AN: This chapter is a little dark.

I must also thank 2good2betrue whose support has helped me become a better writer.

Reviews are greatly appreciated.

I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it. :)

Ross flung the veil upwards to rest upon her woven hair, and kissed her with an unfathomable passion. This happiness she felt, was it true? Was it genuine? All it took was a a quick glimpse at the gold that clinged to her finger, engraved with her name. Rachel Geller. No words were needed. The most exquisite satin gown laced her body, intoxicating her in soft twilight. Diamonds littered the neckline of her dress, which could only reflect the supreme beauty she gifted the world. The stone beneath her feet could not harm the alabaster stiletto shoes she wore, not when love had lifted her up this high.

As Ross held Rachel tighter, the vision broke.

When her eyes ripped open, the dream remained what it really was: a dream.

Blurred, Rachel became aware of her surroundings. She was still in the hospital, sitting next to Ross, holding his hand. He was sleeping, possibly dreaming. His hand was cool to the touch as she squeezed it reassuringly. The off-white color of the walls and the light blue speckled floor were soul sucking. As much as she loved Ross, Rachel hated hospitals. They were always so boring and their was nothing to do. However, she took solace in the fact that Ross was here. The hospital could have been on fire and she wouldn't move. In fact, she'd probably throw herself onto Ross like a shield.

Rachel laid a hand on Ross's head and began to pet him gently, as she peered at his features. His skin was still pale, but his cheeks had faint color. When he opened his eyes the day before, they were the purest cocoa brown, and Rachel could not wait to look into them again. His hair was greasy and disheveled. This didn't bother her at all. Ross was still as handsome as ever to her. The smallest twitch of his hand, and Rachel held on for dear life.

She still couldn't believe someone would ever hurt Ross like this. Who was that sick bastard?

That was another matter to sort out. Ross provided all the details he could about the mugger to the police during the ambulance ride, but crimes like these are so common, and even with the witnesses who heard the gunshot, nothing was guaranteed. Who knows where he is or if he's been caught or not? It simply wasn't fair. It wasn't right. Ross didn't deserve this. A tear threatened to escape from Rachel's gleaming eye, but she kept her silent anger in check.

Rachel didn't bother to think of that anymore. It wasn't important now. She decided that Ross getting back to full health was paramount. She was still so exhausted, despite having been woken up from possibly the greatest dream she ever had. It was so vivid, so lucid, it was jaunted to the front of her mind. It obviously meant something right?

But now was not the time for questions. Glancing at the clock, 3 a.m. rolled right around the corner. Rachel just wanted to pass out, but it was hard. Something was holding her back from sweet slumber. She glanced over at Ross, who was sleeping so peacefully. The faint humming from the oxygen seeping into Ross's lungs was not as irritating as she thought it would be. The heart rate monitor didn't give Rachel a headache, unlike the first time she visited Ross. Things had finally settled down. All that was left to do was rebuild.

Rachel leaned over to Ross and kissed him sweetly on the lips, trying not to wake him. It felt unbelievable to kiss him again, even if it physically hurt him to kiss her back. It was symbolic of their bond.

As she fell back into her chair, she stroked Ross's arm for what seemed like forever, and all she did was wonder.

Rachel laid her elbows on the edge of the wooden balcony, and rested her chin into her palm. Her stunning pink gown fluffed itself forward, and her sapphire embedded tiara shifted lightly in her hair. Her father said it complimented her eyes, but she didn't care how much her father gave her, be it a pony or an entire kingdom. She was missing something.

As Rachel stared at the clear skies above her, the wisps of clouds seeped away, as if they've been ordered by Zeus himself. Exhaling, her eyes rolled down. The lilies in the garden beneath her sprang up when she looked at them, filling to the brim with vigor. This didn't shock her, nothing really did now. The streets ahead of her were devoid of life, something she truly didn't mind at this moment. No one to bother her as her mind wandered the vast deserts of her heart. This didn't last, however. The silence grew stronger, it was pulling her towards the ground. It grew each second, and it soon became painful. Rachel's heartbeat became erratic and loud. She moaned warily to fill the gap, but did not feel the heavy hands that wrapped around her waist. They pulled her closer to him, as he hummed her favorite lullaby. She gasped while trying to break free, but it was to no avail. Ross swung her around and locked her in a kiss, where she, without hesitation, fell limp. There was no more suffering or agony, just peace. As their lips parted, he mouthed 'I love you'. Rachel froze, happier than ever. But the happier she became, the faster the illusion melted before her.

Rachel closed her eyes as everything she loved disappeared around her. Complete blackness surrounded her. It grabbed at her, pushed her, until all she could do was give up. She couldn't fight anymore, against whatever it was she was fighting against. An abrupt stop, and Rachel was paralyzed. She couldn't move, and could hardly breathe. Pressure on her chest and stomach became extreme pain. So she cried with the last of his strength for him.

"R-Ross."

In an instant, the torture had ended. A call of his name and Rachel was free. The chains that bound her to this darkness were broken. His form came from shadows that plagued this world they were trapped in. He took away all the fear from her like it had never been there. She let out a sigh as he approached her. Rachel held out her arms to escape this wretched place. Ross responded with a warm embrace, and a soft kiss to the forehead. Something was wrong, however. Her stomach ached.

As Rachel looked up toward his smiling face that lighted up her life, he spoke for the first time since the accident, albeit softly.

"Don't cry, Rach."

This was strange. Rachel wasn't crying. He repeated his imperative.

"Don't cry, Rachel."

As a puzzled look formed on her face, a loud bang pierced the thick medium.

Ross grew cold, and fell to the ground.

Rachel violently awoke, sweating profusely. What the hell was that? Never had she had such a terrible dream, especially when all she needed was next to her. She squinted at the clock. 3:07 a.m.. Unbelievable. She turned towards her lover, but not before hearing a cringing sound.

Ross's hand was tightly crushed between her's. His heart rate monitor blared rapidly, and his breathing constricted.

Rachel immediately called the nurse, terrified.