Redemption

Restless sleeper

The strike of the match cut through the silence. Mackenzie made sure to light what was left of the candles. While Eden sat on the floor brushing the hair of her doll. It was with her when Mackenzie found her, her parents gave it to her the only thing left of them. Even it was covered in their blood when she found her hiding in an abandoned SUV.

Eden hummed softly to herself. She had picked up the song "This Little Light of Mine". It annoyed the hell out of Mackenzie but if it made her happy and not scared of the dark she let her have her moments peace. Day fell into night faster and faster everyday so it was pitch black outside. The creatures were more active at night so she covered every window, crack, and hole she could find so the light didn't get out and nothing could get in.

When Mackenzie finished she made herself comfortable on the bed, pulling her jacket tight around her so the bright crimson markings on her skin didn't peek through. She felt a tingle run down her spin as the creatures banged agaisnt the front door, fighting with each other. Must be over some poor stupid animal. Eden gasped softly and clutched her doll. Terror filled her eyes and she scooted closer to Mackenzie.

Kenzie smiled softly opening her arms slightly for her. Eden inched slowly into them finding safety and warmth in the embrace. She tucked her head under Mackenzie's chin and let herself be rocked gently in her arms.

"Some one seems like they'er sleepy," Mackenzie nudged making Eden pick up her head off her chest. She shook her head quickly, like any child would do.

"No No No. I'm not sleepy at all. We should play hide-n-seek!"

Mackenzie laughed laying the child down and placing the blanket over her.

"No, It' time to sleep. We've both had a long day sweetheart." She kissed her head softl before going to blow out the candles. She left one lite, taking it with her so she could find her way in the dark.

"But Kenzie I'm not sleepyyyyyy,"

Mackenzie flashed her a look, trying to be serious.

"I think your lying," She replied

"Am not." Eden yawned.

"You are. And if you don't stop your nose is gonna grow." She grinned as the child covered her nose.

"That's right now sleep. I'm tired."

Eden glared at her for a moment, then rolled over with a loud, aggrivated sigh. Mackenzie walked to bed and climbed in beside her. Before she blew out the candle she reached under the mattrese until her fingers brushed against cold metal. Her 5-shot revolver she saved for emergencies. She pulled it out alittle more just in case. She curled one arm around Eden and left the other close to where her gun was hidden. She whispered to the wind and let the gentle breeze blow out the candle. She let herself drift off to sleep.

*****

Mackenzie awoke to a blood curdling scream. She jerked upright to find Eden missing from the bed. She went into a panic. Screams pierced her ears and blinding light spilled into her room. The screams she heard sounded as if they came from the lips of men. Men at battle. She reached for her gun finding that missing also.

She hoped that it was Eden who had it. She got up quickly, not even bothering to grab her pack. She noticed Eden's doll on the floor and reached to grab it. She tucked it under her arm and ran for the door. Whatever light was outside filled the halllways nearly blinding her.

"Fuck!!! Eden!?! Where the hell are you baby?"

She heard a cry of alarm, the sound of a door being busted inward, shouts of men. She growled out of instinct, The demon rising up wuickly nearly over powering her. Blood surged trough her veins as she flew to the sound of the cry. Her demon had taken over, Her vision seeing in spots of red. Figures loomed closed, armed and ready. Ready for a human to appear. She just wondered where they got the eletricity for light.

As she turned a corner she caught the sight of a small figure crouched in the corner of a room.

Eden.

She busted through the locked door. Eden was crouched behind the bed her gun clutched tightly in her tiny fists.

"Eden!!!"

"Kenzie!,"She sobbed running to her "Kenzie...They're back..The men are...Back. I tried waking you up, but you didn't so I though you were dead. Kenzie I'm scared!"

Mackenzie soothed her head, holding her tightly.

"It's ok sweetheart I'm here now. I'm so sorry. I-"

She was inturruped by a thud. They were advancing they had made it up the stairs. Past the creatures. She looked around for a way to escape.

They were trapped. No way up, no way down. She could make it but she refused to put Eden in any more danger. She grimaced at their situation, only seeing surrender would save them. But they might just want blood shed. That she'd promise them for scareing her Eden.

She picked Eden up grabbing the gun from her. She would fight fire with fire, and if all else failed. Someone wasn't going toi end up with a happily ever after.

Eden cried into her shoulder as she made her way out the room and toward the pounding food steps. She leaned close and whispered softly to the girl.

"Stop crying. Remember, your the princess and nothing can happen to you. They're just trying to scare you so their ugly princess can take over. You don't want that do you?"

Eden picked her head up tears made her blonde waves stick to her tiny red face. She made a face of disgust, like she was imaging someone else being in her place.

"No I'm the princess."

Mackenzie smiled following the wall. If only that damned light would go off.

"That's right princess now," She looked around "Go into that room, Hide, and don't make a sound."

Edens eyes widened in fear.

"You're gonna leave me?" She was whimpering again.

Mackenzie shook her head "No sweetie only for a second. I'm going to tell them the princess refuses to step from her throne."

Eden looked up at her, her lip quivered but she nodded sliding out of her arms. She went to run then turned back, looking up at Mackenzie.

"Promise you'll be back?"

"I promise." Mackenzie nodded and grabbed her hand,kneeling down.

A thud sounded again. Louder this time signaling they were close. Probably below them.

Eden was crying again only silently.

"I love you Mackenzie," and she hugged her tightly.

"I love you too Eden." She kissed her head like she normally does then let her go.