Author's note: This chapter is kinda a songfic part of the story… It
contains the song 'Last Resort' by Papa Roach. So… Yes. The song belongs to
the group Papa Roach. Enjoy!
Chapter 9: Last Resort
"This is gonnnnnnnaaaaaa rock!" Bart shouted as they entered the loud dance club area of the large restaurant- dance club.
"Uh huh! Wanna dance Billy?" Karina looked at Billy.
"What?!" Billy yelled over the music.
"I said WANNA DANCE?" Karina yelled to him.
"T-That's OK… I'm fine." Billy shouted back and shook his head. "I'll just sit over here with dad at the bar!"
"OK…" Karina shrugged as Bart drug her off into the large group of people.
Billy sat down in one of the stools and glanced at Jessie.
"This place is so cool." Jessie shouted to Billy.
"Eh." Billy shrugged.
"Don't you 'eh' me, boy." Jessie said and grinned at Billy. "You should dance with Karina." He said, pointed at Karina being drug by Bart into the sea of dancing figures. "It ain't everyday such a pretty thing comes by."
"Father…" Billy sighed.
"It was like this with your mother. I was shy, believe it or not, to ask her out, but when I finally did…. BANG! Three months later she was pregnant and we were getting married. Luckily you were born after we got married, and if we hadn't you would've been a bastard! Ha ha!"
"I don't find anything funny about that." Billy snapped.
"You don't find anything funny, boy, that's your problem."
"Yeah, my problem, not yours." Billy snapped. A slow song began to play and Karina, who had emerged from the group, walked up to Billy.
"Hi, Billy."
"Hey."
"Are you sure you don't want to dance…?" Karina smiled and folded her arms.
"I-I'm…" Billy blushed. Jessie grinned and held up his thumbs. "I'm not good at dancing, sorry." He said quickly and looked away.
Karina frowned like she was disappointed and blinked. "O-OK..."
"Hey, Karina, guess what?!" Jessie grinned.
"Yes?" Karina smiled at Jessie.
"It's Billy's birthday! He just turned seventeen!" Jessie grinned.
Karina blinked and Billy coughed and glared at his father. "It is?" She smiled.
"Uh… Yeah." Billy looked down.
"Well, happy birthday!" Karina smiled and, before Billy could pull away, hugged him.
"Uh… Thanks…" Billy blushes and glared at Jessie.
"I don't understand why you didn't tell me." Karina pulled away and smiled.
"I didn't think it mattered." Billy answered.
"Well, it did! I have to get you a present!" Karina smiled. "Now I don't have much time to plan it!"
"You don't have to…"
"Come on, Billy." Karina smiled and stepped back. "First thing tomorrow we're going out and getting you whatever you want!" She smiled as Bart walked up.
"Hey, Karina, come on, let's dance." Bart grinned and drug her onto the dance floor again.
With one final glance, Jessie murmured to Billy, "Don't let her go, boy." He whispered his eyes now sad. "You'll never realize just how precious she is, until she's gone."
Billy sighed and stood up.
"Where are you going?" Jessie blinked.
"For a walk." Billy said slowly as he walked away.
Jessie shrugged and turned back. "Another martini." He shouted to the bartender.
"Sure thing!"
"Hey, Rico. What do you make of the boy and Karina?"
Rico, who had been sitting there quietly turned to Jessie and said slowly, "I think Billy doesn't want to admit how he feels because he's afraid of rejection."
"Whoa. That was deep." Jessie grinned as he grabbed his new martini and sipped it. "So anyway, why don't you get a woman, Rico?"
"A woman?"
"Yeah, a hunny bun… A chubby cheeks, a blushing bride, a kitten, a luvy luvy, a plushie, a--"
"I GET IT! And I just don't… ok?" Rico mumbled.
"OK…. Fine. Oh, hey Billy. You're back awful quick."
"…Hi." Billy murmured as he walked up. He looked at Jessie in silence than asked quietly, "Where's Karina?"
"She's over there with Bart." Jessie pointed out to the dance floor.
"Thanks… dad." Billy whispered as he turned around, a cold smile playing on his lips.
Near the edge of the dance floor Karina and Bart stood both with folded arms.
"This bites. Billy wouldn't dance with me…" Karina whispered.
"So? He's a prissy little creep." Bart said slowly.
"But I…"
Bard grinned and looked at Karina. "Ohhhh I get it."
Karina blushed a little and smiled. "You won't tell him, right?"
"Of course not!" Bart grinned.
"Thanks, Bart."
A soft tap on her shoulder startled Karina and she spun around only to be face-to-face with Billy.
"Hi there." Billy smiled.
"Hey, Billy…" Karina whispered.
"Still want to dance with me?" He said slowly.
"S-Sure…" Karina whispered as Bart blinked confusedly.
"Great…" Billy smiled and took her hand. He drew her closer so their bodies were pressed tightly together. Billy wrapped his arms tightly around her waist and drew her closer as Karina wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his chest.
"Happy birthday again, Billy…" Karina murmured as she shut her eyes, focusing on the sound of his steadily beating heart.
"It's a happy birthday now, Karina." He said softly in return.
"How sweet! Aww…" Bart grinned as he watched the two sway back and forth to the music.
"Will you come with me?" Billy whispered.
