Chapter 9: You Need Me

Willow sat on a tree branch that was in front of her house. She propped one knee up to rest her book on. A warm evening breeze would brush passed Willow from time to time. She looked up to see whatever was left of the sun still shining through the leaves, almost like the day that she came home on the date of her own funeral. Having her book at hand, which she never let go of, Willow was writing one of her many letters… to herself.

Dear Subconscious Willow,

Why have you never written me back? It's been three weeks. I don't understand, you said you would be here for me, but yet, you aren't.

Well, while you were gone, father has done numerous tests on me. Turns out, I can live forever. How awesome is that!? The only downside is, I don't have any 'super powers'. Who cares? I'm happy the way I am.

It seems like Dash has come over more frequently ever since the funeral. He takes every chance he gets to ask me out on a date. I don't quite understand as to how I am always being sucked into these kinds of things.

He has already shown me the world. I don't know how he keeps surprising me with new adventures. Just yesterday, he showed me the Aurora Borealis in Norway. It didn't take long to get there with the new boots I have made.

Along with them being gravitational, they can also double over as hover board. I have added a new energy source and have made my boots easy to use. I have also changed the material of my boots to be lighter and more agile.

Willow closed her eyes and rested her head up against the trunk of the tree. "What a beautiful day to live." She said to herself.

All of a sudden, there was a large gust of wind, making pages fly from Willow's book "Knock Knock," She felt the tree's vibrations, "anyone home?" Willow looked down to see Dash giving one of his genuine smiles along with a small wave.

"Maybe." Willow slightly flirted back. She swung her legs around the branch and set the book beside her. "What are you doing here?"

"Just came to see your brother. Where is he by the way?"

"Out. He actually went out looking for you. I'll give him call and tell him that you are here." Willow said with a smile.

"Sounds wonderful." Dash said, casually moving his arm behind his head while leaning up against the tree.

The front door opened. Both Dash and Willow had their attention on Sapphire, who gave no interest to Willow. "So, Dash, come to see Flint again?" She said as she walked down the front porch.

"Yup." He said in response. He looked up at Willow, who was about ready to hop off the tree. He held out his arms. "I got you."

"No, no." Willow said with a smile, "I got it." She swung her legs back and forth. Willow then pushed herself off the tree. As she fell upon the ground, she stayed in a crouched position.

"Are you okay Will's?" Dash said as he walked closer to her.

Willow squeezed her head and groaned, "They're back again."

Sapphire walked over and knelt beside Willow, "What's back?"

From a distance, the sound of crunching grass came closer and closer. "What's wrong sis?" said a familiar voice.

"My headaches, it feels like-like a train just hit me." Willow said answering everyone's questions. She looked into everyone's eyes, all of which stared back at her. "Um, guys. It's just a headache. Not that a big deal."

Dash moved in closer to Willow and smoothly glided his hand over her cheek. "You must be having one hell of a headache there, because you have veins popping out of your head." He carefully twisted her head from side to side. "Dark purple ones too." He said as his hand slid from Willow's face.

She placed her hands gently on top of these so-called 'veins', "It doesn't feel like I have veins popping out of my head. Hmm…"

Willow…

Taken back, Willow looked around her to hear this strange voice. "Willow," Dash began, "what's going on?"

"I thought, I heard someone say my name. Did you say my name Sapphire?"

Hands behind her back, she responded. "Nope, haven't said a word."

Flint walked up to Dash, "What's planned for today?"

"Just the usual." Dash replied.

"Well, "Sapphire began to walk backwards, "I think I'm going to back inside." As she turned around, she quickly brought her hands to the front of her, as if she was hiding something.

Dash and Flint had made their way out of the front yard and out to do what they typically do.

Willow… The book…

Immediately looking up, Willow could not see the book on the tree branch. She started to walk around the tree, looking at every nook and cranny to find her book. She frantically looked back at Sapphire, who was just about to enter the house. Beside her was the book.

Willow walked straight up towards up the house and stopped on the pathway. "I would like my book back, Sapphire." She said as she held her hand out.

Upon the response, she instantly turned to stone. She quickly relaxed and twisted around to face her sister, hiding the book behind her body. "Why, I have no idea what you're talking about."

"That book is mine." She pointed to herself. "Now give it back!" Willow went closer to Sapphire.

"Or what? What can you do?" Sapphire threw her hands up in the air. "You can't even hurt a fly." Sapphire said coldly.

"Are you threatening me?!" Willow said hysterically.

Sapphire grabbed the door handle. "No, just stating the facts."

With that, Sapphire had slammed the door on her sister. Willow was speechless. Feeling worthless, Willow walked back over to the tree. She covered her face to try to hide the tears that were about to fall. I'm so weak… how am I to defend myself… I have nothing. She thought.

You have me.

Hearing the familiar voice again, Willow questioned, "Who are you?"

Oh, you know me. I'm here because you need me.

"Are you… in my head?"

I have always been. This time you can actually hear me. Now, we need to find that book.

"That won't be hard… My sister has it."

Well I knew that. Now that she knows you have seen her have it, she must have hidden it. However, before we do that, I have made another book, only slightly different.