A/N: Hehe, those reactions were EXACTLY what I wanted. ^_^ I love knowing you're that into the story. Makes me wanna write more chappie ^_~ Alrighty, this chapter will (hopefully) be very touching and very stirring. You might wanna keep a box of tissues handy
BTW, this is the last chapter. There's an epilogue, and then the threequel!!!!!! And just to let you know, the threequel will be full of even more angst than Nowhere to Run' now, for those of you who read the first one, that probably seems pretty hard, right?
But think of all the new characters I've created and how many more twists I could add ^_^ Also, if you have any suggestions, go ahead and well suggest them! I might be able to fit them in, seeing as I haven't written out the plot of the 3rd yet.
Also, I'm taking a vote which title for the 3rd sounds better: Nobody to Love' or Never Hunt Revenge'? Or, any other titles you guys can think of, especially if they have something to do with revenge *grins evily*
Friends and Family
chapter 9
Some call me a loser,
Some call me a cheater,
Some say I'm a selfish,
Untalented dreamer.
Cause all I try to do,
Is keep my dream alive,
But it is so hard,
To do.
I've never been one
Afraid to die,
But I'm afraid,
To leave behind.
The precious life that grows,
Through the sands of time,
Cause now I've got a daughter,
And I know she needs her father.
To help her,
Make it through,
All the devious things,
That people do.
Cause every moment counts,
From the good times to the bad,
I don't have time to envy,
Those who got things I never had.
Cause the one thing most important,
Is the one we take for granted,
Until you life is on that line,
I think it's the way God had planned it.
To open up you eyes,
And make you realize,
That to some, life is money,
But what is money without life?
Cause all's I need,
Is the air that a breathe,
And my friends and family,
To believe in me
As deep as the abyss,
Where the waters run,
As deep as the land,
Of the rising sun.
You know I'm down,
And even when the odds are against us,
It doesn't even matter,
Nothing else matters.
As deep as the abyss,
Where the waters run,
As deep as the land,
Of the rising sun.
You know I'm down,
And even when the odds are against us,
It doesn't even matter,
Nothing else matters.
We bleed the same blood,
We cry the same tears,
We have the same fears,
We pass the same years.
We see the same stars,
Under the same sky,
We pass the same time,
We all live and die.
Cause friends and family,
Wash thicker than blood,
And if you never felt love,
Than I feel for you.
Cause lives pass above us,
In 747's,
Deceased dwell below us,
Before they go to heaven.
Deep like the seven leagues,
Life intrigues intelligence,
Got no time for clutter,
You're late if there's hesitance.
Put your foot forward,
And there will be a helping hand,
Take a step back,
And you're stuck in the quicksand.
Ingesting toxins keeps us locked,
In a mental jail trap,
2002,
Where's you family at?
Oh
And I might fail,
Oh
I might succeed.
Whatever the outcome is,
Just keep your faith in me,
Just believe in me
And I will be there.
As deep as the abyss,
Where the waters run,
As deep as the land,
Of the rising sun.
You know I'm down,
And even when the odds are against us,
It doesn't even matter,
Nothing else matters.
As deep as the abyss,
Where the waters run,
As deep as the land,
Of the rising sun.
You know I'm down,
And even when the odds are against us,
It doesn't even matter,
Nothing else matters.
~*~
The sight before her nearly knocked all the breath from Kae, and her legs suddenly felt cemented on the spot. She had known how many had died but she had not expected this many.
Elves she knew elves she loved elves that had meant so much to everyone
Lay dead.
She didn't have to count to know that there were thirty-seven coffins in the main hall of the workshop. Everything movable had been pushed to the side, and now, it was simply rows of coffins on tables.
And every elf had come inside to say their last good-byes to those that had fallen.
Slowly, sucking in a deep breath, Kae stepped into the room and began to walk around, looking at names and at faces, barely aware of Jacey at her side. She would look into the faces, and more than anything, she would wish it was just as it looked she wished they were only sleeping, some troublesome sleep, and that moments later, they would awake.
