She did not sleep that night. She merely sat, her back against the head board and watched Login sleep. She had insisted on sleeping on the couch but wouldn't have it. So, here she was, in bed with a sleeping vampire. She had pretended to fall asleep long enough for him to rest.
She removed a stray strand of hair from his face. She could feel a blush creep its way to her face and quickly pulled her hand away. I shouldn't be here. . . Nahia. . . you should leave now. . . Yet she found herself unmoving, staring off into the waterfall, thinking of what could be.
. . . . .
She watched the sunrise she hadn't even noticed Login move until he spoke.
"Beautiful huh?"
His voice startled her. She looked at him. His hair was tussled, he looked absolutely adorable. She looked away, hiding her smile.
He smiled, and gazed out towards the morning sun as it's light pierced through remnants of the night sky. He returned his eyes to Nahia, who had quickly looked away.
ReplyDelete"Do you feel any better?" he asked.
She looked back at him. She knew she should tell the truth, but if she did it would only worry him.
ReplyDelete"Yes. Much better." Her gaze lowered to her hands as she nervously played with them.
He noticed she was extremely fidgety, but thought nothing else of it. He somewhat doubted she truly felt better for she would have left by now, right? He again looked out towards the horizon, noticing Nahia observe him from the corner is his eye.
ReplyDelete"This place is like home to me. Or, I guess rather... A home away from home." He paused before adding, "Do you like it here?"
More than anything. . she wanted to tell him. But she restrained herself. She had to take her leave soon, but how to make him give up his chase? How would she make him prove that he wasn't as good as he appeared?
ReplyDeleteShe threw off the covers and jumped of the bed. She gathered her jacket and shoes. As she did so she could hear Login going after her.
"Enough vampire. I will not stay here longer. You said I was free to leave."
She turned her back to him so he couldn't see her wince as the pain pulsated.
Yes, he had made that promise... and he was intent to keep it.
ReplyDelete"You feeling better, then?" he asked, leaning to the side in his attempt to see a small glimpse of her expression, which was masked by a curtain of hair. "Sure you don't want something to eat first before you go?"
"I don't eat." Was her reply. She put on her shoes and walked over to the mouth of the cave. A dizziness overtook her. She quickly shook it off. The pain intensified more and more. It no longer came in waves. She brought her hand up to her chest as if she could somehow use her healing again. But it failed her.
ReplyDeleteShe turned slightly towards Login, "Thank you for giving me a place to stay. I rested well last night."
Will I see you again?, he wanted to say and the thought nearly escaped his grasp. He stood there momentarily with his mouth somewhat open, unsure of what to say. He couldn't stop her from going, he couldn't be sure he would see her again.
ReplyDeleteHis emotions toiled within until finally all that could come out was: "Be safe."
She nodded. She began making her way down to the forest below. When she thought she was far enough she collapsed against a tree. She was gasping for air. The pain had intensified so much she could no longer hold back the gut wrenching screams.
ReplyDeleteShe should go back she thought. Login would help her. But those thought were quickly pushed aside. You have already left Nahia, you're lucky that you got out of there without his resistance. No, she couldn't go back so she sat there hoping the pain would ease enough for her to teleport out of there.
Off in the distance he could hear the echoes of a woman screaming and instantly Login assumed it to be Nahia. He readied himself to pursue after her, but was abruptly stopped short as he remembered. She clearly wanted nothing to do with him and his pursuit after her would only make matters worse. He threw up his hands as he paced in circles.
ReplyDelete"Fuck it," he whispered, and went off running to find Nahia.
Something was wrong.The forest had become quiet save the noise of a creature moving noisily in it. She didn't know what it was and she was in no shape to find out should it be hostile. She held her breath and stumbled to her feet. It took all her strength the remain quiet despite the burning pain that tore through her.
ReplyDeleteThe noise stopped. The seconds that stretched seemed like hours. It resumed this time heading straight for her. She couldn't help the frightened yelp that escaped her. Pushing aside the pain she ran.