"…Um… Ok…" Karina blinked as he pulled away from her and took her hand. He smiled and pulled her off the dance floor and into one of the quieter corners.
"Egad! Must not let Brad see that!" Bart screeched.
A few feet away, Billy gently sat Karina down on one of the benches.
"Karina…" He whispered.
"Uh… Billy…?" She blushed.
"Yes?"
"I… Um… I… Like you… A lot." She whispered and Billy smiled.
"I like you a lot too." He murmured and hugged her gently.
"…I'm happy." Karina smiled.
"Good." Billy whispered into her ear and pulled away to look into her eyes. "Because..." He trailed off as he drew closer and locked their lips together in a soft kiss. He tenderly pushed her against the wall and continued to kiss her until he couldn't last without breath. He pulled away and kissed her face softly and trailed down to her neck.
"Billy…" She murmured as he wound his finders in her long flowing locks of hair.
He ran his lips up and down her neck, breathing in the sweet smell of her skin. "Because…" He repeated and moved up to her ear. He hissed in a soft voice, "Because I'm going to kill you." He pulled away and smiled menacingly.
"B-Billy." Karina drew away in fear.
"Don't be afraid." He hissed and his smile turned cold.
"Hey! Come on, Karina!" Bart walked up.
Karina looked into Billy's cold eyes, unable to move.
Billy smiled coldly in return. "Go ahead."
Karina stumbled up as Billy did the same.
With one final cold smiled, Billy walked away swiftly.
"Karina!" Bart called again.
"Billy…" Karina gasped, her fear filling her as she ran up to Bart.
"Ready? The next song is gonna be cool!" Bart grinned as music filled their ears. "Come on!"
"S-Sure…" Karina murmured.
***********
"Karina…" Billy sighed and looked down at the ground and sighed. "Why can't she see that I…" He trailed off and shook his head. He stepped up to a bench and sat down.
"Hello, young Black." A soft voice filled his ears. Billy started and spun around. His eyes widened at the sight of the young man behind him. Instead of blue he wore a long black robe, and his eyes were deeper and colder. His jeans were dark gray, his boots black. Other than those differences, there was no mistaking that the young man that stood before Billy was none other than himself.
"Y-You look… just like me…" Billy stammered and stepped back.
"Yes, I suppose I do." The clone smiled wryly and stepped forward, closer to Billy.
"Who are you?!" Billy shouted. "Or what are you?!"
"Who am I? I am you, or you are I. Choose one, it doesn't matter which." The 'clone' hissed and smiled so coldly it almost made Billy shiver.
"What do you want?!"
The clone smiled again, before looking away at the rising moon. "I want the beautiful angel you protect."
"Karina… Right?" Billy growled. "No way."
"Too bad. I guess I'll have to go through you to get her, though I'd rather not get messy, but oh well." He smiled.
"I don't understand… Why do you want her?!"
"She is what 'we' need to complete our divine mission." The clone smiled.
"What the hell are you talking about?!" Billy yelled.
"Heh. Do you want to know? Well, I'm sorry, but a simpleton like you can't comprehend our mission."
"Don't give me that crap…" Billy growled.
"Ha ha." The clone laughed coldly and smiled again. "I can tell you that things aren't always what they seem. Take the child, Erich, for example."
"Erich?! What does he have to do with anything?"
"Erich is young, and seemingly frail… But within him lies the power to destroy almost anything. He powers are almost limitless."
"So what?! That has nothing to do with Karina!"
"The same power lies within her as well. She just needs to unlock it."
"Why do you want he, then?"
"Her power could increase our power tenfold. More than that. She is the key to our mission."
"You can't have her."
"You already mentioned that. But who is going to stop me…? You? Don't make me laugh."
"Eat this!" Billy yelled, drew his gun and fired a shot. The clone moved in time and the bullet just grazed his right arm.
A sudden searing pain filled Billy's left arm. He gripped his left arm and winced in pain.
"Hmn. Sorry, I forgot to tell you. We have a connection, Black. Whatever happens to me, happens to you. However, it is opposite. If you hit me on the left, you get wounded on the right and vice versa. Much like a mirror, huh?"
Billy stopped and lowered his head in thought. ~ There is one way to kill him, but… ~ Billy thought, but all of the warnings in his head left as he remembered Karina's smiling eyes and her gentle touch. He couldn't let her get hurt… He had to stop this monster at any cost. All inhibitions left him and he tried to smile smartly.
"You are after Karina, right?" Billy turned his duplicate.
"Right." He smiled evilly.
"What would happen if… You were to die?" Billy looked around.
"You would die." He smiled darkly.
"Then you'll have to fight me." Billy pulled back.
"You won't be able to beat me, though, I'll just beat you into submission…. So… Fine." The other one grinned and pulled out his gun.
1 (Cut my life into pieces
This is my last resort
Suffocation, no breathing
Don't give a f**k if I cut my arm bleeding
This is my last resort)
(Cut my life into pieces
I've reached my last resort
Suffocation, no breathing)
"Hey, Kar, like this place?" Bart laughed over the loud music.
"Yeah!" She couldn't get the words that Billy had said.
"I'll kill you.." He had whispered. But it didn't sound like him at all.
