Lightning Strikes Twice

Chapter 35: Awake, Yet Dreaming

"Well. I guess this is it, huh?"

"Yeah.. I guess so."

With my sword on my back, I'm face to face with Luxia. We stand near the entrance hall as I'm all ready to go. Today marks the first day of the new year; therefore, the month is over. We just stand there, staring at each other.

"While it started out rocky due to.. obvious reasons.."

"Right.. uh.."

"I'm kinda glad we got this time. Getting to really know you and such."

Luxia nods with a sort of nervous look on her face. She exhales before cracking a sort of smile at me.

"I really, really, can't thank you enough for talking with me. Giving me all that support despite.. everything."

I just nod at her. Soon after, I pull her in for a hug. Just like every other time she freezes, probably in shock of it. It doesn't take long before she slowly starts to hug me back.

"It was nice, getting to be on friendly ground with you."

"Yeah.. it was."

"Guess we'll be back to normal once I get home then."

That time, Luxia stays quiet. She lets go of me before I do myself.

"Guess I should get going now. I've kept my people worried long enough, I'd think."

I start to step away while I wave at her.

"See you later!"

"Yeah.. see you."

--

Once I'm outside the building, I start squinting as I look around.

"Forgot how long the distance was.. damn. Well, I suppose I should stop in Martix' and Celosia's old village while I'm at it. Would make for a good stop."

I start to take a few steps as I begin my walk home. Not even ten steps in and I hear a sound I recognize behind me. The quiet sound of a portal opening. I whip around to see the portal and Allison slowly stepping out of it. She takes a few moments before actually looking at me, giving me a weak smile.

"..H-hi Marsh."

I take a quick look at her as she greets me. Her eyes are surrounded by black circles and the same jacket she wore the day I last saw her is still.. still covered in blood on the front. She looks tired and like she's forcing that smile.

"I h-hope I'm not bothering you at all. I just wanted to-"

I come up to her while I pull her in for a tight hug. She just starts to shake a bit while I hold her. I just start to whisper as my chest feels heavy.

"Allison I.. I'm so sorry. I screwed up, bringing.. him with me."

After saying that, Allison starts to hug me back. I hear her sniffle as starts to whisper back.

"Its not your fault, Marsh. I have only two people to blame and neither of them are you."

"No. I should've paid more attention to the both of-"