Disclaimer- I do NOT own Zoids, Brad Hunter, Leena Toros, Bit Cloud, etc
etc etc.
Author's Note- My most profound apologies to all my readers. School is really dragging me down and I barely have time to type now but school work shall not defeat me!!! Again, my apologies. Oh yeah, mercenary solo, I'm a fan of Brad and Naomi too, but I think variety is a welcome addition.
Thank you all reviewers and readers!!!
Dedication- I Have-Pants thanks for the email! Appreciate it!
Blanket of Darkness
This is it.
It's over now.
I'm going to die.
This is the end of my story.
Bit is going to kill me.
But I don't mind. As long as he's alive. As long as he didn't die for me.
Closing my eyes, I force a grim smile through the smoking cockpit. I feel a tear trickle down my grimy cheeks. The footsteps are louder now. I'm guessing I only have a few more moments left to live.
"Bit.." I hear myself murmur under my breath. "I'm sorry..I couldn't be strong for you..I couldn't go on without you."
The Zoids have stopped. A twist of metal and a pause is all I need to know that they locked onto me.
"I'm sorry," I whisper.
And I take one last breath, preparing to meet endless sleep with open arms.
"Leena!"
My eyes snap open. I jerk my head up to see a very familiar fox pounce between the Hellcats, throwing them back. They stagger in surprise and before either of them can bring their weapons to bear, the Shadow Fox strikes at Bit. The two warriors roll around in the sand, locked in fierce combat. Claws and fangs lash out at resulting in a shower of sparks. Howls and roars ring in my ears as they shatter the solitude of the desert. They go at is so tenaciously no doubt they'll end up killing each other.
"Brad!!!" I choke out. Smoke stings my eyes and tears begin to roll down my grimy face. Bit saved my life, only to be captured. Brad saved me from myself. And now my two saviors are fighting each other. One trying to kill me, the other to protect me from the one person I love.
Such irony.
Such cruel irony.
Oh God I feel like crying. My strength fails again and I just want to roll up in a corner and die. I want to cry so badly.
No, I tell myself fiercely. No more whining. I won't cry again. It hasn't helped anybody at all. I have to pick myself up and continue. It's what Brad wanted me to do.
It's what Bit wants me to do.
I shake my head and shout again.
"Brad!! That's Bit!!"
He obviously can't hear me because the fighting just gets more intense. The last remaining Back Draft Warrior is just standing there. He has forgotten all about me. I'm no longer a threat to him now. This fight is more amusing to watch for him. I can almost imagine that sadistic gleeful expression. The thought of it makes me want to vomit. I feel lightheaded, but this is no time for me to sit here uselessly. I glance at my Zoid's system. It's about to fall apart. Half the weapons are offline and I can barely move. The power cells are nearly depleted. There are about a hundred problems that could take weeks to repair. Jerking at the controls, I struggle to bring it back to its feet. It groans at the effort, and there's a loud snapping sound but I just grit my teeth and keep moving.
The fighting is worse now. I didn't think it was possible but it is. The Shadow Fox is still damaged from the base and it's not fighting as well as it normally would. And a Hellcat is normally no match against it. Except the pilot is Bit now. And even though it's not Liger, he's an exceptional pilot still. Brad gets pinned onto the ground; hissing and snapping jaws at the larger Zoid. A claw glows a brilliant gold as he jabs upward with a strike laser claw. Bit swings roughly to the side, dodging the attack. He slides against the sand with fluid grace and fires several quick shots that fall short from his target. Brad returns fire, his Vulcan cannon blazing as Bit takes off again. And they are back to square one. Neither of them are giving up any ground. I can't stand watching this fight. I try again to reach Brad. His picture is blurry, but I can make it out. Forehead glistening with perspiration and his cobalt eyes locked onto his opponent. His lean face wrapped in seriousness. Rigid muscles tense at every movement. He's calm. His breathing steady. Even everything he's been through the pass few days he's still the same. Brad has always been the one with the cool complexion. Not hotheaded like me or cocky as Bit. It's like trying to pick a fight with a wall. Nothing you say will get to him. But now, this isn't a battle for individual points. Money isn't the main issue. I've only seen him look this way once. When I first picked up my Gun Sniper, the battle with the desert bandits. He was protecting the girl he loves.