(Don't give a f**k if cut my arm bleeding
2 Do you even care if I die bleeding?)
"C'mon, you know you can't win." The clone whispered as he kicked Billy into a tree.
"You.. can't win.. either.." He stood up and pulled out his gun. "So, this is one to the death.."
"Heh. By the way, Karina has the sweetest skin and lips…" His clone whispered. "I'd like to taste them again."
"Shut up!!" Billy shouted.
"And she's also quite fond of you…" He smiled. "Pity you both have to die."
3 (Would it be wrong
Would it be right
If I took my life tonight?
Chances are that I might)
"This is one of the most popular dance clubs in all of Cimerion City!" A man with sunglasses pulled his hair out of his face.
"The music is so.." Karina stopped and continued dancing.
4 (Mutilation out of sight
4.1.1.1 And I contemplate suicide
4.1.2 Cause I'm losing my sight
Losing my mind)
"Why do you do so much for the girl?" His clone jumped back.
"I would die for her.. Because I feel like it.." Billy's body was torn and bloody.
5 (Wish somebody would tell me I'm fine
Losing my sight
Losing my mind
Wish somebody would tell me I'm fine)
"Where is Billy?" Bart stopped and looked around.
"Hey, what is.." The man pulled off his glasses and looked at Karina. "Up with her?" Her body swayed to the rhythm of the music like she was in a trance.
"I see... pain.." Her mind slid out of focus and she continued dancing.
(I never realized I was spread too thin
Till it was too late
And I was empty within
Hungry
Feeding on chaos
5.1.1.1 And living in sin
5.1.2 Downward spiral
Where do I begin?)
"Is this suicide, Billy?" The clone hit him in the stomach and pushed him on the ground. "Is this what you want?!" He kicked the boy.
"Y-eah.." Blood dribbled from his lips.
6 (It all started when I lost my mother
No love for myself
6.1.1.1 And no love for another
Searching
To find a love upon a higher level
Finding
Nothing but questions
And devils)
"Stupid boy!" The clone's face was distorted by anger.
"Sh-ut up.." Billy stood up weakly. He glanced down at his gun.
"Well, die then!" The clone hit him in the jaw with his foot.
7 (Cause I'm losing my sight
Losing my mind
7.1.1.1 Wish somebody would tell me I'm fine
Losing my sight
Losing my mind
Wish somebody would tell me I'm fine)
"I sense.. death.." Karina's eyes shot open and she stood still, completely contrasting with the moving bodies. "Billy.." She ran to the balcony and jumped over it. She landed on the ground gently after the about six-foot fall.
8 (Nothing's all right
Nothing is fine
8.1.1 I'm running and I'm crying
I'm crying
I'm crying
8.1.1.1 I'm crying
I'm crying)
"I will.. stop.. you.." Billy swayed uneasily. "For Karina!"
"Try it!" The clone hit Billy across the grass.
(I can't go on living this way)
9
(Cut my life into pieces
9.1.1 This is my last resort
Suffocation, no breathing
Don't give a **** if I cut my arm bleeding)
"Billy!" Karina slipped on the muddy ground.
"Karina! Where are you going?!" Bart stopped.
"Billy! He's.." She shook her head and kept running.
10 (Would it be wrong, would it be right
If I took my life tonight
Chances are that it might)
"The one way to kill you.." Billy looked down at his gun. "I can kill you.." He lifted it up and pointed it at his head.
"Wh-what are you doing!?" The clone stopped.
"I'll end this now.." He shut his eyes.
11 (Mutilation, out of sight
And I contemplate suicide
Cause I'm losing my sight
Losing my mind
Wish somebody would tell me I'm fine
11.1.1 Losing my sight
11.1.1.1 Losing my mind
Wish somebody would tell me I'm fine)
"No.." She ran and stopped right next to a puddle of blood. "NO!!" She screamed and continued along the trail of blood.
12 (Nothing's all right
Nothing is fine
I'm running and I'm crying)
"You wouldn't dare.." The clone said smartly.
"Yes, I would.. You may look like me, sound like me have all of my memories.. But you don't think like me.." Billy's face turned into a smart grin. "I'll erase you and I from existence.. Come along on my one way trip to hell.."
13 (I can't go on living this way!)
"Billy!" Her legs ached from sprinting, but she knew he was close.
"Here we go.." He tightened his grip on the pistol.
(Can't go on.)
"No!" The clone pulled back.
(Living this way..)
"I—" She could see him.
14 (Nothing's all--)
"BILLY!!" She tackled him right when he was about to pull the trigger. The bullet sped past his face and then the gun fell to the grass.
15 (Right!)
"What the??" The clone blinked and stepped back weakly.
"K-Karina.." Billy swayed uneasily.
"What were you thinking!?" Karina gripped onto his dark cloak. Tears flooded down her face and onto his cloak.
"Wha—" He turned around and gripped her shoulder.
"What about your sister?! Did you, for one second, think about what would happen to her?! To lose her mother along with her voice and then to lose her big brother?! You make me sick!!!" She had a look of utter hatred in her eyes.
"I-I.." His voice trembled.
"You scared me so much! I would die if that happened.." Her grip turned her knuckles white. Her breath was short and raspy.
"I… know." He pulled his arms around her.
