Lightning Strikes Twice

Chapter 39: Light Within Darkness

I hear a cackle. I wish it could one of just normal laughter. But it's not. It's evil sounding, rumbling low like a coming storm. Not too unlike the storm that started this all.

At first all I see is darkness. And then I see myself on the fields. It's raining, the sky is red.. and so is the ground. Everyone.. all my friends lay there, bleeding with some sort of horrid injury and not moving.

I run up and skid on my knees as I come to Minerva and hold her in my arms. I look around at my friends, still just unresponsive.

Martix with gashes all over from what visible skin.

Xenith and Celosia by each other, with huge deep slash injuries through their clothing.

A hole through Kron's chest.

A huge slash across Luxia's abdominal area.

I want to believe that they're all just injured at first, like I'm not seeing what I'm not seeing. But I can't avoid the truth of what I'm now seeing.

They're all dead. Or so I thought they were. While my heart was sinking to the depths of my being, I didn't notice Minerva letting out a weak cough before reaching a hand to my face.

She bears a weak, pained smile as she stares into my eyes. She utters only four words.

"Marsh.. I.. love you."

It's then that Minerva passes out. No, who am I kidding. It's then, that Minerva dies in my arms.

Before I can say or do anything else, my sight is once again enveloped by that same darkness.

-

I gasp as I immediately sit up, apparently waking up from the worst nightmare I've ever experienced. I feel drenched in sweat as I do, my eyes immediately darting to my shaking hands.

Slowly, I see a hand creep over to hold mine. As I look up I feel another being placed on my cheek. My head is turned and the sight of Minerva is already putting me on the verge of tears.

"Marsh..?"

I immediately pull her close as I wrap my arms around her, squeezing Minerva like I'll never let go. I almost don't want to let go.

"You're okay.. you're okay.."

"Of course I'm okay, I should be asking you that question. Is.. everything alright?"

"Nightmare.. I think.. it felt so real.."

Minerva rubs my back as she hugs me tighter.

"Everything's okay Marsh. This is real. I'm okay, everyone's okay."

I let out a sigh as I let my head rest against Minerva's, while I just hug her even tighter.

"I.. I love you Minerva.."

"Love you too, Marsh. There.. is something else I should tell you though."

"There is..?"

Minerva squeezes me a bit tighter as she then nods.

"Your uh, brother is here too."

"Oh.. uh, alright."