Friend Reunion » Theo Raeken

Part 45 - Failure

I opened my eyes as I heard voice flying through the woods. The only thing I could see were stars above my head trying to hide in between the branches of the trees. I tried to move only to realize that my whole body is in pain. I moved my head, pain radiated through it and if I had enough strength to scream in pain I would, but I only hissed and tried to move, once again unsuccessfully. I heard the voice again but  I didn't understand what it was  calling because of the ringing in my ears. I turned my head and saw Lydia lying a few steps away from me, staring blankly at the sky.

"Lydia." I whispered. She didn't even move. I collected all my energy and crawled to her, ignoring the pain shooting through my body. Suddenly hands grabbed my shoulders and pulled me up. I was aware of the fact that if somebody tries to kill me right now I won't be able to fight back. I was turned around and when the ringing in my ears vanished and my vision cleared up the fright turned into gratitude as I saw the young deputy's concerned face.

"What happened?" He asked urgently.

"I... I..." I stuttered. "Theo.. he.. something against the nature... the chimeras. We need to.." I was not able to finish my sentence so I pointed at Lydia. "Help her." He let go of me and knelt next to her.

"She's freezing. We need to get her out of here." He said and lifted her up.

"Wait." I said and grabbed Lydia's hand. It was covered in blood. I showed it to Parrish.

"Lydia, what did you do?" He asked her. The only answer we got was silence.

"That." I said and pointed at a rock next to us. It was covered in blood and scratches. "What is that?"

"It looks like.. a sheriff's badge."

I opened my mouth ready to say something but nothing came out. I growled in frustration. "Scott." I simply said hoping Parrish will understand what I am trying to say.

"We need to get to my car. Can you walk?" He asked.

I nodded. At least I hoped I could walk. I let go of tree I was holding for balance and took a few steps. And then I fell. Tears of anger and shame left my eyes as I stood up and tried to walk again. How is it possible for someone who was so powerful just a few hour ago to be completely helpless and weak now. I felt like a complete failure. I didn't stop Theo. I didn't do anything. I let him bring the chimeras back to life.

"Just.. just leave. Get Lydia.. to Scott." I said.

"Right and leave you here? That's not going to happen. Just get on my back, I am going to carry both of you." Parrish said. I slowly walked to him, jumped and wrapped my legs around his waist and put all my strength into not letting go of him and not falling to the ground again. He jogged through the woods and when we finally got to his car I put my legs on the ground and while he carefully placed Lydia on the backseat I opened the passenger's door and got into the car. I let my head fall back until it hit the headrest and I closed my eyes.

"Are you okay?" I heard next to me and I jumped a little. I haven't even noticed when Parrish got into the car.

"Whoa. It's okay. It's still me. What happened to you?"

"Get us out of here." I whispered. "I don't want to see this place ever again."

He started the car and I looked out of the window as we left the forest behind us.