Naomi.
Naomi Fluegal.
Not Leena Toros.
But Naomi.
Oh no.
Why is this happening to me? Why does everything have to be so screwed up? Why can't I just have a normal life like everyone else? Why can't I just wake up in the morning without having chains pulling me down? As soon as one thing resolves itself another problem pops up. It's like I was put on this godforsaken world to be a victim of human misery.
I don't love Brad. I don't feel anything for him at all. Friendship yes. Respect, certainly. But not love. I won't open myself to anyone anymore. Bit was the first and will be the last. I won't even pretend. Love requires something that I can't give to Brad.
Something I won't give.
Because it's already been taken.
"Brad!!! Brad that's Bit!! That's Bit you're fighting!!!!," I yell as loud as my burning throat will allow. I hope I can get his attention. I don't even want to think about the outcome of all this.
He blinks for a second and gives an incredulous look at me.
"Leena, what are you talking about?" He speaks as if I was a child telling the most absurd lie.
"That's Bit!! He's being controlled by something! I don't know what it is but something is wrong with him!"
Brad continues to stare at me while he's still occupied with the fight. He flips a switch and his eyes almost bulge out in surprise.
"Bit?!? What's going on?! Why are you fighting us?!" demands Brad. "What's gotten into you Bit?!? BIT?!"
Nothing.
"What's going on?!? Leena why is he like a zombie all of a sudden?!?"
I shake my head disbelieving. Tears threaten to escape but I won't let them. Not anymore.
"I don't know..they did something to him. He doesn't remember anything. It's like they erased his mind."
I shut up. I can't keep talking about this. It hurts too much. Too damn much.
"Well, what are we supposed to do then?!?" He yells out to no one in particular. I shake my head. I stay silent.
A burst of static and Brad's face dissolves. The communication system is dead. No way to reach either of them now. The Back Draft Warrior is still there. He's been giving the orders to Bit. He's the puppet master. Maybe if I stop him, Bit will be ok. I never wanted to kill anyone before. Human life is too precious to be wasted. But this sick animal is an exception.
Without warning, I aim in the general direction of my target. All the remaining weapons come to life with a screech and I pull the trigger. Too late. He caught sight of me and his Zoid disappears, blending into the terrain. I don't wait for him to appear. I just keep firing. Every missile and bit of ammo I have left slams into the sand with smoke clouding up my sights. Fiery balls of flame bombard like napalm. The warning system goes red and starts beeping. My Gun Sniper is going to overheat. I keep firing. More explosions. More smoke.
The warning grows more frantic and the weapons eventually burn themselves out. Unlocking my belt, I pop the cockpit window open and scramble out. I land on my feet, ignoring the shock of pain and sprint away as fast I can. In seconds, my Zoid combusts and shrapnel rains down. I stagger, then fall. I hit the ground hard. A few chips of debris cut me but otherwise I'm fine. I stand up cautiously and look around. What used to be my Zoid is still on flames. Four Hellcats lay sprawled out like dead leaves. I turn to face where I last saw Brad and Bit. It must've been over for a while. The Shadow Fox is lying on its side, only a few hundred feet from the other Hellcat. Besides the gusts of wind and the crackling of fire, it's quiet. An uncomfortable silence of waiting. It feels odd. Seconds ago there was nothing but chaotic war.
And now, a brief moment of mocking tranquility.
Somebody is running towards me. Their steps are purposeful. I can't see who it is, but I stand still, just watching. Whoever they are, they're wearing the black Back Draft Group uniform. As he comes closer, my legs tremble and my breath quickens. Blond hair. Spiky wild blond hair.
Bit.
I want to laugh. But I lack the humor.
I want to cry. But my happiness is bittersweet.
I feel like running. But my feet are glued to the ground.
So I just stay where I am. Just waiting. Waiting for him.