The volume of her screams intensified and Login's own heart accelerated. Where was she?!
ReplyDelete"Nahia!" he cried out. The forest did not give a reply to her whereabouts. He cursed aloud. If only he took the time to know these woods better; to act as a guide or something like that for her. Another round of screams were heard, and he immediately journeyed toward the direction where he assumed they came from.
She stumbled many times. Fear began to take her giving her shortness of breath. She couldn't take this much longer. The pain had spread. It no longer only effected her chest, it now spread to her head, her stomach. Flashes of dizziness overtook her and her vision blurred. Up ahead she heard a rush of water. It was loud. A river!
ReplyDeleteThere would be open ground there, what ever pursed her she would be able to fight without having to fear it hiding amongst the trees.
She approached the river and spun to face the forest. she waited. Preparing herself for battle. She only wished that she had more strength to restrain her constant screams.
Her eyes widened as she saw the figure emerge from the forest. His eyes blazed red like the fires of hell. His hair shone black as death. With an evil grin upon his face he spoke, "Miss me Nahia?"
ReplyDeleteShe fell to her knees.
"Pein." She whispered before she screamed of not only pain. It was a screamed filled with the pain she felt now, the pain of the past, of fear, of anger. All the while, as clear as day, she heard his footsteps move closer to her. His soft laughter as he closed the distance between them.
And the screams changed; murderous and painful, and Login ran furiously in response. Please, please don't let anything happen to her. A slow but increasing sound of running water met his ears in accompaniment with Nahia's cries.
ReplyDeleteHe jumped into the opening and skidded suddenly to a halt; his eyes met not a figure of a woman but that of a man facing away from him and standing over someone.
"Who-" Login began; he was cut short as the man turned on the spot in the blink of an eye and he felt a sharp, quick pain across his torso. Once more, he felt the sweet crimson life seep from his body and he stumbled upon his feet before falling to his knees.
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ReplyDelete"Login!" She yelled his name even as she saw him fall to his knees. Pein showed a slow smile cross his face as he moved towards him.
ReplyDeleteNo! Her body instinctively moved. She propelled herself forward jumping onto Pein's back. She was quickly shaken off;she fell hard onto the river stones that littered the river.
"Feisty aren't we Nahia?" Pein's attention was on her. She stumbled to her feet, she sent worried glances to Login. She had to get to him. Maybe she could heal him again!
She knew she was no match for Pein. Not now when she was this weak. All she could do was attempt to out smart him. . . Simple enough, out smart the most demented mind aside from Lucifer himself.
"You have replaced me with a weak vampire?" Pein tisked at her. "That's pathetic even for you Nahia." In a flash he was in front of her. His hand clasped around her throat. His other hand stroked her face.
"You are far too fair for him Nahia," He softly whispered.
She gasped for air, his hold tightened.
"O..Oh? And.. wh. whom do you wish. . .for.. me to. . . choose?" She replied.
Login gasped for air and his head swam. He couldn't think; any thoughts were hidden behind a fuzzy veil. He willed himself to concentrate. Nahia was in trouble... He had to so something while the attention was not on him.
ReplyDeleteHe sharply going his arm in the demon's direction, a wave of dark energy emitted from his hand. Without even so much as sparing Login a glance the demon deflected the attack with his free hand, which then rebounded back unto Login and nearly knocked him unconscious.
Login! Her mind screamed with desperation. Pein didn't even flinch!
ReplyDelete"Well sweet Nahia, I would like you to choose me, but. . . " He leaned in closer and whispered very quietly in her ear "I hate deceiving bitches" With that he slammed her onto the ground with enough force to create a small crater around her. The wind was knocked completely out of her. She was made painfully aware yet again of her earlier agony, save now, she could no longer scream.
