how I felt during all that time!?" he blinked,"Yet, you've been back!? And didn't even bother come looking for me!?"

"It's because I didn't remember you!" I snapped back and he let out a sudden gasp.

"Those supposed three years, Crow?" I blinked,"I don't remember anything about them!" I trembled,"They're a complete blank slate!" I stated,"My most recent memory I have of you is of your back...as you walked away to bring back some energy drinks for us."

He shook slightly and released me.

"I couldn't even match your voice to your face until just recently." I blinked as I trembled,"I can't...account for lot of time, Crow...!" I trembled softly with a wavering voice,"Three years of my life is just not there and It...it's terrifying!" I cried out, finally breaking down and falling into him as I sobbed,"Where was I during that time!?" I sobbed as he held me,"What was I doing!? What have I already done...!?" My sobs were heavy against his chest as my tears soaked and stained his orange top as he held me,"...I'm so scared Crow!" I sobbed gripping tightly at his clothes.

"H-Hey!" he stammered,"Hey, hey, hey, shhh...shh shh..." he hushed me as he held me tight trying to comfort and soothe my shaking body.

"It's okay..." he whispered softly,"It's okay...that doesn't matter right now." he said,"Because the only time that matters right now is the present...and in the present, you're here. You're with me. And your safe." he whispered,"As long as you're with me...you will always be safe. Understand?" he said softly,"You're with Crow now..." he whispered,"And Crow's gonna fix this..." his arms tightened around me and held me closer until I stopped crying.

"But...I don't think it's that easy, Crow." I stated softly.

"And maybe it won't be." he said,"But as long as we are together we'll figure it out!" he spoke gently,"I promise..."

I sighed softly as I took in his words, finally feeling appeased and complete as we held each other. I wanted to believe him. And for the first time in a long time, even with my scattered memories, I felt like I could.

"Crow..." I whispered softly.

"What is it?"

"I know this will be sudden...but I need a favor."

"A favor?" he blinked and pulled away,"What sort of favor?"

"I don't mean to make our reunion so short." I said softly,"But something serious is in the works...and...I need your help to try and stop it."

Crow blinked with a raised brow signifying his confusion.

"Well you know I'll do anything to help you with...whatever this is, but..." he said softly," What sort of help are we talking about here?" he blinked,"...What kind of favor do you need?"

I sighed taking in a deep breath as I tried to prepare myself for the words I was about to say.

"I need your help..." I said softly,"...To get me back into the City."

To be Continued