One hundred feet and he'll be here.
Eighty. The pounding of his boots seems like drums.
Sixty. I can make out his face. Expressionless. Stolid.
Forty. He's carrying a gun.
Twenty. The smell of sweat is faint.
Ten. He stops and points the pistol at me. Not even a blink. Not even a flinch. Absolutely nothing. I don't have to even look to know it's aimed at my head.
Someone is behind me now. I don't bother turning to face them. I continue to gaze at my executioner, trying to search for something. His eyes are so flat. I shake. But I stand tall.
"And what were you saying a while ago little girl?" the voice sneers at me. I failed to kill him. After all that I couldn't dispose of one man. I ignore him. No point in arguing. I reach for the photo in my back pocket. The man snickers. I stare at it for a while; the slightly crumpled photo in my blood crusted hands. Bit. Broad smile, sparkling pools of aquamarine. Full of life. Full of love.
And now, dead, unmoving. Nothing but a shell.
I lower my eyes, unable to look back at such a blank face. I sigh and speak quietly.
"I'm sorry Bit..I'm sorry for everything. I didn't want any of this to happen." Despite my efforts a tear trickles down my face. I make no effort to wipe it away.
"I'm sorry..."
There's nothing more I can do now. It's over. This is the end. I'm not afraid of dying. But I rather die than be forgotten by him. I let the photo drop. My hopes are gone. My dreams have been wasted. Still, there's one last thing I want to do. Something my body and soul has been longing for. One last feeling of comfort. Even if it's only a second, I'll take anything I can get. Putting one foot in front of the other, I slowly take the last steps of my life. The gap between us shortens. Only my own breathing makes any sound. Closer and closer, I stand merely a pace away. I know how pitiful I must look. Standing there with filthy clothes and a tear streaked face, trying to talk to someone who is about as alive as a rock. Inhaling a short breath, I end the space dividing us and hesitantly at first, encircled my thin arms around his torso for a last, brief hug. Grateful hands resting on his back. The feeling of his strong body against my weak form makes me miss him even more, even though he's not the same. There is no reaction. But he is Bit. He may not act like it. But he is in some degree. In some small degree. I arch my head up, bringing my chin to rest on his shoulder. Closing my eyes, I whisper gently into his ear.
"Forgive me, please,"
All too soon, I pull back, taking a step away. Bringing my eyes back to his face, I await the inevitable.
"Kill her!" hisses the officer bitterly.
Bit aims again.
Blink.
And pulls the trigger.
The sound of it crackles the air like thunder. Again, he fires.
Over and over, till my ears are echoing the sounds in my head. I feel nothing. No pain. Blood isn't pouring out of me. I'm perfectly fine. Strange, I thought death was much worse. Finally, it stops and I see Bit lower the smoking barrel. There's no doubt on whom just died. I look back at Bit in disbelief. He blinks. His arm trembles. He stares at his own hand as if it were a foreign object. I take a closer look. He's crying. Bit Cloud is actually crying. My heart aches. I take a step forward but he wards me frantically off..
"NO! Don't get any closer Leena! I don't want to hurt you!" Bit backs away, ashamed at himself. "I don't want to hurt you.." He repeats, quieter then the first.
I got through to him. He responded. I actually was able to get to him. He finally said something. To me. I'm at lost for words. All I can do smile in utter relief. He's okay. He'll be fine now. Everything will be as it was. For the first time in a while, I am truly happy. My world is slowly, deliberately slipping back into light. Into peaceful rivers. Sweet flowers. Joyous laughter.
"It's okay..it's not your fault...you couldn't help yourself..." I gently smile reassuringly.
"No it's not ok Leena! I..almost killed you! I-I...would've killed you if you hadn't..." His voice trails off. He's shaking all over. He looks so human. So scared. I have to do something. I reach out an arm. He jolts back, shouting.
"Stay away from me Leena! I-I...I don't know if I can control myself...I don't know how long I can fight it...please just STAY AWAY!!!!"
