Zane~Chan's Street Diary

Alexis's Fears

Day 33: (MCD)

Alexis's PoV:

I take one last look around the forest scenery before stepping out of the trees and back onto the worn gravel path. I rub the tiredness out of my eyes as I check the sun's position in the sky.

I grimace and feel my eyes droop when I realize how long my patrol took. I should get back to town before anyone gets worried. I turn around and walk up the road as I feel my mind start to wander. I keep my head low until my thoughts eventually drift to Zane.

A shuddered breath escapes my chest as I think about the mysterious dimension traveler. Why is he here? What does he want? How can he be trusted when he shares a face with... him?

I nervously bite my lip before passing through the old gate. The air gets heavy as the world around me slowly gets darker. I feel the world spin and my stomach heave while I stumble on the path. I squeeze my eyes shut while my thoughts get more and more jumbled.

"Not one step further Lord Aphmau..." My eyes snap open when I hear Zane's voice.

"What happens if I," I hear Lady Aphmau's voice quiver in response.

"I'm tired of playing these petty mind games," I hear Zane interrupt her. "You're going to wish you never questioned me."

I lightly grip the hilt of my sword before walking toward where the voices are coming from. The road slowly shifts to black stone littered with glowing pastel purple rocks.

"NOW WITNESS THE TRUE POWER OF THE SHADOW REALM!" Zane cackles.

I quickly draw my sword and run to the previous town square. I immediately see Aphmau on the ground clutching a massive wound in her side while someone in red armor stands over her.

"Get away from her," I shout, moving into a battle stance.

"A–Alexis?" I hear a familiar woman's voice gasp behind me.

I feel my heart leap into my throat. I turn around and see Zane wearing his armor holding a beautiful woman with dirty blond hair by the throat.

"M–mom," I whisper, my voice hoarse. "What are you doing here?"

Mom whimpers before Zane tightens his grip around her neck, forcing her to cough up blood.

I feel my chest tighten and my knees get weak. "Please, Zane, don't hurt her."

"Beg," Zane smiles sadistically as his eyes shine with unhinged cruelty.

I loosen my grip on my sword, allowing it to slip through my fingers. I collapse to my knees before lowering my head so it's pressed against the ground. "Please, Zane, I'll do anything. I'm begging you, don't hurt her."

"Anything?" Zane sneers. "How sweet."

I feel the world around me freeze at the sound of a loud sickening snap. I slowly lift my head off the ground only to watch my mom's lifeless body crumple to the dirt.

My body goes numb as I slowly crawl to my mom's side. I bury my face in her chest and start sobbing uncontrollably.

"Alexis," Zane growls. "Put her out of her misery."

I wrap my arms tighter around my mom's body as I listen to the red armor-clad person approach me. I take one last breath ready to accept the end as they grab my shoulder.

"Alexis! Alexis!" I hear Malachi's voice from a faraway place.

I slowly turn around and see his peppermint green eyes looking at me full of worry. "Malachi?"