Disclaimer: I don't own Neopets, as much as I wish it. I don't own 'Haunted' by Evanescence either.

"No."

The mysterious figure was gliding toward him, paw outstretched. Her eyes were dull white, as was the rest of her body. A tattered dress hung limp on her shoulders. It was covered in slivers of crimson.

Jeran turned away. He closed his eyes, staring into nothingness.

"You're not real."

Long lost words whisper slowly to me...

He blinked back tears. Mixed emotions were bubbling up inside of him. He didn't want to believe that she was alive. His mind must be playing tricks on him. She was dead, and nothing anyone could do could bring her back. If he would believe that she was alive, just for a fleeting moment, then his world would come crushing down as he slipped back into reality.

Still can't find what keeps me here

"I don't believe in you. I saw you die."

When all this time I've been so hollow inside

A draft set his fur on end. The back of his neck tingled, signaling that the spirit was right behind him. It must be just a trick of his mind…

"The Rose I knew died five years ago…"

I know you're still there

Still, the sensation refused to die away.

"Honestly! Let me alone. You cannot believe that I can be feeling remorse for your death. It was not my fault. You should not have been there that day. What could you have done? You just put yourself in more danger."

Something inside of him snapped. Resentment and pain was billowing out of his mouth before he could think twice.

"I never cared about you! You were just a hindrance to me. You were just a stupid teenager that I never had any emotions for whatsoever!"

He didn't care that he was uttering stupid lies. His pain and guilt had twisted into something unreal, and something sinister…

He could now feel a cold creeping up his back. The blood-stained paw creeped down his neck, and turning, stared into the eyes of Crystal. Her eyes leaked tears, spilling onto his shoulder, as a misty voice chanted...

"Watching me, wanting me


I can feel you pull me down


Fearing you, loving you


I won't let you pull me down..."

Suddenly the figure crumpled to the ground, clutching her shoulder. Blood gushed from the wound...

Jeran knelt down beside her. "Rose..." he said shakily, "What can I do to stop the bleeding?"

She stared back into his eyes. "I could have been your tourniquet."

"No," he whispered, taking her in his arms, "I will be your tourniquet."

In an instant, the figure vanished. Jeran blinked as he stood to his feet. Had he been dreaming? No.. He examined his paws. The blood was still there...

But how?

- - - - - - - -

Author's Note: I'm really sorry for the short chapter and the long time I took updating. I will get the next chapter up hopefully by next week!