"We've become friends.. I hope.. Enough that you would know how much it would hurt for you to leave."
"Y-yeah.." His breath quickened.
"The children at the orphanage.. They found you to take care of them.. You were so responsible.. Living on your own.. Taking care of children and your sister.. Only seventeen.." Karina calmed down.
"I-I'm sorry, Karina.." Billy looked down.
"It is okay.." Karina wiped the blood off his face. A faint sound behind them made the two spin around quickly.
"Too late, Billy." His clone, obviously recovered, pointed his pistol at Karina. "Step aside, Black."
"No.." Billy stood up.
"You can't take much more, can you?" His clone, with one quick movement, hit him against the tree.
"No!" Billy grabbed his waist and leaned to the side and breathed weakly.
"Now, die little angel." The gun shot.
"..Ahh.." Karina stepped back.
"Get down Karina!" Billy ran over and grabbed her by the waist and covered her.
"Damn you!!" The gun shot again.
"No!!" Karina screamed as Billy's face turned white and his eyes widened. Blood came out of his stomach and he covered his hands over the wound.
"Billy!!!" Karina caught him as he fell onto her lap.
"K-Karin--a" Fresh blood came from his mouth.
"N-no!" She threw her arms around him.
"K-a-rina.." His body was weak in her arms. "I-I'm okay..-" His voice cracked and he was overpowered by coughing. "I.. am… sure.. The bullet… just went.. Right.. Through…"
"Billy.." Karina cradled his head.
"Karina--" Bart ran over. "Oh my god.." He stopped and started to shake gently, his skin turning pale.
"K-Karina.. I-- I am sorry.." Billy managed a smile.
"No! Don't be sorry! You'll be fine!" Karina's eyes stung with the hot new tears.
"Stupid…" Bart held back tears. "You're so stupid!! What would make you do such a damn stupid thing?!! You're a damn fool!"
"Thanks.. Bart.." He smiled weakly.
"Billy…" Bart grinned rather sadly.
A soft sound of feet landing on the ground startled Karina. Deep gray eyes looked into Karina's, and yet there was no emotion in them, no remorse, no support, nothing.
"Erich!" Bart stepped back. "What the hell?!"
"Shut your mouth, pirate boy."
"Erich.." Karina whispered. "Please.."
"Lady Karina." He looked down. He glanced at Billy's 'clone'.
"Don't be sad.." Billy tried to force himself to sit up.
"Billy! Rest.." She put her hand on his chest.
"I'll go get Rico and Citan! C'mon Erich!" Bart turned around.
"No.. I have to do something.." Erich turned to the clone. "Be gone now.." He whispered and pulled out his scythe. "I swear if you try to hurt either of them any more, I'll be then one to blast you into hell. And by the way, I know your secrets, so I could keep Billy alive even if I did kill you."
"Y-you… You are no different than that boy over there." The clone held his side. "You cannot block a bullet, child!" He yelled and lifted up his gun, his finger squeezing the trigger.
"You seem to be uncertain. If you are so sure of yourself, why don't you pull the trigger and find out?" Erich hissed.
"Grr..." The clone growled under his breath and looked at Karina. "I'll be back, my pretty angel.." He smiled and disappeared into the brush.
"Erich.. Leave us.. Please.." Karina turned to him.
"Of course..." The small young man nodded and disappeared into the night.
"Karina.." Billy looked up at her with glassy eyes.
"Yes..?" She said gently.
"I'm sorry…" His voice was weaker, his eyes not as sharp and alert as usual.
"N-no.. Billy.. I never told you… How I feel.." Karina whispered.
"Huh..?" His voice seemed to come back to normal for a moment.
"What has happened!?" Citan ran up. "Billy!"
"What did the kid do to himself?" Rico stomped up.
"Billy.." Karina whispered. "You'll be okay.."
"Kar.." He looked at her.
"Come on, Rico, we must get him back to the ship!" Citan kneeled down.
"Yes, Dr. Uzuki.." Rico lifted Billy's weak body like it was just as light as a feather.
"Karina.." Citan looked over.
"Is he going to be all right?!" She looked at Citan.
"It is hard to say.. Now what exactly happened..?" Citan looked at her.
"I don't know.. I sensed something was wrong and I came here.. Billy.. he was.. he was.." She choked on her words.
"What?!" Citan grabbed her arms.
"He was fighting himself.." She said gently.
"Himself?!" Citan's normally sure look became puzzled.
"Yes.." Karina looked down. "God.."
"…Like a mirror version of himself caused by ether?" Citan blinked.
"I don't know… He was a clone, real… And he…" Karina bit her lip.
"He what?" Citan asked quickly.
"I think he was the one who… Yes… it was him…"
"What?"
"Nothing…" Karina looked down. "Billy needs you! Go!"
Citan looked into her eyes and smiled gravely. "You're right! Let us go!" He stood up and ran after Rico and Bart.
Karina stood up and was about to follow when a soft voice stopped her.
"Lady Karina." Erich's voice came.
"Erich…" Karina blinked and turned to a tree where Erich was sitting. "Why did you come… Where did you go?"
"I could not stay. I had to learn more of the enemy." He whispered. "I see I came too late."
"What was that thing…? Do you know?"
"Yes. I shall tell you. We must first return to the Yggdrasil." Erich said softly and jumped off the tree.