I stop where I am. He's still crying. His gun is still in his grasp. Shivering as if it was zero degrees, his sickly pale face forces to stare back at me. He's afraid to look at me directly. He's too ashamed to do that.
"I-I'm sorry...I couldn't be there for you...but you're going to need to keep going on without me..there's nothing you can do for me now...but..be strong...for me. Please Leena,"
I don't understand why he's begging. Everything is going to be all right now. We can get him some help and he'll be fine. I open my mouth to protest but all he does is clench his eyes shut and raises the gun to his head. Before I could say anything at all, he pulls the trigger.
And his limp body falls.
Nothing in the million years could've prepared me for that single moment.
The world plunged back into ash and salt water.
My heart died.
Fate is replaying itself.
A circle of pain.
A cycle of misery.
Over and over.
I stare dumbly for a second and with blurry eyes, reach for the gun from Bit's still hands. I snatch it up and shakily press the cool metal against the side of my head. Not a single doubt is left in my mind. This is what I've been wanting. If I can't be with Bit in life, then death will be just as sufficient. Without a second thought, I pull the trigger.
Click.
Again.
Click.
My realization turns into horror. No. The clip is empty. I can't even escape this hellhole. I keep trying; hoping there is one last bullet to bring me salvation.
Click.
Click.
No no no!!! This isn't fair!!! This isn't how it's supposed to turn out! Why does nothing ever end the way I want?!? I NEVER asked to be a part of this! I never wanted to have to suffer this way! I can't even kill myself now!!! He did this on purpose! Bit knew what I would do! I throw the useless weapon down and search for something else. I catch sight of a shiny, metallic object. I run for it. My body is exhausted, my lungs screaming at me to stop, my eyes burning red. I keep going. I can faintly hear someone shout at me, but I'm too focused to pay any attention. I pull it out of the sand. The sharp blade slices my palm. Blood trickles out. I raise the crude weapon back to strike. My head leans back, offering my throat as if this were a sacrifice.
Not sacrifice.
A pity death.
Like finishing off a mortally wounded creature.
I bring it down towards my exposed neck.
And I find my wrist being held back by none other than Brad Hunter.
"Leena!!! What are you doing?!?" His clothes are a little burned and a few bruises dot his face.
"What does it look like I'm trying to do!?! I want to DIE!! Leave me the hell alone!!!" I scream at him and try in vain to wrench back the blade. It's no use. He's too strong. He easily resists my efforts and flings it away. I try to reach for it but Brad blocks my path. Pounding my fists into his chest, I shake my head over and over. I throw curses and oaths at him repeatedly. My fists become weaker and he just stands there. I can't hold back anymore. I collapse to the hard dry ground and cry.
I know I told myself I wouldn't but I am.
I said I had to pick myself up for Bit but I can't.
My sobbing was drowned out by tortured shrieks. I shake all over, clasping the side of my head with my hands. It was worst then a thousand deaths. How long I sat there, I don't know. All I could remember was an endless stream of tears and the audible feeling of somebody kneeling down. I didn't care who it was. I didn't think about it. Just acted. I leaned toward the familiar scent and held onto the other until darkness swept over me. Enveloping me in a shroud of false security, sleep claimed my wretched soul. And one last thought flickered before me.
Bit..I'm so sorry.
ACK!!! I know I know I know!!! Many of you all will hate me for this chapter but I honestly believe angst endings are more realistic! Please please please don't flame me!!! If you absolutely hated this story, please email me and state your reasons. I'm sooo sorry for all you peeps who wanted a happy ending but I think this works out much better. Many apologies to you Brad and Naomi and Leena and Bit fans. Read and review pls!!! I need your feedback!!! Again, I am very sorry.
I plan on updating soon!! So please keep the reviews coming!
Cassie- DIE YOU MORBID FREAK!!
Anika- Yeah! I'm going to kick your @$$!!!!
Kathryn- Why did you kill him dammit???
Me- Eek! *runs off and hides into the forests*
Anika- You can't escape us that easily!
Cassie- Burn the forest down!
Kathryn- Brother!!! I'm going to smash your head in for that ending!!!
