Game of Life

Chapter 14

I came to, coughing up water and sputtering, Eric was crouched on my side, concern written all over his face. "Are you okay?" he fussed, placing his hand under my chin and pushing my head up.

"What happened?" I groaned, shoving him off. My back was in agony, every movement sending a fresh wave on pain down my spine.

"Your tank exploded. What the hell were you thinking? Using lightning underwater? Did you not hear what he said about water being a conduit? Fuck girl you're lucky your tank was leaking or something or you'd be dead right now. As is, that explosion should have killed you."

"We're in a different world right now, things are different, and Severin doesn't want me to die, yet," I muttered under my breath. They were right, I should have been dead, I should have died many times so far in this game and I hadn't. For some reason, I had a feeling it was Severin keeping me alive, wanting me to make it to the finale. Looking at the concerned faces surrounding me I could almost see why. 

I was their hope, the only one who had been given multiple elements, the one who always stood up to the beasts, who talked back to Severin. He needed me alive to keep the game going, otherwise everyone else would give up.

"What happened to the beast? How long was I out?" I asked, coughing up a few more mouthfuls of water.

"About ten minutes. One of the other Earth users told us your idea, we're still working on getting everyone out of the water. I pulled you out and Eric gave you CPR until you woke up." Some kid I didn't recognize answered my question.

"Thanks." I reached my hand out and Eric helped pull me to my feet, steadying me when I almost fell over.

"Hey, just relax. We got this now, just sit back and enjoy the show," the kid protested.

"I'm okay. I can do this," I insisted. I limped over to the edge of the pillar, wincing in pain, and looked over the side, just barely able to make out the shape of the beast soaring through the waves. "We have to help them." 

I crouched down, preparing to jump in the water, the motion sending lashes of pain across my back, making me groan.

"Calla no, you have like third degree burns on your back, just take some time for yourself and let one of the others heal you. We can handle the dolphin."

"If you guys can get everyone out of there I can help you fry it," I panted. I had to give in, I couldn't fight like this, even a slight movement was agonizing.

"Alright, Eric stay with her, we'll send a healer over later." They nodded at each other and the four of them all jumped back into the water.

"Who's the kid?" I asked once they were gone.

"That's Adrian, he was in our class, smart guy." Eric paused for a moment and snorted. "Do you know anyone's names?"

"Uh..Yours? And Darren's, that's about it I guess." I shrugged.

"Well who did you hang out with?" he pressed.

"No one," I grumbled, I didn't really care for company, I just wanted to finish highschool and get out of this place.

"Why not?"

"Eric, seriously? Does it really matter? Now isn't a good time."

He opened his mouth, closed it and scratched at his head. "I guess you're right, sorry."

I was suddenly very self conscious about the hole in the back of my wetsuit, burned away along with several layers of my skin. "Hey Severin!" I shouted, hoping he was still doing his creepy watch of us.

I wasn't disappointed.

"What can I do for you little one?" he asked, popping up beside me.

"Can I have my clothes back?"

He tilted his head and furrowed his non existent eyebrows, circling around to gaze at my back. "Oo ouch," he murmured, laying his hand flat against my flesh, making me clench my teeth to avoid screaming in pain.

"You should be more careful," he pointed out. "I would hate for you to leave us when we're so close to finishing."

"I'll keep that in mind," I hissed through gritted teeth. "Can I have my clothes back now? Please?"

He tugged at a piece of my burnt skin and I sqeauled, whipping around and backing a few steps away from him. Tears burned at my eyes as I stared at him, he had the most confused expression on his face as he looked at the piece of skin in his hands. I had stupidly pulled away when he was still holding my flesh and a piece had come off in his hands.

"Calla. Really now. You should be more careful," he scolded, waving the flake around while he talked.

I swear to god if he.. Goddamnit Severin! I gagged as he plopped the flesh into his mouth. "Do you mind?" I sputtered.

"What?" he asked, a grin spreading along his face as he chewed.

"That's fucking gross man," Eric butt in.

Severin lost his easy smile as he gazed at Eric. "I don't recall asking you little boy."

Eric took a step back, fear flashing across his face for moment before he got himself under control. "Stop touching Calla, you're hurting her."

"I would do no such thing!" he scoffed, placing his hands on his hips. "Calla my dear, come here."

When I hesitated he growled. "Calla."

"Okay, okay," I muttered, slowly making my way towards them and stopping beside Severin.

Again he placed his hand on my back. "Does this hurt?"

"Yes," I hissed, making him frown.

"Very well." He leaned forward and I felt his tongue slide down my back, leaving a trail of ice that eased the pain.

That's fucking gross. But I couldn't deny the relief I felt when the pain faded. "Uh..thanks," I mumbled, slightly disturbed.

"You're welcome, now I have to go. Goodbye my friends! Have fun!" He stood up and paused. "Oh! Here you go Calla." A fresh shirt covered my back and I nodded in thanks.

"Farewell for now, I'll see you in the next round," he purred and poofed, disappearing into thin air.