"…Right." Karina nodded as she and Erich followed Citan.
Chapter 9: Last Resort
"This is gonnnnnnnaaaaaa rock!" Bart shouted as they entered the loud dance club area of the large restaurant- dance club.
"Uh huh! Wanna dance Billy?" Karina looked at Billy.
"What?!" Billy yelled over the music.
"I said WANNA DANCE?" Karina yelled to him.
"T-That's OK… I'm fine." Billy shouted back and shook his head. "I'll just sit over here with dad at the bar!"
"OK…" Karina shrugged as Bart drug her off into the large group of people.
Billy sat down in one of the stools and glanced at Jessie.
"This place is so cool." Jessie shouted to Billy.
"Eh." Billy shrugged.
"Don't you 'eh' me, boy." Jessie said and grinned at Billy. "You should dance with Karina." He said, pointed at Karina being drug by Bart into the sea of dancing figures. "It ain't everyday such a pretty thing comes by."
"Father…" Billy sighed.
"It was like this with your mother. I was shy, believe it or not, to ask her out, but when I finally did…. BANG! Three months later she was pregnant and we were getting married. Luckily you were born after we got married, and if we hadn't you would've been a bastard! Ha ha!"
"I don't find anything funny about that." Billy snapped.
"You don't find anything funny, boy, that's your problem."
"Yeah, my problem, not yours." Billy snapped. A slow song began to play and Karina, who had emerged from the group, walked up to Billy.
"Hi, Billy."
"Hey."
"Are you sure you don't want to dance…?" Karina smiled and folded her arms.
"I-I'm…" Billy blushed. Jessie grinned and held up his thumbs. "I'm not good at dancing, sorry." He said quickly and looked away.
Karina frowned like she was disappointed and blinked. "O-OK..."
"Hey, Karina, guess what?!" Jessie grinned.
"Yes?" Karina smiled at Jessie.
"It's Billy's birthday! He just turned seventeen!" Jessie grinned.
Karina blinked and Billy coughed and glared at his father. "It is?" She smiled.
"Uh… Yeah." Billy looked down.
"Well, happy birthday!" Karina smiled and, before Billy could pull away, hugged him.
"Uh… Thanks…" Billy blushes and glared at Jessie.
"I don't understand why you didn't tell me." Karina pulled away and smiled.
"I didn't think it mattered." Billy answered.
"Well, it did! I have to get you a present!" Karina smiled. "Now I don't have much time to plan it!"
"You don't have to…"
"Come on, Billy." Karina smiled and stepped back. "First thing tomorrow we're going out and getting you whatever you want!" She smiled as Bart walked up.
"Hey, Karina, come on, let's dance." Bart grinned and drug her onto the dance floor again.
With one final glance, Jessie murmured to Billy, "Don't let her go, boy." He whispered his eyes now sad. "You'll never realize just how precious she is, until she's gone."
Billy sighed and stood up.
"Where are you going?" Jessie blinked.
"For a walk." Billy said slowly as he walked away.
Jessie shrugged and turned back. "Another martini." He shouted to the bartender.
"Sure thing!"
"Hey, Rico. What do you make of the boy and Karina?"
Rico, who had been sitting there quietly turned to Jessie and said slowly, "I think Billy doesn't want to admit how he feels because he's afraid of rejection."
"Whoa. That was deep." Jessie grinned as he grabbed his new martini and sipped it. "So anyway, why don't you get a woman, Rico?"
"A woman?"
"Yeah, a hunny bun… A chubby cheeks, a blushing bride, a kitten, a luvy luvy, a plushie, a--"
"I GET IT! And I just don't… ok?" Rico mumbled.
"OK…. Fine. Oh, hey Billy. You're back awful quick."
"…Hi." Billy murmured as he walked up. He looked at Jessie in silence than asked quietly, "Where's Karina?"
"She's over there with Bart." Jessie pointed out to the dance floor.
"Thanks… dad." Billy whispered as he turned around, a cold smile playing on his lips.
Near the edge of the dance floor Karina and Bart stood both with folded arms.
"This bites. Billy wouldn't dance with me…" Karina whispered.
"So? He's a prissy little creep." Bart said slowly.
"But I…"
Bard grinned and looked at Karina. "Ohhhh I get it."
Karina blushed a little and smiled. "You won't tell him, right?"
"Of course not!" Bart grinned.
"Thanks, Bart."
A soft tap on her shoulder startled Karina and she spun around only to be face-to-face with Billy.
"Hi there." Billy smiled.
"Hey, Billy…" Karina whispered.
"Still want to dance with me?" He said slowly.
"S-Sure…" Karina whispered as Bart blinked confusedly.
"Great…" Billy smiled and took her hand. He drew her closer so their bodies were pressed tightly together. Billy wrapped his arms tightly around her waist and drew her closer as Karina wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his chest.
"Happy birthday again, Billy…" Karina murmured as she shut her eyes, focusing on the sound of his steadily beating heart.
"It's a happy birthday now, Karina." He said softly in return.
"How sweet! Aww…" Bart grinned as he watched the two sway back and forth to the music.
"Will you come with me?" Billy whispered.
"…Um… Ok…" Karina blinked as he pulled away from her and took her hand. He smiled and pulled her off the dance floor and into one of the quieter corners.
