Halo | 18+

chapter fifty six

- AURELIA JONES -

I don't remember much after Ollie opened the door.

I don't remember falling to the ground, or protecting Ollie's un-moving body from the acid-rain that poured on us.

Whoever the hell these monsters were definitely didn't want us alive. They gassed us, waiting on the other side with machines bigger than I'd ever seen.

I remember fighting back, and bending my nails backward trying to claw at the hands that strangled me. I remember hearing shouting and screams, orders being barked and faint booms of gunshots ringing through the air.

I don't remember much, actually. I'm not even sure I'm still breathing.

But I know I am, because the pain is so unbearable that every single cell inside of me is slowly dying. I could taste blood in my mouth, feel my tongue falling against my teeth.

My eyes leaked hot tears, leaving two trails down my dirt stained face.

I don't know if Ollie is alive, or anybody who was in that cell with us is alive. The men who hurt us could be running around free or in pieces on the grass.

I don't know.

I rolled onto my back, screaming in agonising pain from the glass that pressed into my skin. I looked up, seeing nothing but blue sky and bright, fluffy clouds. At least if I'm going to die, I'll die with a view.

It was pretty ironic, actually. I'd survived a deadly virus for ten years, and a bunch of lunatics with guns is what took me out. I think I'd rather turn into one of those things then be in this situation.

I tried to stay awake, begged myself to keep my eyes open. But when they shut and I felt my chest heave, I knew, that maybe this was the end for me.

But when they shot open again, I remembered just how badly I wanted to live. As my best friend kneeled over me, tears pouring down his beautiful, stained face.

He pumped his hands against my chest, giving me mouth-to-mouth as I floated in and out of consciousness.

Ollie is alive!

Or am I dreaming? Everything feels like a dream?

He wrapped me in his arms and screamed bloody murder. I curled against his chest, listening to the sound of his erratic heartbeat as it thumped against his ribcage. He was saying something, mouthing words.

I managed to tilt my head backward, seeing a giant array of fire burning the ground we walked on. It was spreading fast and I don't think Ollie could run with me in his arms,

I coughed and sputtered, trying to get him to leave me behind. But he didn't.

We made it to a grassy knoll, sitting behind the bank to shield ourselves from any incoming danger or explosions.

I fell limp against his body, no lick of strength left in me.

"...Aurelia please." Ollie sobbed, "Please! Open your eyes!" His voice echoed in my ears, and I was relieved I could hear again. "Lia, I can't- I don't know what to do." He panicked, "Aurelia- I- Lia what do I do, please don't die!"

"Don't you dare fucking die on me! I swear to fuck-" He held me up, the metallic taste of blood entering my mouth again, "I'm gonna get help. I promise, you're going to be okay."

His words were reassuring.

I'm going to be okay.

"I saw the others!" He said, "I need to find them- I need to find A- Angel. She'll know what to do."

His tired face, hollow features and ragged body made me realise he's just a kid. A kid, like me, Lyza and everyone else forced to live in this hell. It's not fair, and myself being useless made me feel it, too.

I managed to hold his hand, giving it a light squeeze before letting it fall.

"Go find help and come back for me." I croaked out.

He shook his head, holding on to me like his life depended on it.

"No! I'm not leaving you." He said, "Don't even say that-"

"Ollie." I said, "Go. Find the others and get help. I'll be here when you get back." My throat was raw and dry, talking felt like razor blades slicing through my vocal chords.

He seemed uncertain, "The longer you wait, the less of a chance you'll have. Listen to me, okay? I'll be fine." I whispered, reaching up to touch his face.

"I'm going to rest here..." I sighed, closing my eyes.

Yeah.

This is nice.