But no one woke up. They were condemned to lie like that forever.
As she continued around the room, something caught her eye Scott Calvin stood by a coffin, one of his and Carol's twins in his right arm. With the other arm, he held the infant's hand and waved at whoever was in the coffin, as if both of them were saying good-bye. Kae began to wonder if he did this for every elf. Getting onto her toes, she tried to see if Carol was near him, holding the other twin, doing the same, but could not find the woman anywhere.
Realization made her gasp for breath, and a tear began to crawl down her face. She saw the tears that made their way so clearly down their beloved leader's once-rosy cheeks, and as she got closer, she saw the way his face twisted in sobs.
She knew. Kae didn't even have to look at the name plate to know who it was that lay there. Even before she looked down into the soft, sweet face, she knew who it was lying there.
Carol Calvin.
She looked up to tell Scott how sorry she was, but didn't dare speak. He had picked up the other infant and was holding them both close, crying so hard she doubted he could talk at all. Kae felt she could not stand the sight, for it tore at her heart, and she quickly turned and walked away.
A scream startled the elf, making her jump and whirl around. She saw a young elf, tears streaming down her face, desperately trying to break free of two friends. She was groping reaching screaming Kae knew the young elf was trying to get to whoever lay in that coffin. She knew the feeling of denial the elf had put herself in. Kae could see it as if a curse that hung in the air, and it pained her to know she could do nothing.
Nothing except relate.
She had come to Bernard's coffin. The she-elf stood rooted on the spot, staring straight into the golden plague hung above it. She read the words enscripted on it, and she could feel the warm tears run down her face.
Bernard Almsberry
Head Elf of the North Pole
Former Grey Elf
Bernard was someone who touched the lives of everyone he met. He found happiness in even the saddest of things, and always had a way of spreading his smile like a contagious disease. He lived every day like it was his last, but sadly, the last of his days came far sooner than anyone could expect.'
Kae's eyes had become so blurred with tears that she could barely make out the words by the time she reached the bottom. She let her eyes rest on where his date of birth and death was
Or, should have been.
Kae knew it would be inscribed soon. Her eyes drifted into the coffin, bare and empty, yet polished brightly. She knew Bernard's body would soon rest in it, once he finally let go.
We don't know how he made it through the night, ma'am, one of the elf doctors told her as she stared at his frail, mutilated body, lying on the hospital bed with tons of machinery hooked to him, their hummings and beepings filling the room.
So, you mean there's a chance he'll live? Kae asked, a spark of hope flickering within her, but it died out as the doctor hung his head.
No, Mrs. Almsberry, I'm afraid not. He is only alive through these machines, and he is fading quickly. He would already be dead if he wasn't here. We thought we had a chance when you brought him here, which is why we hooked him up. We know now that there is no chance, but we'd consider it murder to pull the plug. None of us have the heart to do it, Kae could see the tears running down his face.
There's not even a chance? Kae pleaded, tears filling her eyes, slipping out when the doctor shook his head again.
He will die. There is no way he can survive no one could, he lifted his head and stared straight again.
You couldn't even say that there was a chance? Kae had become slightly angry at his blunt confessions. You couldn't even let us hope, even for a little bit?
It would torture you, Mrs. Almsberry. It could even drive you insane, hope For if you did hope, every hour that he survived would build that hope higher. When he did finally let go, depending on how much you believed he would live and how much you had hoped, there's no telling the damage it could do to you. I lied and told an elf once that she could hope. When her spouse slipped away, the devastation was so horrible that she was sent to a mental hospital and died of starvation not long after, he shook his head mournfully, and Kae turned away, meaning absolutely no word of what she had said after.
Thank you, doctor.