"Egad! Must not let Brad see that!" Bart screeched.
A few feet away, Billy gently sat Karina down on one of the benches.
"Karina…" He whispered.
"Uh… Billy…?" She blushed.
"Yes?"
"I… Um… I… Like you… A lot." She whispered and Billy smiled.
"I like you a lot too." He murmured and hugged her gently.
"…I'm happy." Karina smiled.
"Good." Billy whispered into her ear and pulled away to look into her eyes. "Because..." He trailed off as he drew closer and locked their lips together in a soft kiss. He tenderly pushed her against the wall and continued to kiss her until he couldn't last without breath. He pulled away and kissed her face softly and trailed down to her neck.
"Billy…" She murmured as he wound his finders in her long flowing locks of hair.
He ran his lips up and down her neck, breathing in the sweet smell of her skin. "Because…" He repeated and moved up to her ear. He hissed in a soft voice, "Because I'm going to kill you." He pulled away and smiled menacingly.
"B-Billy." Karina drew away in fear.
"Don't be afraid." He hissed and his smile turned cold.
"Hey! Come on, Karina!" Bart walked up.
Karina looked into Billy's cold eyes, unable to move.
Billy smiled coldly in return. "Go ahead."
Karina stumbled up as Billy did the same.
With one final cold smiled, Billy walked away swiftly.
"Karina!" Bart called again.
"Billy…" Karina gasped, her fear filling her as she ran up to Bart.
"Ready? The next song is gonna be cool!" Bart grinned as music filled their ears. "Come on!"
"S-Sure…" Karina murmured.
***********
"Karina…" Billy sighed and looked down at the ground and sighed. "Why can't she see that I…" He trailed off and shook his head. He stepped up to a bench and sat down.
"Hello, young Black." A soft voice filled his ears. Billy started and spun around. His eyes widened at the sight of the young man behind him. Instead of blue he wore a long black robe, and his eyes were deeper and colder. His jeans were dark gray, his boots black. Other than those differences, there was no mistaking that the young man that stood before Billy was none other than himself.
"Y-You look… just like me…" Billy stammered and stepped back.
"Yes, I suppose I do." The clone smiled wryly and stepped forward, closer to Billy.
"Who are you?!" Billy shouted. "Or what are you?!"
"Who am I? I am you, or you are I. Choose one, it doesn't matter which." The 'clone' hissed and smiled so coldly it almost made Billy shiver.
"What do you want?!"
The clone smiled again, before looking away at the rising moon. "I want the beautiful angel you protect."
"Karina… Right?" Billy growled. "No way."
"Too bad. I guess I'll have to go through you to get her, though I'd rather not get messy, but oh well." He smiled.
"I don't understand… Why do you want her?!"
"She is what 'we' need to complete our divine mission." The clone smiled.
"What the hell are you talking about?!" Billy yelled.
"Heh. Do you want to know? Well, I'm sorry, but a simpleton like you can't comprehend our mission."
"Don't give me that crap…" Billy growled.
"Ha ha." The clone laughed coldly and smiled again. "I can tell you that things aren't always what they seem. Take the child, Erich, for example."
"Erich?! What does he have to do with anything?"
"Erich is young, and seemingly frail… But within him lies the power to destroy almost anything. He powers are almost limitless."
"So what?! That has nothing to do with Karina!"
"The same power lies within her as well. She just needs to unlock it."
"Why do you want he, then?"
"Her power could increase our power tenfold. More than that. She is the key to our mission."
"You can't have her."
"You already mentioned that. But who is going to stop me…? You? Don't make me laugh."
"Eat this!" Billy yelled, drew his gun and fired a shot. The clone moved in time and the bullet just grazed his right arm.
A sudden searing pain filled Billy's left arm. He gripped his left arm and winced in pain.
"Hmn. Sorry, I forgot to tell you. We have a connection, Black. Whatever happens to me, happens to you. However, it is opposite. If you hit me on the left, you get wounded on the right and vice versa. Much like a mirror, huh?"
Billy stopped and lowered his head in thought. ~ There is one way to kill him, but… ~ Billy thought, but all of the warnings in his head left as he remembered Karina's smiling eyes and her gentle touch. He couldn't let her get hurt… He had to stop this monster at any cost. All inhibitions left him and he tried to smile smartly.
"You are after Karina, right?" Billy turned his duplicate.
"Right." He smiled evilly.
"What would happen if… You were to die?" Billy looked around.
"You would die." He smiled darkly.
"Then you'll have to fight me." Billy pulled back.
"You won't be able to beat me, though, I'll just beat you into submission…. So… Fine." The other one grinned and pulled out his gun.
1 (Cut my life into pieces
This is my last resort
Suffocation, no breathing
Don't give a f**k if I cut my arm bleeding
This is my last resort)
(Cut my life into pieces
I've reached my last resort
Suffocation, no breathing)
"Hey, Kar, like this place?" Bart laughed over the loud music.
"Yeah!" She couldn't get the words that Billy had said.
"I'll kill you.." He had whispered. But it didn't sound like him at all.
(Don't give a f**k if cut my arm bleeding
2 Do you even care if I die bleeding?)
"C'mon, you know you can't win." The clone whispered as he kicked Billy into a tree.