"Oh?. . And. . . i would. .. be the deceiving bitch? . . . last time I checked. . . you . . . were very much. . . my bitch". It was painful for her to speak. A small spark of fear ignited in her as Pein's expression changed to one of no emotion. He picked her up and threw her with little effort. She landed hard, sand and rocks flew around her. She was momentarily disoriented, but had accomplished what she wanted. She now lay close enough to Login. Pushing aside her pain she crawled toward him. Pein's laughter caused anger to resurface, but she pushed forward. She sat up next to Login who was now gasping in attempts to catch his breath. She placed a careful hand over the wound, and willed it to heal. Please. . . please let it work. She thought over and over in her mind. Please. . . yet nothing occurred.
"No.. no" she breathed. please work work!
"Aw, not working little fallen? Let me help." She could hear him coming closer. Work! she felt a surge of power emanate through her. Yes! The wound closed.
" Get out of here. . .please... run!" She whispered to him. . . Next to her, she heard the quiet breaths of Pein next to her.
"Oh, but the party has just begun Nahia."
"
Nahia...! Desperate and weak, Login willed himself to find the strength to fend off Pein... And suddenly a small wave of sleeping, malicious darkness licked at his brain. Panic arose within him and with all his might attempted to fight back the growing darkness, but it was all in vain. His weakened state allowed the darkness to consume his mind and he was now no longer in control of his body or actions.
ReplyDeleteInstantaneously, he leapt toward Pein who in turn dodged to the side. Login teleported behind Pein and was able to graze Pein in the side of his torso with his blow. Somewhere in the back of his mind he could hear Nahia's pleas to stop. The darkness within refused to obey and kept pursuing Pein with a flirty of attacks.
He wasn't listening to her. She knew Pein was merely amused but Login, though she was impressed Login was able to land a single blow. Login's speed increased only with time. Pein was beginning to look annoyed. Perhaps it was the adrenaline that coursed through her veins. . . at least she hoped it was not the latter reason, being her fear that Login would get hurt, but a familiar power began to grow within her. Yes! Never before had she been happier to feel that dark power. And just in time, Pein had pinned Login down, his hand raised and poised to strike Login's heart.
ReplyDeleteInstantly she was behind Pein, a single hand caught his. He slowly turned his head to peer at her, his gaze venomous and filled with anger.
"Your fight is with me demon."
A slow menacing smile spread across his face.
"Oh? I apologize my lovely Nahia, I will be sure to give you my undivided attention."
He lunged, his speed was incredible! She just dodged the attack ment for her throat. She spun, a kick landing swiftly on Pein's side. He laughed.
"Of course, only a fallen could ever hope to have a slim chance against me. But remember my little toy, you can be broken quite easily."
Login lunged forward and tackled Pein aside; his momentum suddenly redirected to the ground as Pein counter attacked. Nahia appeared behind Pein and made to strike. Pein disappeared and Nahia faltered as she attempted to avoid hitting Login. He pulled her away as he kicked what appeared to be open air until Pein reappeared at the precise moment of contact. Swiftly, Pein blocked the kick and grabbed Login's ankle, flipping him onto his back. Jumping to his feet, Login froze as Pein held Nahia in his grasp.
ReplyDelete"Come on then, vampire." Pein shook Nahia by the hair, strengthening his grip on her. "Give it your best shot."
Nahia gasped as Pein's grip tightened more and more. She could see the indecision in Login's eyes. She had been stupid, she had been too focused on Login's whereabouts through out the fight she forgot to keep her guard up.
ReplyDeleteRage build within her. No. Pein would not use her, never again! Nahia twisted in his grip, in one swift move she struck out at Pein, he jumped back releasing her from his hold. Login moved quick, he appeared behind Pein and struck. It was a blow easily deflected by Pein. Nahia moved. She lunged forward and landed a solid blow on Pein's side. She had been so focused on landing her blow she did not see as Pein's claws found her own side. She felt as they dug deep enough to scrape her very ribs. She stumbled back.