Him holding on is torturing us, Kae thought bitterly to herself. Torturing all of us. Goddamnit Bernard, just let go already! It sent her into a new wave of tears. She didn't want him to die but every moment he held on put her even deeper into sorrow. Part of her could now understand why the doctor had not wanted her to hope. She knew she wouldn't be able to handle it anyway, yet alone if there was that shattered hope to deal with as well.
She could take it no more. She turned away from the empty coffin.
Kae was immediately greeted by yet another, heart wrenching sight. Amber, Perrin, and Hunter they stood together, holding hands as if letting go meant they'd lose each other. Kae started towards them, suddenly aware of Jacey at her side again.
Nothing could have prepared her to see Kira lying there, so still, so frail, so peaceful and she found that, like her friends, she could not tear her eyes away.
When she finally did, she looked up at the same time as Amber, and they met eyes. She was barely conscious of the embrace she pulled her daughter into, holding her tight.
How could this have happened to Amber? She'd already lost her friends once, and when it happened, only Kira had been left. Kira had become her best friend, someone that Amber told everything, reminded Kae exactly of how she had acted with the friends she had lost. How could it have happened to her daughter again?
And at the same time, how could they have taken her father from her as well?
He never knew Amber whispered softly, making Kae snap her eyes open.
What do you mean? she asked, drawing Amber to the side and kneeling down, clasping her daughter's hand.
the word sent her into a rush of tears, and she was clearly fighting back the sobs building in her throat. He never knew that I forgave him The last phrase came in a rush, for she had barely finished the last word when she broke down, falling to her knees and crying harder than Kae had every seen anyone. He didn't know that I knew the truth She could barely speak, she was sobbing so hard, and Kae knew it immediately. She pulled her daughter into a deep embrace, rocking her back in forth, almost completely unaware that she herself was crying just as hard
~*~
Hunter couldn't stop staring down into Kira's soft face. He couldn't believe it it couldn't be true
That he'd never share a cocoa with her again he'd never hug her again never feel the warmth of the young elf next to him, feel her cheek against his, hold her hand he could never hear her laugh again, or be the one to stop her tears, the one to make her smile she could never smile again
Her face was frozen in its place forever.
Come, Hunter, he felt his father's hand on his shoulder, and he allowed himself to be pulled away. Yet no matter how many times he tried to blink it away, his last image of Kira remained in his mind, her presence still lingering with him.
Soon, they all stood together Amber, Kae, Perrin, Jacey, Hunter. Together, all of them wishing that word included two more
Hunter choked out, making them all look up. Jacey and Kae were once again confused, seeing Lady Laurrine fighting her way through the crowd towards them. Immediately, Amber, Hunter, and Perrin stepped up and they all embraced.
I'm so proud of you all they all bowed their heads in tears. Kae and Jacey could do nothing but watch.
I I have to tell you what happened Hunter spoke softly, and Amber felt her throat tighten.
What do you mean? Aegis asked just as softly, but her voice full of question.
To Kira and Bernard she paused to allow them all to gain control of their immeasurable sorrow. She opened her mouth to begin, ready to tell them everything, what had truly happened what he had seen when he reached the back first what none of the others had witnessed
You guys, come on, Curtis said softly, suddenly appearing. Santa has something to say.
All of them walked to where the rest of the elves were gathered. None of them, though, could focus at all on anything Santa was saying. Amber heard the words in her ears, but she could not understand what they were. She couldn't even make sentences out of them. She was far too lost in her grief.
Without warning, she pulled herself into Hunter, hugging him and crying into him. He was hardly shocked, putting his arms around her as well and bringing his cheek next to her's. No one understood exactly his pain, but Amber was closer than anyone else. Slowly, the slinked towards the back and sat on an empty table, and in hand, eyes on the floor.
I didn't tell her I loved her Hunter whispered softly, the tears beginning again. I almost did but I didn't. I promised myself that as soon as I saw her, I'd tell her, just in case anything happened He hung his head. But I didn't get a chance to tell her. I never got to say it one, last time
My father is going to die thinking that I hate him, Amber replied softly, and she tightened her grip on his hand as if to give her strength. The last time he ever saw me, I stabbed him, Hunter she buried her head in his chest again, and Hunter did nothing to stop her.
