LOURDES
Hal, he's here.
I thought I would feel relief, I thought I would be happy to see him again. But, I didn't feel anything close to that. I felt guilty and mad and worried; here he was standing in front of me all battered and bruised because of me. He was here because of me, because he went looking for me. The guilt hit me in the gut like a punch. I held my tears, I had to. I won't cry, not right now, not in front of them.
Hal didn't hear me when I whispered his name. He was staring at Karen, his eyes wide both with shock and hurt. I felt the sudden urge to hug him. It reminded me of that time in the infirmary when he was waiting for Karen to wake up and he was losing all hope. The time he cried and he babbled on and on about how it was all his fault. That was the side of Hal I never knew existed and I didn't want that side of him to exist. I hated seeing the brave and courageous Hal Mason break down; and now he was almost going to fall apart and I just want to hold him again, to stop him from crumbling.
But, I couldn't and that made me feel worse.
"Hal" I spoke louder this time, my voice breaking.
He turned his attention to me and I caught my breath.
"Lourdes!" He yelped. He tried to make his way towards me but one of the men grabbed his arm. I couldn't speak anymore, my voice hitched in my throat.
His eyes burned of relief and I forced out a small smile, a smile barely there to reassure him that I'm alright.
"At least you know your efforts of searching for her did not come to waste." Karen smiled
"Lourdes, are you hurt?" Hal asked, his voice raising an octave higher "Did they touch you? I swear to God if they hurt you-"
I shook my head "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."
Hal looked at me, confused.
Karen frowned "Enough of this, I only brought her here for you to see that she's alive; not for long though, if you do not come with our terms."
Hal looked at Karen now "What terms?"
Karen looked at me from behind her shoulder, her lips tugged into a mischievous smile "Take her away."
A strong pair of hands grabbed me and carried me away. I didn't fight it, what was the use? I was exhausted; I felt every bit of energy I had left slowly drain away. My head started to hurt and I was dizzy and I felt limp. The only thing I paid attention to was Hal's pained voice promising me that he would get me out.
HAL
"What do you want from me?" I hissed
Karen –or whatever that is controlling her- took a step towards me, her eyes deep into mine "A lot of things, Hal Mason but right now, I want you."
"Me?"
"I want you to join me."
I looked at her, incredulous "Join you?"
"Be with me, join me in serving them. They'll be our future masters soon enough." Karen tipped her head to the side "I know you've had doubts, Hal. I know you know that there is a high possibility you'll lose this war."
I pursed my lips "No-"
"Yes, you had." She whispered "And you will lose, Hal. They're too powerful, they grow stronger and stronger every passing minute."
She inched closer and closer to me until there was little space between us, her eyes were still digging into mine and I couldn't look away. I looked at her, looked at Karen or what's left of her at least. She was nothing else but a shell, my Karen. She's gone, I have to remember that. This isn't her, no, not anymore.
She rested her hand on my cheek "Join me, Hal. We can be together again just like old times."
Karen was gone the day the skitters took her. The one I saved wasn't her, it was her body, yes, but it wasn't her.
She closed her eyes and her forehead rested on mine and a surge of emotions crashed into me like a big wave. "Choose me over them, Hal. I'm still Karen, I'm still the girl you fell in love with."
I felt a pain in my chest, a sharp gripping pain. No, this isn't her. This can't be her; the Karen I know wouldn't do this. No
"Stop" I muttered
"I forgive you, Hal." Karen whispered "Just stay with me."
This isn't Karen, no, what she did- what she asked those people to do. I felt my breath hitch, my throat dry, it hurts to speak. I felt some kind of handle tucked in her belt. I owe her a debt, I should have gone to her sooner.
I tried to speak but I couldn't. I felt a scorching hot pain in my throat, please let me speak, please. I released the object free from her belt. I tried to speak again but all that came out was a sob. I hadn't realized I've been crying.
I felt Karen's lips brush against mine, it felt as light as a feather "Hal."
"Forgive me." I whispered as I plunged the blade deep into her stomach.
Karen let out a cry as she slowly backed away from me, her face more in surprise than pain. I could only stare at her, I, too, shock at what I just did. It felt like something I had to do like I had to give her this at least. She sat on the floor, back against the wall as she tried to catch her breath.
I had to move. I kneeled beside her and took a set of keys from her pocket. I was about to stand up when she grabbed my wrist. I looked at her and I couldn't help but feel that sharp pain I felt just minutes before. Her skin was already draining of color and her skin felt almost cold. "I'm sorry."
I'm sorry those words again, said to me already twice today.
I couldn't say anything back so I just offered a simple nod. I knew, I understood. I heard the slight quiver in her voice and the way her eyes almost pleaded.
She gave off a ghost of a smile and with her last breath she mumbled "Thank you."
A/N: Hello again! Well school is back on and that's why I couldn't update sooner and I'm very very very sorry. This is pretty short but don't you worry I'm nearly done with the next chapter so expect it tomorrow! I promise it would be by tomorrow; pinky swear! I also put some of my thoughts about the season finale in my next chapter and boy was I ecstatic about that finale! Alright, don't forget to tell me what you think.