Second Chance

Chapter 13

Being a Friend

Leslie stood in front of the grave, her tear-streaked face molded into a glare of determination.

Around her, people piled into their cars, preparing to leave the old, rustic cemetery in which Judy and Bill had insisted in burying the elderly Burke. She didn't notice, only stared at the grave – currently little more than a mound of dirt with a small sign on it, yet extremely important to the girl.

"You alright?" Jess asked, startling her slightly, but she only nodded.

"Yeah," she said. "It's just hard to believe."

"It always is."

"Of course you'd know that, God of Death."

Jess raised his eyebrow. "You know I don't want to talk about that."

She nodded, smiling slightly. "Of course. I wouldn't either."

"Listen," he said. "If you need anything, ask. I'm sure Dad won't mind."

"Thanks."

"Jess, Leslie," Judy called. "Get in the car, hurry!"

Jess glanced at Leslie, smiling. "Shall we go, my Queen?" he asked.

"Yes, my King," Leslie said.

Jess looked forward, sighing slightly. "I hope I never have to do one like that again. Lord, I'm sorry, Leslie."

"Don't, Jess. It wasn't your fault. It was your..." She trailed off. What could she say? Duty?

No. That would be trivializing the thing, she realized. She didn't know what to say, so she said nothing.

"My what?"

"I don't know."

Jesse smirked playfully. "The great storyteller Leslie Burke, short on words? I'm shocked!" he exclaimed in mock horror.

"I'll get you for that, Jess Aarons!"

"You'll have to catch me first!"

And he was off, running towards the car.

"Hey! No fair!"

Leslie ran after him, laughing.

Terabithia stood silently in the darkness, unaware of the incoming evil. Hundreds of creatures bound to the old Ruler had stood at its border, confused, for days. They were sure that they would get to attack, and the order never came to retreat or attack. Now, they were sure, it was time to attack.

They marched into the forest, a menacing, black mass of claws and fangs and fur; deformed monstrosities exiled from all but the darkest domains of the Earth.

The ground rumbled in their wake.

"What was that?" Jesse asked, his eyes darting instinctively toward the forest just as the Burke's car pulled up in his driveway.

"I don't know," Leslie replied.

"I'll check."

"No, Jess, I'll go," Bill said, opening the car door and getting out.

"Mr. Burke, I think... I think that's not a good idea."

With that, Jesse jumped out of the car and ran towards the forest. His sneakers pounded the dirt, kicking up clouds.

"Be careful, Jess," the Burkes muttered in near-unison.

Jess entered the forest cautiously, narrowing his eyes to adjust to the darkness caused by the trees. His heart beat fast; his breathing sped up until he was sure that he would hyperventilate. But he knew that he had to stop whatever was coming, no matter the cost.

He had sworn it.

The army looked at him, a collective mass of eyes. This was an unexpected development, having the King of Terabithia march out alone. They had been told that there would be much flesh to devour, and here only one person – albeit the king himself – comes out to meet them?

Many of the lower-ranking creatures growled softly, angrily.

"Quiet!" exclaimed the leader, leaping out to meet Jesse.

Jesse saw a creature jump out to meet him – a tall, bestial creature with claws like large talons.

"Stop!" he said.

"Who are you to order me?" the creature asked, its red eyes glaring at the boy.

"I am the Ruler of Death."

"You lie!"

The creature raked its long talons forward, narrowly missing gutting the boy open like a fish fillet.

Jesse's eyes narrowed and he focused, sending the creature flying into a tree. It crumpled, dazed.

"What is your command?" it asked, kneeling before Jesse.

"Return to your lair and never return."

"Yes, my master."

With that, the army marched away into the darkness, never to be seen again.

"What happened, Jess?" Leslie asked, running over to her friend as he walked shakily out of the forest.

"Just a small infestation, nothing to worry about."

"No, I mean that," she said, pointing to his shirt, which was torn and revealed a rather deep scratch.

"Oh, just a scratch from one of the creatures."

"I was worried, you know. Don't do that again, okay?"

"Sure."

"I mean it."

Jess nodded. "Race you across the field?"

"Okay. On your mark, get set, go!"

And they ran, constantly swapping lead before collapsing at the other end of the pasture.

"You tied me," Leslie said.

"Yeah," Jesse said, before lightly kissing her and standing up. "Well, I'd better get back inside before Dad grounds me. They're a bit more understanding, but I still have to watch my step."

"Okay." Just then, it started to rain. "Guess I should head in, as well."

With that, Jesse towards the porch. He stopped, turned and waved, then entered the safety of his home.

"I love you, Jesse," Leslie whispered, before walking towards her own house.

A/N: Sorry for the delay; college has been crazy. Fortunately I didn't have too much work on Thanksgiving break, so things have been easier the past few days.

I hope that this provided a decent end for "Second Chance", and that the last scene wasn't too forced. I was trying to provide a mirror to Leslie's last scene in the movie.

I'll post the sequel some day, but doubtfully in the next week, since Finals are coming soon.