He hadn't thought of that. They truly did feel the same pain, maybe even her more than him.
We'll get through this together, I promise you, Hunter whispered in her ear. I said to Kira before the battle: It'll be alright. We'll stay together. I promise.' I broke that promise, and for her sake and honor, I'm saying it to you. And this time, I won't break it.
When Scott's speech ended, the Warders were told by Aegis to stay behind. When all other elves had left, Scott came down to talk to them.
I must say how proud I am of all of you. Without you, the North Pole would be gone now. You saved more lives than you can imagine he hung his head, pausing for a moment before continuing: I do know, however, about the death of our beloved Kira, and how Bernard is passing away. Just know that they died fighting evil, and-
Hunter's voice was small, but it caught everyone's attention. He was staring at the ground, fists clenched. They didn't die like that. He looked up, and they all nodded for him to go on.
When we heard the scream, we all ran to the back of the workshop. Amber tripped on the way, and Dad stayed to help her up, so I reached it before them. And they didn't see what I did he sucked in a deep breath of air. The reason Kira screamed was because she was being attacked, and Bernard had barely knocked her out of the way in time. When they stood up, Kira was in front and the red got them. It hit Kira full on, and she died instantly what flew past her was not the whole curse, and that was what hit Bernard. That was why he didn't die instantly, like her He could not go on, shoulders shaking as images tormented his mind. They all waited patiently until he could speak again. The Dark Elf the one that killed Kira was he stopped, and for a moment, it seemed as if he no longer had the strength to go on. Scott Calvin, however, took Hunter's hands in his.
What, Hunter? What as it? he asked softly, and Hunter raised his gaze to meet Scott's. Even though his voice came out in a whisper, the force of it far exceeded that.
It was her own father!
No one spoke. None of them could. And nobody expected them to.
~*~
Kira's funeral dragged on forever. It wasn't that Amber and Hunter were bored
It was that it was too painful. For the first time in a week, they were crying again. As it ended and they all began to walk away, Hunter slipped his hand into Amber's and led her away.
They stood together, grateful for eachother's presence, scared to leave.
Why did she have to leave? Amber asked, turning to him.
I don't know but I loved her, Hunter spoke softly. He looked into Amber's eyes, and in them, he found compassion and understanding. He felt himself drawn to them, lost in them, yet never wanting to break the contact
But Amber, I've realized something, he still held her gaze, and she nodded for him to go on. Whenever I was with her, I I could never help but think of you. The last time I saw her, it was your image in my mind that stopped me from telling her I loved her. And now, I realize that well I never loved her that way. She was a dear friend, like a sister to me, yet I know now he smiled at her. It's always been you I loved.
He closed his eyes and began to bend down. Amber slowly began pushing herself up on her toes, gently closing her eyes
And suddenly, she saw an picture flash before her eyes. She saw Hunter and Kira standing together, kissing in front of everyone. A feeling of betrayal to her lost friend washed over her, and she shook her head, backing away in alarm.
she whispered softly before slamming her eyes shut and screaming: Then, she raced away.
For a moment, Hunter just watched her go.
I let Kira go, and I paid for it. I won't make the same mistake again,
And then, he started after her, wondering whether or not he could catch up to her
~*~
The familiar beepings greeted Amber as she reached the hospital doorway. Bernard was still holding on.
Amber sat down in the same chair she did every night. She simply waited with her father, staring at the ruin of what he once was that lay on the table, the glass top enclosing him. As she did every night, Amber lay her head against the glass and watched the sun's last light cast magical colors across the room praying that maybe, that magic could heal her father
And then, she fell asleep, pretending that the glass wasn't there, and that she was lying on her father's stomach, drifting to sleep with not a care in the world.