Me- *gulps and keeps running*
Hehe, no offense guys.
Author's Note- My most profound apologies to all my readers. School is really dragging me down and I barely have time to type now but school work shall not defeat me!!! Again, my apologies. Oh yeah, mercenary solo, I'm a fan of Brad and Naomi too, but I think variety is a welcome addition.
Thank you all reviewers and readers!!!
Dedication- I Have-Pants thanks for the email! Appreciate it!
Blanket of Darkness
This is it.
It's over now.
I'm going to die.
This is the end of my story.
Bit is going to kill me.
But I don't mind. As long as he's alive. As long as he didn't die for me.
Closing my eyes, I force a grim smile through the smoking cockpit. I feel a tear trickle down my grimy cheeks. The footsteps are louder now. I'm guessing I only have a few more moments left to live.
"Bit.." I hear myself murmur under my breath. "I'm sorry..I couldn't be strong for you..I couldn't go on without you."
The Zoids have stopped. A twist of metal and a pause is all I need to know that they locked onto me.
"I'm sorry," I whisper.
And I take one last breath, preparing to meet endless sleep with open arms.
"Leena!"
My eyes snap open. I jerk my head up to see a very familiar fox pounce between the Hellcats, throwing them back. They stagger in surprise and before either of them can bring their weapons to bear, the Shadow Fox strikes at Bit. The two warriors roll around in the sand, locked in fierce combat. Claws and fangs lash out at resulting in a shower of sparks. Howls and roars ring in my ears as they shatter the solitude of the desert. They go at is so tenaciously no doubt they'll end up killing each other.
"Brad!!!" I choke out. Smoke stings my eyes and tears begin to roll down my grimy face. Bit saved my life, only to be captured. Brad saved me from myself. And now my two saviors are fighting each other. One trying to kill me, the other to protect me from the one person I love.
Such irony.
Such cruel irony.
Oh God I feel like crying. My strength fails again and I just want to roll up in a corner and die. I want to cry so badly.
No, I tell myself fiercely. No more whining. I won't cry again. It hasn't helped anybody at all. I have to pick myself up and continue. It's what Brad wanted me to do.
It's what Bit wants me to do.
I shake my head and shout again.
"Brad!! That's Bit!!"
He obviously can't hear me because the fighting just gets more intense. The last remaining Back Draft Warrior is just standing there. He has forgotten all about me. I'm no longer a threat to him now. This fight is more amusing to watch for him. I can almost imagine that sadistic gleeful expression. The thought of it makes me want to vomit. I feel lightheaded, but this is no time for me to sit here uselessly. I glance at my Zoid's system. It's about to fall apart. Half the weapons are offline and I can barely move. The power cells are nearly depleted. There are about a hundred problems that could take weeks to repair. Jerking at the controls, I struggle to bring it back to its feet. It groans at the effort, and there's a loud snapping sound but I just grit my teeth and keep moving.
The fighting is worse now. I didn't think it was possible but it is. The Shadow Fox is still damaged from the base and it's not fighting as well as it normally would. And a Hellcat is normally no match against it. Except the pilot is Bit now. And even though it's not Liger, he's an exceptional pilot still. Brad gets pinned onto the ground; hissing and snapping jaws at the larger Zoid. A claw glows a brilliant gold as he jabs upward with a strike laser claw. Bit swings roughly to the side, dodging the attack. He slides against the sand with fluid grace and fires several quick shots that fall short from his target. Brad returns fire, his Vulcan cannon blazing as Bit takes off again. And they are back to square one. Neither of them are giving up any ground. I can't stand watching this fight. I try again to reach Brad. His picture is blurry, but I can make it out. Forehead glistening with perspiration and his cobalt eyes locked onto his opponent. His lean face wrapped in seriousness. Rigid muscles tense at every movement. He's calm. His breathing steady. Even everything he's been through the pass few days he's still the same. Brad has always been the one with the cool complexion. Not hotheaded like me or cocky as Bit. It's like trying to pick a fight with a wall. Nothing you say will get to him. But now, this isn't a battle for individual points. Money isn't the main issue. I've only seen him look this way once. When I first picked up my Gun Sniper, the battle with the desert bandits. He was protecting the girl he loves.