She heard a menacing growl. She thought it had been Pein, but she turned her gaze upward. Login's eyes had changed. His attacks became swift and un yielding. There was a certain grace in his style of fighting that she admired. Pein had little to no trouble dodging his attacks. Then suddenly he vanished. Login stood there, his breaths calm and even, he bared his fangs as he attempted to locate Pein's next move.
Nahia gasped as she felt the blood now enter her lungs. The crimson liquid now streamed down the sides of her mouth.
Login turned his gaze to her as sudden desperation was within them. He slowly moved closer to her, awaiting for an attack that never came from Pein.
"Login!" Her warning came too late. Pein appeared behind the unsuspecting Login, though not to strike. Instead he brought an arm up to his throat and held him in a choke hold. Login gasped for air.
Pein leaned in, "What have you done to my little fallen masterpiece vampire? She was heartless and merciless woman and now look at her, can't even defend herself." He hissed into Login's ear.
He turned his relentless gaze upon her. "What are you going to do now Nahia? Hmm? By the way, does it hurt more now than ever? I can only imagine the pain your in... beautiful isn't it?"
"Leave her be...!" gasped Login. Pein's eyes turned onto Login's and instantly squeezed harder unto his throat until Login's wind pipes were completely closed. He struggled beneath his grasp, unable to make a sound.
ReplyDelete"You might want to learn your manners before you get yourself killed," Pein said. "I was talking to the fallen, leech. Oh, you also never answered my question." And the hold on Login remarkably grew stronger. He couldn't break free. Already, his limbs started becoming heavy and limp; his eyes drooped lazily as his mind was devoid of any thoughts or emotions. As he slipped closer to unconsciousness he made out Nahia's murderous cries and Pein's voice booming in response, but his groggy mind could not discern what they were saying. Finally, Login fainted.
"Let him go Pein! Please you're killing him!" Pein never listened, he just watched her intently as he squeezes harder and harder.
ReplyDelete"No!" Nahia attacked. Her speed surprising even herself. She appeared behind Pein and lodged her fangs into Pein's shoulder. He immediately dropped Login. He reached behind and grabbed a fistful of Nahia's hair. She shut her eyes and held on. ignoring the pain, she knew Pein would grow weary of "playing" and leave if she would just hold on. She felt his claws scratch her over and over, blood streamed down her arms and legs but still she held strong. With a frustrated growl Pein disappeared leaving her to drop on the floor. He reappeared behind her, his hand clasping around her delicate throat.
"Nice try Nahia, but I am having too much fun to leave. . . of course... I will leave you alone for a kiss."
Of course he would.
Pein leaned in, his kiss was not like Login's. His was angry, distasteful. Login's had been kind and caring.
He threw her on the ground, wiping his mouth.
"I will come back to finnish you two off. . . of course next time I might give you something to remember me by" He winked at her and just like that he disappeared, leaving all his destruction behind. Nahia crawled to Login's side. A slow dizzziness taking her. Bloodied and coated with sand she brought Login's head to rest on her lap.
"Please. . . please be ok." She placed a hand to check his breathing. Nothing. No! her mind screamed.
She quickly laid him down. She had known CPR long ago.. . she brought back her knowledge and began. Silently pleading Login to come back.
"Please. . . please come back. . no.. no!" She breathed between ragged breaths. Login!
Something was stirring, a slow but sure life pulsating in his chest. Everything was still warm, most of all his throat as the hot air forced it's way into his lungs. As soon as he found the strength to regain control of his breathing, he choked. Nahia removed her lips from his, relieved, and watched as he rolled to the side. His lungs and throat were still on fire and stung with every breath he took and he sounded as though he were close to choking out his organs; the pain could not be more intense. He tried breathing normally, but his wind pipe was still immeasurably tight and he couldn't catch his breath. The oxygen filled blood rushed back to his head and he was overcome with dizziness. His thoughts growing clearer and his body becoming stronger, Login immediately turned his attention back to Nahia's tattered and bloodied appearance. Though he could see a great relief echoed in her eyes, they could not hide the physical pain he was sure she was feeling.