~*~
Where am I? Bernard asked softly, looking around. He was laying on a grassy hill, and Amber was sleeping on his stomach. He looked at her a moment, wondering
Memories came flying back, pounding into his head and making him cry out. His eyes darted to his arm, where the wound gleamed up at him like the devil's mark itself.
Yet she lay calmly on him, and it began to put his mind at rest. He propped himself up on his elbows so that he could simply stare into her beautiful face
Then, another memory darted back. She remembered knocking Kira out of the way he remembered the red that had stolen her life, and something told him that it had claimed his as well.
he said softly, hanging his head.
I'm right here, he jerked his head back up, and his mouth hung open in astonishment. Kira was sitting on the grass next to Amber, legs curled to one side and one arm on the ground on her other side to hold her up. She smiled at him.
you're Bernard started, and she nodded softly.
Yes, Bernard. I'm dead. The calmness in which she spoke surprised him, and it clearly showed, for she giggled at him.
I am
No, you're not dead, she smiled again. I've been sitting in your room for awhile now, watching you. I fill Amber's place when she's gone, she smiled softly again.
Amber's place? Bernard could not understand what she was saying.
She sits with you every spare moment she has. Pulls up a chair and waits falls asleep every night with her head against the glass over you, Kira nodded towards Amber's sleeping form. That's where she is now. Only difference is she always pretends she's falling asleep on your stomach, so in this world, she is. She smiled again, and Bernard found himself loving that smile like a father would.
And in truth, it was as if he was sitting there with his two kids. Kira had always been a part of the family, now more than ever. And he didn't want to think about what was going to happen when whatever was happening ended.
Bernard, I came to give you my last strength, Kira said softly, her eyes drifting to the ground, and Bernard raised his eye brows in question. I have dwelled on the earth for the past week. My funeral was today, so I only have until daybreak tomorrow. However, there is one advantage to having died by the killing curse she grinned in a mischievous way that made Bernard want to hug her, then have her tease him and make him chase her for the answer.
He knew it wasn't going to happen.
You see, when the killing curse catches you, it freezes you and stops your heart. What they don't know is that it traps your energy within you. And the life energy within me is still plentiful, just my body cannot handle it, she took his hand in her's, and tears began to fall from her eyes. Thank you for everything, Bernard. I'll always watch over you and Amber and Kae the tears built up more as her face twisted in a sob, And everyone!
Bernard, knowing not what to do, cooed softly and put his hand over hers. Without any warning, she launched herself forward and threw her arms around his neck.
Good-bye, Bernard
~*~
Amber's eyes opened slowly, and for a moment, she wondered what it was that had awakened her. When she saw it, though, she jerked back from the glass with wide eyes and jumped to her feet, knocking the chair backwards.
A white, ghostly form was hugging her father. Then, slowly, it turned its head to meet her gaze.
It was Kira.
she spoke softly, rising out of the glass as if it wasn't even there.
why? Amber's eyes filled with tears, and she did nothing to stop them.
Ask my father, Kira's voice was cold and hard, but the anger quickly left her eyes and she smiled. I came to say good-bye.
It's not fair, Kira, Amber said softly before spinning around, fists clenched at her sides, head hung as tears streamed down her face.
Suddenly, she was aware of Kira right in front of her. And though neither could feel the other, she put her arms around Amber and embraced her friend for the last time.
And just as the morning's light began to fill the room, Kira stepped back, tears in her eyes but a smile on her face.
I told Bernard I'll always look over you, she smiled, and then, her eyes drifted to where Bernard lay. Both of you.
Shock swirled inside Amber and she spun around, hardly daring to believe it. But sure enough, Bernard was smiling at her, leaning against the glass with his arms folded. His body was bruised, bloody wounds covering it, and looking almost as awful as he had when she'd fallen asleep
But he was standing there. Alive. Amber's mind not able to grasp what was going on, she spun around again, but Kira was gone.