Naomi.
Naomi Fluegal.
Not Leena Toros.
But Naomi.
Oh no.
Why is this happening to me? Why does everything have to be so screwed up? Why can't I just have a normal life like everyone else? Why can't I just wake up in the morning without having chains pulling me down? As soon as one thing resolves itself another problem pops up. It's like I was put on this godforsaken world to be a victim of human misery.
I don't love Brad. I don't feel anything for him at all. Friendship yes. Respect, certainly. But not love. I won't open myself to anyone anymore. Bit was the first and will be the last. I won't even pretend. Love requires something that I can't give to Brad.
Something I won't give.
Because it's already been taken.
"Brad!!! Brad that's Bit!! That's Bit you're fighting!!!!," I yell as loud as my burning throat will allow. I hope I can get his attention. I don't even want to think about the outcome of all this.
He blinks for a second and gives an incredulous look at me.
"Leena, what are you talking about?" He speaks as if I was a child telling the most absurd lie.
"That's Bit!! He's being controlled by something! I don't know what it is but something is wrong with him!"
Brad continues to stare at me while he's still occupied with the fight. He flips a switch and his eyes almost bulge out in surprise.
"Bit?!? What's going on?! Why are you fighting us?!" demands Brad. "What's gotten into you Bit?!? BIT?!"
Nothing.
"What's going on?!? Leena why is he like a zombie all of a sudden?!?"
I shake my head disbelieving. Tears threaten to escape but I won't let them. Not anymore.
"I don't know..they did something to him. He doesn't remember anything. It's like they erased his mind."
I shut up. I can't keep talking about this. It hurts too much. Too damn much.
"Well, what are we supposed to do then?!?" He yells out to no one in particular. I shake my head. I stay silent.
A burst of static and Brad's face dissolves. The communication system is dead. No way to reach either of them now. The Back Draft Warrior is still there. He's been giving the orders to Bit. He's the puppet master. Maybe if I stop him, Bit will be ok. I never wanted to kill anyone before. Human life is too precious to be wasted. But this sick animal is an exception.
Without warning, I aim in the general direction of my target. All the remaining weapons come to life with a screech and I pull the trigger. Too late. He caught sight of me and his Zoid disappears, blending into the terrain. I don't wait for him to appear. I just keep firing. Every missile and bit of ammo I have left slams into the sand with smoke clouding up my sights. Fiery balls of flame bombard like napalm. The warning system goes red and starts beeping. My Gun Sniper is going to overheat. I keep firing. More explosions. More smoke.
The warning grows more frantic and the weapons eventually burn themselves out. Unlocking my belt, I pop the cockpit window open and scramble out. I land on my feet, ignoring the shock of pain and sprint away as fast I can. In seconds, my Zoid combusts and shrapnel rains down. I stagger, then fall. I hit the ground hard. A few chips of debris cut me but otherwise I'm fine. I stand up cautiously and look around. What used to be my Zoid is still on flames. Four Hellcats lay sprawled out like dead leaves. I turn to face where I last saw Brad and Bit. It must've been over for a while. The Shadow Fox is lying on its side, only a few hundred feet from the other Hellcat. Besides the gusts of wind and the crackling of fire, it's quiet. An uncomfortable silence of waiting. It feels odd. Seconds ago there was nothing but chaotic war.
And now, a brief moment of mocking tranquility.
Somebody is running towards me. Their steps are purposeful. I can't see who it is, but I stand still, just watching. Whoever they are, they're wearing the black Back Draft Group uniform. As he comes closer, my legs tremble and my breath quickens. Blond hair. Spiky wild blond hair.
Bit.
I want to laugh. But I lack the humor.
I want to cry. But my happiness is bittersweet.
I feel like running. But my feet are glued to the ground.
So I just stay where I am. Just waiting. Waiting for him.
One hundred feet and he'll be here.
Eighty. The pounding of his boots seems like drums.
