Chapter Fourteen

The Hero?

I can't…I can't do this anymore. I can't do it! I can't keep living in fear! And the worst part is I fear myself! I cannot let Prick hurt anymore people. He already took Mallory from me, I have to keep this promise I made with Kitty! I can't let my new friend be hurt…it's time. I was here before Prick and I should be the one in control. Good thing Prick likes to taunt before he attacks or else Briar might be…no, I won't think about that. I have to save Briar. For Kitty.

I knew I couldn't physically beat Prick; I had to attack him mentally. I probably wasn't going to be able to permanently get rid of Prick but, if all goes well, I won't have to worry about him for a while. It was time to take Prick down! Metaphorically speaking, of course.

I had to talk. That felt like the most effective way to fight Prick. You know, sometimes words can be stronger than actions. I need to fight, I need to resist, I need to protect.

I try my best to speak but nothing works. And then I think about Kitty. Everything suddenly becomes clear. Prick is like a form of hate, of fear, of hurt. You can only defeat something with its opposite. I need to be love, fearlessness, protection. That's the only way, the only way I can keep my promise. I thought of Kitty once more and tried to speak. Somehow, it seemed magically, words came out.

"Stop." I said calmly.

"Shut up. You're awful and useless. You can't even protect your own sister." Prick said harshly. That got to me, but I didn't stop, if anything it empowered me. I felt a rush of adrenaline.

"No. Prick, this has to stop. You are the useless and awful one. You are the one that didn't let me save my sister. You're the one who always ruins everything and…" I was about to insult him again when it struck me, I was being hateful too. Prick must be feeding off all my negative energy. I knew what I needed to do, "I forgive you." Now that got a reaction from him!

"WHAT! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE INSULTING ME! YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO HATE ME!"

"But I don't. I sure don't like you,"

"That's more like it." Prick said, but I hadn't finished my sentence.

"No, I don't like you Prick. I love you. I love you with all my heart. You're like a brother to me Prick." I could feel myself gaining control.

"NO! NO, NO, NO! YOU CAN'T LOVE ME! THAT'S NOT HOW IT WORKS! You're killing me with kindness… shouldn't 'brothers' not kill each other? At least, that what I thought."

"Brothers don't hurt each other, but they know when it's time for the other one to rest." After that last word came out of my mouth, I felt a surge of power. Prick was gone… for now.

Hello! All I wanted to say was hi! Well, bye then… *makes walking noises* I WAS JUST KIDDING! What I really wanted to say was that this is the last chapter (for now) from Spike's perspective. We are going back to Briar's perspective next chapter. Hope you guys enjoy and as always… love you all, and see you guys (and girls) in the next chapter!