ReplyDelete"Nahia," he wheezed. "Nahia... don't worry... Every... thing will be f-fine... I'll treat your wounds right... away..." Anything... anything to keep from seeing her in endless pain...
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ReplyDeleteA sad smile appeared on her face. She wouldn't stay long enough for that. She couldn't. Pein had somehow decided to make her life miserable, and Login would be caught in the cross fire. No. . . I can't do that to you Login.
ReplyDeleteShe painfully got to her feet, a hand clutching the wound on her side. As she moved more and more blood seeped through.
She stopped Login from rushing forward to her aid.
"No.. no Login. . i.. its.. best i... L..Leave." Her breaths had now become filled with blood. She coughed, the slow trickle of her life's blood ran down her chin.
Login ignored her, stepping forward to act as her support but she shied away.
"No." She leveled her cold stare to Login's. She had to show him who she really was. Even if it broke her heart doing so, she would show him she was no caring creature. Pein was right. She was a hateful, heartless, and merciless. An evil grin now appeared onto her face.
"You think . . . I need your... help vampire?! I have... dealt with worse. I have... caused worse. You darling sister. . . I have plans for her. . . your father should be dead by now. Come ... on! You canot. . . seriously think. . . i am capable of... love?!"
He was dumbfounded. It had never been said, though he had known it all along. He never intended for this to happen. It wasn't as if he tried to discourage it, either, but his voice of reason told him it was foolish and irrational. See, she admits it, she's only going to hurt you further! To which then the voice of heart rebutted, She'll hurt me worse if she leaves.
ReplyDeleteHe wiped his face with his hands in his deliberation, stopping by his chin as though he were praying. He finally sighed a laugh and smiled.
"That's a choice you have to make for yourself, Nahia... Though, I think I know what choice you've made." She raised an eyebrow at him. "Otherwise... I would still be lying dead upon the ground, right?" She didn't respond; she remained frozen and staring at him. He couldn't see the thoughts running through her mind through her gaze, if there were any at all. Taking her silence as confirmation, he approached her and acted as her crutch as he tried walking the both of them onward.
Now a panicked feeling over took her. He was right. . . Why had she saved him? She pushed him away, doing so caused her to stumble back and fall upon the ground. She pushed her self further from him. No.... no! Her mind screamed. She squeezed her eyes shut.
ReplyDelete"No. . .no" She breathed out.
"Hey, its ok you know." Login's voice snapped her out of her desperate downfall. She looked sorrowfully into his eyes, shaking her head in denial.
"No. . . i can't Login. I can't I just can't. . " The strain her body was now under intensified the pain. A small whimper escaped her lips. Her sobs were silent as she realized. . .
"Oh God. . . Login. . . I am in love with you."
And it was as if he had been awaiting those words for a lifetime. His heart felt so light and he couldn't stop the smile crossing his face. He knelt down and sat next to her as she continued to hold her head, still shocked from her realization. He didn't take that as a particularly good sign; he could only imagine how someone of her reputation felt about this. And yet he couldn't stop himself from saying what came next: "I've made my choice as well... I am in love with you too, Nahia."
ReplyDelete"No. . . No Login" She whispered even as his confession sent her heart a flame with joy. That was when the pain exploded like a force contained for an eternity and had been released from the pressure building within.
ReplyDeleteAn agonizing scream ripped out of her. She jumped to her feet. Scrambling to get away from Login.
"Nahia!" She heard him scream as he went after her.
She turned a her saddened and pained eyes to his. They met briefly as she vanished before his eyes.
She slammed onto the ground of her new destination. . . tears ran down her face as she vowed she would find her hatred once more. . . and kill Pein.
I love you Login. . . her mind whispered again and again as the dark grip of unconsciousness took hold of her and she passed out.