She's in a better place, now, she heard her father's voice, and joy began spilling from her eyes.
But you she turned to face him, a smirk playing her face. You decided to cheat death.
With Kira's help, he shrugged and then grinned, but it faded into a soft smile as they simply stood in eachother's gazes.
And suddenly, Amber launched herself into her father's arms with a cry, sobbing into his chest. He fit his arms below her's and picked her up, holding her like a child, and they cried tears of joy, one on the other's shoulder.
Peace was between them. Bernard knew Amber knew the truth, and Amber knew that he forgave her. They were reunited, father and daughter, lost in their own world, not daring to let go of one another.
Hunter didn't dare disturb him. He was content to stand in the doorway, watching and smiling, feeling the same joy that echoed through the room.
Also, his mouth was still tingling where he had kissed Amber
~*~
Some call me a loser,
Some call me a cheater,
Some say I'm a selfish,
Untalented dreamer.
Cause all I try to do,
Is keep my dream alive,
But it is so hard,
To do.
I've never been one
Afraid to die,
But I'm afraid,
To leave behind.
The precious life that grows,
Through the sands of time,
Cause now I've got a daughter,
And I know she needs her father.
To help her,
Make it through,
All the devious things,
That people do.
Cause every moment counts,
From the good times to the bad,
I don't have time to envy,
Those who got things I never had.
Cause the one thing most important,
Is the one we take for granted,
Until you life is on that line,
I think it's the way God had planned it.
To open up you eyes,
And make you realize,
That to some, life is money,
But what is money without life?
Cause all's I need,
Is the air that a breathe,
And my friends and family,
To believe in me
As deep as the abyss,
Where the waters run,
As deep as the land,
Of the rising sun.
You know I'm down,
And even when the odds are against us,
It doesn't even matter,
Nothing else matters.
As deep as the abyss,
Where the waters run,
As deep as the land,
Of the rising sun.
You know I'm down,
And even when the odds are against us,
It doesn't even matter,
Nothing else matters.
We bleed the same blood,
We cry the same tears,
We have the same fears,
We pass the same years.
We see the same stars,
Under the same sky,
We pass the same time,
We all live and die.
Cause friends and family,
Wash thicker than blood,
And if you never felt love,
Than I feel for you.
Cause lives pass above us,
In 747's,
Deceased dwell below us,
Before they go to heaven.
Deep like the seven leagues,
Life intrigues intelligence,
Got no time for clutter,
You're late if there's hesitance.
Put your foot forward,
And there will be a helping hand,
Take a step back,
And you're stuck in the quicksand.
Ingesting toxins keeps us locked,
In a mental jail trap,
2002,
Where's you family at?
Oh
And I might fail,
Oh
I might succeed.
Whatever the outcome is,
Just keep your faith in me,
Just believe in me
And I will be there.
As deep as the abyss,
Where the waters run,
As deep as the land,
Of the rising sun.
You know I'm down,
And even when the odds are against us,
It doesn't even matter,
Nothing else matters.
As deep as the abyss,
Where the waters run,
As deep as the land,
Of the rising sun.
You know I'm down,
And even when the odds are against us,
It doesn't even matter,
Nothing else matters.
------------------------------------------------------------------
A/N: Alright guys, how was that for a chapter? ^_^ Took me awhile to get Bernard's the way I wanted it, but it's there! You didn't think I'd kill him when I've still got a threequel to do, did you? ^_~
Once again, if you have any suggestions for the threequel, go ahead and well suggest them! I might be able to fit them in, seeing as I haven't written out the plot of the 3rd yet. I'll also give you MAJOR credit
And also, once again, I'm taking a vote which title for the 3rd sounds better: Nobody to Love' or Never Seek Revenge'? Or, any other titles you guys can think of, especially if they have something to do with revenge
Ok, next chappy is the epilogue and my usual, very long TY section. FIVE REVIEWS!!!!!!!!
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