"You.. can't win.. either.." He stood up and pulled out his gun. "So, this is one to the death.."
"Heh. By the way, Karina has the sweetest skin and lips…" His clone whispered. "I'd like to taste them again."
"Shut up!!" Billy shouted.
"And she's also quite fond of you…" He smiled. "Pity you both have to die."
3 (Would it be wrong
Would it be right
If I took my life tonight?
Chances are that I might)
"This is one of the most popular dance clubs in all of Cimerion City!" A man with sunglasses pulled his hair out of his face.
"The music is so.." Karina stopped and continued dancing.
4 (Mutilation out of sight
4.1.1.1 And I contemplate suicide
4.1.2 Cause I'm losing my sight
Losing my mind)
"Why do you do so much for the girl?" His clone jumped back.
"I would die for her.. Because I feel like it.." Billy's body was torn and bloody.
5 (Wish somebody would tell me I'm fine
Losing my sight
Losing my mind
Wish somebody would tell me I'm fine)
"Where is Billy?" Bart stopped and looked around.
"Hey, what is.." The man pulled off his glasses and looked at Karina. "Up with her?" Her body swayed to the rhythm of the music like she was in a trance.
"I see... pain.." Her mind slid out of focus and she continued dancing.
(I never realized I was spread too thin
Till it was too late
And I was empty within
Hungry
Feeding on chaos
5.1.1.1 And living in sin
5.1.2 Downward spiral
Where do I begin?)
"Is this suicide, Billy?" The clone hit him in the stomach and pushed him on the ground. "Is this what you want?!" He kicked the boy.
"Y-eah.." Blood dribbled from his lips.
6 (It all started when I lost my mother
No love for myself
6.1.1.1 And no love for another
Searching
To find a love upon a higher level
Finding
Nothing but questions
And devils)
"Stupid boy!" The clone's face was distorted by anger.
"Sh-ut up.." Billy stood up weakly. He glanced down at his gun.
"Well, die then!" The clone hit him in the jaw with his foot.
7 (Cause I'm losing my sight
Losing my mind
7.1.1.1 Wish somebody would tell me I'm fine
Losing my sight
Losing my mind
Wish somebody would tell me I'm fine)
"I sense.. death.." Karina's eyes shot open and she stood still, completely contrasting with the moving bodies. "Billy.." She ran to the balcony and jumped over it. She landed on the ground gently after the about six-foot fall.
8 (Nothing's all right
Nothing is fine
8.1.1 I'm running and I'm crying
I'm crying
I'm crying
8.1.1.1 I'm crying
I'm crying)
"I will.. stop.. you.." Billy swayed uneasily. "For Karina!"
"Try it!" The clone hit Billy across the grass.
(I can't go on living this way)
9
(Cut my life into pieces
9.1.1 This is my last resort
Suffocation, no breathing
Don't give a **** if I cut my arm bleeding)
"Billy!" Karina slipped on the muddy ground.
"Karina! Where are you going?!" Bart stopped.
"Billy! He's.." She shook her head and kept running.
10 (Would it be wrong, would it be right
If I took my life tonight
Chances are that it might)
"The one way to kill you.." Billy looked down at his gun. "I can kill you.." He lifted it up and pointed it at his head.
"Wh-what are you doing!?" The clone stopped.
"I'll end this now.." He shut his eyes.
11 (Mutilation, out of sight
And I contemplate suicide
Cause I'm losing my sight
Losing my mind
Wish somebody would tell me I'm fine
11.1.1 Losing my sight
11.1.1.1 Losing my mind
Wish somebody would tell me I'm fine)
"No.." She ran and stopped right next to a puddle of blood. "NO!!" She screamed and continued along the trail of blood.
12 (Nothing's all right
Nothing is fine
I'm running and I'm crying)
"You wouldn't dare.." The clone said smartly.
"Yes, I would.. You may look like me, sound like me have all of my memories.. But you don't think like me.." Billy's face turned into a smart grin. "I'll erase you and I from existence.. Come along on my one way trip to hell.."
13 (I can't go on living this way!)
"Billy!" Her legs ached from sprinting, but she knew he was close.
"Here we go.." He tightened his grip on the pistol.
(Can't go on.)
"No!" The clone pulled back.
(Living this way..)
"I—" She could see him.
14 (Nothing's all--)
"BILLY!!" She tackled him right when he was about to pull the trigger. The bullet sped past his face and then the gun fell to the grass.
15 (Right!)
"What the??" The clone blinked and stepped back weakly.
"K-Karina.." Billy swayed uneasily.
"What were you thinking!?" Karina gripped onto his dark cloak. Tears flooded down her face and onto his cloak.
"Wha—" He turned around and gripped her shoulder.
"What about your sister?! Did you, for one second, think about what would happen to her?! To lose her mother along with her voice and then to lose her big brother?! You make me sick!!!" She had a look of utter hatred in her eyes.
"I-I.." His voice trembled.
"You scared me so much! I would die if that happened.." Her grip turned her knuckles white. Her breath was short and raspy.
"I… know." He pulled his arms around her.
"We've become friends.. I hope.. Enough that you would know how much it would hurt for you to leave."
"Y-yeah.." His breath quickened.