Sixty. I can make out his face. Expressionless. Stolid.
Forty. He's carrying a gun.
Twenty. The smell of sweat is faint.
Ten. He stops and points the pistol at me. Not even a blink. Not even a flinch. Absolutely nothing. I don't have to even look to know it's aimed at my head.
Someone is behind me now. I don't bother turning to face them. I continue to gaze at my executioner, trying to search for something. His eyes are so flat. I shake. But I stand tall.
"And what were you saying a while ago little girl?" the voice sneers at me. I failed to kill him. After all that I couldn't dispose of one man. I ignore him. No point in arguing. I reach for the photo in my back pocket. The man snickers. I stare at it for a while; the slightly crumpled photo in my blood crusted hands. Bit. Broad smile, sparkling pools of aquamarine. Full of life. Full of love.
And now, dead, unmoving. Nothing but a shell.
I lower my eyes, unable to look back at such a blank face. I sigh and speak quietly.
"I'm sorry Bit..I'm sorry for everything. I didn't want any of this to happen." Despite my efforts a tear trickles down my face. I make no effort to wipe it away.
"I'm sorry..."
There's nothing more I can do now. It's over. This is the end. I'm not afraid of dying. But I rather die than be forgotten by him. I let the photo drop. My hopes are gone. My dreams have been wasted. Still, there's one last thing I want to do. Something my body and soul has been longing for. One last feeling of comfort. Even if it's only a second, I'll take anything I can get. Putting one foot in front of the other, I slowly take the last steps of my life. The gap between us shortens. Only my own breathing makes any sound. Closer and closer, I stand merely a pace away. I know how pitiful I must look. Standing there with filthy clothes and a tear streaked face, trying to talk to someone who is about as alive as a rock. Inhaling a short breath, I end the space dividing us and hesitantly at first, encircled my thin arms around his torso for a last, brief hug. Grateful hands resting on his back. The feeling of his strong body against my weak form makes me miss him even more, even though he's not the same. There is no reaction. But he is Bit. He may not act like it. But he is in some degree. In some small degree. I arch my head up, bringing my chin to rest on his shoulder. Closing my eyes, I whisper gently into his ear.
"Forgive me, please,"
All too soon, I pull back, taking a step away. Bringing my eyes back to his face, I await the inevitable.
"Kill her!" hisses the officer bitterly.
Bit aims again.
Blink.
And pulls the trigger.
The sound of it crackles the air like thunder. Again, he fires.
Over and over, till my ears are echoing the sounds in my head. I feel nothing. No pain. Blood isn't pouring out of me. I'm perfectly fine. Strange, I thought death was much worse. Finally, it stops and I see Bit lower the smoking barrel. There's no doubt on whom just died. I look back at Bit in disbelief. He blinks. His arm trembles. He stares at his own hand as if it were a foreign object. I take a closer look. He's crying. Bit Cloud is actually crying. My heart aches. I take a step forward but he wards me frantically off..
"NO! Don't get any closer Leena! I don't want to hurt you!" Bit backs away, ashamed at himself. "I don't want to hurt you.." He repeats, quieter then the first.
I got through to him. He responded. I actually was able to get to him. He finally said something. To me. I'm at lost for words. All I can do smile in utter relief. He's okay. He'll be fine now. Everything will be as it was. For the first time in a while, I am truly happy. My world is slowly, deliberately slipping back into light. Into peaceful rivers. Sweet flowers. Joyous laughter.
"It's okay..it's not your fault...you couldn't help yourself..." I gently smile reassuringly.
"No it's not ok Leena! I..almost killed you! I-I...would've killed you if you hadn't..." His voice trails off. He's shaking all over. He looks so human. So scared. I have to do something. I reach out an arm. He jolts back, shouting.
"Stay away from me Leena! I-I...I don't know if I can control myself...I don't know how long I can fight it...please just STAY AWAY!!!!"
I stop where I am. He's still crying. His gun is still in his grasp. Shivering as if it was zero degrees, his sickly pale face forces to stare back at me. He's afraid to look at me directly. He's too ashamed to do that.
"I-I'm sorry...I couldn't be there for you...but you're going to need to keep going on without me..there's nothing you can do for me now...but..be strong...for me. Please Leena,"
I don't understand why he's begging. Everything is going to be all right now. We can get him some help and he'll be fine. I open my mouth to protest but all he does is clench his eyes shut and raises the gun to his head. Before I could say anything at all, he pulls the trigger.
And his limp body falls.
Nothing in the million years could've prepared me for that single moment.
The world plunged back into ash and salt water.
My heart died.
Fate is replaying itself.
A circle of pain.
A cycle of misery.
Over and over.
I stare dumbly for a second and with blurry eyes, reach for the gun from Bit's still hands. I snatch it up and shakily press the cool metal against the side of my head. Not a single doubt is left in my mind. This is what I've been wanting. If I can't be with Bit in life, then death will be just as sufficient. Without a second thought, I pull the trigger.
Click.
Again.
Click.
My realization turns into horror. No. The clip is empty. I can't even escape this hellhole. I keep trying; hoping there is one last bullet to bring me salvation.
Click.
Click.
No no no!!! This isn't fair!!! This isn't how it's supposed to turn out! Why does nothing ever end the way I want?!? I NEVER asked to be a part of this! I never wanted to have to suffer this way! I can't even kill myself now!!! He did this on purpose! Bit knew what I would do! I throw the useless weapon down and search for something else. I catch sight of a shiny, metallic object. I run for it. My body is exhausted, my lungs screaming at me to stop, my eyes burning red. I keep going. I can faintly hear someone shout at me, but I'm too focused to pay any attention. I pull it out of the sand. The sharp blade slices my palm. Blood trickles out. I raise the crude weapon back to strike. My head leans back, offering my throat as if this were a sacrifice.
Not sacrifice.
A pity death.
Like finishing off a mortally wounded creature.
I bring it down towards my exposed neck.
And I find my wrist being held back by none other than Brad Hunter.
"Leena!!! What are you doing?!?" His clothes are a little burned and a few bruises dot his face.
"What does it look like I'm trying to do!?! I want to DIE!! Leave me the hell alone!!!" I scream at him and try in vain to wrench back the blade. It's no use. He's too strong. He easily resists my efforts and flings it away. I try to reach for it but Brad blocks my path. Pounding my fists into his chest, I shake my head over and over. I throw curses and oaths at him repeatedly. My fists become weaker and he just stands there. I can't hold back anymore. I collapse to the hard dry ground and cry.
I know I told myself I wouldn't but I am.
I said I had to pick myself up for Bit but I can't.
My sobbing was drowned out by tortured shrieks. I shake all over, clasping the side of my head with my hands. It was worst then a thousand deaths. How long I sat there, I don't know. All I could remember was an endless stream of tears and the audible feeling of somebody kneeling down. I didn't care who it was. I didn't think about it. Just acted. I leaned toward the familiar scent and held onto the other until darkness swept over me. Enveloping me in a shroud of false security, sleep claimed my wretched soul. And one last thought flickered before me.
Bit..I'm so sorry.
ACK!!! I know I know I know!!! Many of you all will hate me for this chapter but I honestly believe angst endings are more realistic! Please please please don't flame me!!! If you absolutely hated this story, please email me and state your reasons. I'm sooo sorry for all you peeps who wanted a happy ending but I think this works out much better. Many apologies to you Brad and Naomi and Leena and Bit fans. Read and review pls!!! I need your feedback!!! Again, I am very sorry.
I plan on updating soon!! So please keep the reviews coming!
Cassie- DIE YOU MORBID FREAK!!
Anika- Yeah! I'm going to kick your @$$!!!!
Kathryn- Why did you kill him dammit???
Me- Eek! *runs off and hides into the forests*
Anika- You can't escape us that easily!
Cassie- Burn the forest down!
Kathryn- Brother!!! I'm going to smash your head in for that ending!!!
Me- *gulps and keeps running*
Hehe, no offense guys.