"The children at the orphanage.. They found you to take care of them.. You were so responsible.. Living on your own.. Taking care of children and your sister.. Only seventeen.." Karina calmed down.
"I-I'm sorry, Karina.." Billy looked down.
"It is okay.." Karina wiped the blood off his face. A faint sound behind them made the two spin around quickly.
"Too late, Billy." His clone, obviously recovered, pointed his pistol at Karina. "Step aside, Black."
"No.." Billy stood up.
"You can't take much more, can you?" His clone, with one quick movement, hit him against the tree.
"No!" Billy grabbed his waist and leaned to the side and breathed weakly.
"Now, die little angel." The gun shot.
"..Ahh.." Karina stepped back.
"Get down Karina!" Billy ran over and grabbed her by the waist and covered her.
"Damn you!!" The gun shot again.
"No!!" Karina screamed as Billy's face turned white and his eyes widened. Blood came out of his stomach and he covered his hands over the wound.
"Billy!!!" Karina caught him as he fell onto her lap.
"K-Karin--a" Fresh blood came from his mouth.
"N-no!" She threw her arms around him.
"K-a-rina.." His body was weak in her arms. "I-I'm okay..-" His voice cracked and he was overpowered by coughing. "I.. am… sure.. The bullet… just went.. Right.. Through…"
"Billy.." Karina cradled his head.
"Karina--" Bart ran over. "Oh my god.." He stopped and started to shake gently, his skin turning pale.
"K-Karina.. I-- I am sorry.." Billy managed a smile.
"No! Don't be sorry! You'll be fine!" Karina's eyes stung with the hot new tears.
"Stupid…" Bart held back tears. "You're so stupid!! What would make you do such a damn stupid thing?!! You're a damn fool!"
"Thanks.. Bart.." He smiled weakly.
"Billy…" Bart grinned rather sadly.
A soft sound of feet landing on the ground startled Karina. Deep gray eyes looked into Karina's, and yet there was no emotion in them, no remorse, no support, nothing.
"Erich!" Bart stepped back. "What the hell?!"
"Shut your mouth, pirate boy."
"Erich.." Karina whispered. "Please.."
"Lady Karina." He looked down. He glanced at Billy's 'clone'.
"Don't be sad.." Billy tried to force himself to sit up.
"Billy! Rest.." She put her hand on his chest.
"I'll go get Rico and Citan! C'mon Erich!" Bart turned around.
"No.. I have to do something.." Erich turned to the clone. "Be gone now.." He whispered and pulled out his scythe. "I swear if you try to hurt either of them any more, I'll be then one to blast you into hell. And by the way, I know your secrets, so I could keep Billy alive even if I did kill you."
"Y-you… You are no different than that boy over there." The clone held his side. "You cannot block a bullet, child!" He yelled and lifted up his gun, his finger squeezing the trigger.
"You seem to be uncertain. If you are so sure of yourself, why don't you pull the trigger and find out?" Erich hissed.
"Grr..." The clone growled under his breath and looked at Karina. "I'll be back, my pretty angel.." He smiled and disappeared into the brush.
"Erich.. Leave us.. Please.." Karina turned to him.
"Of course..." The small young man nodded and disappeared into the night.
"Karina.." Billy looked up at her with glassy eyes.
"Yes..?" She said gently.
"I'm sorry…" His voice was weaker, his eyes not as sharp and alert as usual.
"N-no.. Billy.. I never told you… How I feel.." Karina whispered.
"Huh..?" His voice seemed to come back to normal for a moment.
"What has happened!?" Citan ran up. "Billy!"
"What did the kid do to himself?" Rico stomped up.
"Billy.." Karina whispered. "You'll be okay.."
"Kar.." He looked at her.
"Come on, Rico, we must get him back to the ship!" Citan kneeled down.
"Yes, Dr. Uzuki.." Rico lifted Billy's weak body like it was just as light as a feather.
"Karina.." Citan looked over.
"Is he going to be all right?!" She looked at Citan.
"It is hard to say.. Now what exactly happened..?" Citan looked at her.
"I don't know.. I sensed something was wrong and I came here.. Billy.. he was.. he was.." She choked on her words.
"What?!" Citan grabbed her arms.
"He was fighting himself.." She said gently.
"Himself?!" Citan's normally sure look became puzzled.
"Yes.." Karina looked down. "God.."
"…Like a mirror version of himself caused by ether?" Citan blinked.
"I don't know… He was a clone, real… And he…" Karina bit her lip.
"He what?" Citan asked quickly.
"I think he was the one who… Yes… it was him…"
"What?"
"Nothing…" Karina looked down. "Billy needs you! Go!"
Citan looked into her eyes and smiled gravely. "You're right! Let us go!" He stood up and ran after Rico and Bart.
Karina stood up and was about to follow when a soft voice stopped her.
"Lady Karina." Erich's voice came.
"Erich…" Karina blinked and turned to a tree where Erich was sitting. "Why did you come… Where did you go?"
"I could not stay. I had to learn more of the enemy." He whispered. "I see I came too late."
"What was that thing…? Do you know?"
"Yes. I shall tell you. We must first return to the Yggdrasil." Erich said softly and jumped off the tree.
"…Right." Karina nodded as she and Erich followed Citan.