Screaming again. I can see what's going on this time, but it's like I'm not really there. It's like I'm watching from above. It's a Skitter attack, them and mega mechs are coming in from everywhere. I see Hal, and Ben. Rifles drawn firing into the distant. There's screaming and flames. Then all I see is Ben fall limp, and Hal start screaming, he starts sobbing.
***
I'm yanked from my sleep by he sobs in my throat. I cling to Ben's shirt as I wake. At the slight movement of mine Ben's eye snap open. "Shhh Skitter bait! Shhh! It's okay baby, you're okay. I'm here." my sobs shake through me, and once they're over gives me a quick kiss on the lips. "What was it about? If you don't mind me asking." I run my fingers over the spines on his neck. "Well, they're not about Lisa anymore." I whisper. "Well isn't that good." he presses. "Well, now they're about losing you." my voice catches. "Skitter bait, I'm right here, and I'm not intending to leave you... Like ever." it's quiet for a moment. Then I slam my lips to his.
We pull away from each other and he smiles. "You should sleep babe." I think of a stalling question, and its something I'm quite interested in. "Whats it like to have spikes?" he bites his lip, and its a long moment before he answers. "I hear static in my head all the time, the Skitters and stuff, they can communicate with me, and I have super strength now and stuff. I used to have horrible asthma, I don't even need an inhaler anymore. Now I've told you, now sleep." I ignore his request, and kiss his neck. "Elizabeth." he whispers. Once again I ignore him. This time I bite him. "Whoa." he whispers. He leans forward and bites me. Hard. "Hey!" I snap with a giggle. "okay Skitter bait, sleep please. I'm not leaving you. Your nightmares will not come true."
I close my eyes again, and this time it's a dreamless sleep.
***
We wake to Hal bragging in the room. "Hey you two. Wake up." Ben mumbles pulling me closer to him. "come on you guys, Dad wants to see you two." Hal says. My heart then starts to race. Tom wants to talk to us. Ben mumbles again, but this time he sits up rubbing at his tired eyes. "Fine." he mumbles grabbing my hand and pulling me out of bed.
We head down the hall to toms office and we head inside. He sits at his desk looking intimidating. "Hey dad, what do ya need?" Ben asks standing tall even though I know he's exhausted. "Well, I found you a new fighter partner." Tom says pursuing his lips. Bens face looks excited for a moment. "Who?" he asks calmly, but I can see the glint in his eyes. "Well, um Elizabeth. Welcome to the 2nd mass fighters. Meet your partner." Ben's face drains of all color, and he turns slightly to look at me. "No." he whispers. I keep my eyes on my feet. "We needed another fighter, and she's fought skitters before Ben." Tom starts to defend me here. "NO! NO I WILL NOT HAVE YOU CLOSER TO DANGER THAN YOU ALREADY ARE! I CAN'T LOSE YOU! IT'S NOT HAPPENING!" Ben absolutely loses it. Yelling at me. Screaming. I feel the tears brimming in my eyes. He's so angry, and upset. I can't take it. "I want to help." I say sternly looking at his face. His face is a bright crimson from his frustration. "HELP SOME OTHER FUCKING WAY, BUT I WILL NOT FUCKING LOSE YOU!" I can see the veins in his neck, and the frustration in his eyes. "Ben I put her as your partner so you're the one protecting her at all times." Tom adds into the mess. "I WANT TO FIGHT!" I raise my voice, and he shakes his head. "Ben, I'm yours and I want to fight. Neither of those things is going to change. You just haver to believe that I can do this." the tears finally stream down my face. "Please don't cry." he whispers. "I'll let you fight, reluctantly I will." I grin, and give him a quick kiss.
***
Later that day Ben and I walk to the woods. With riffles on our backs. "So, I'm gonna teach you a little bit." he sounds hesitant, but I try to ignore the tone. Once we're in an area he feels is sufficient enough. He turns around to face me. "Okay take out your riffle." I do and hold it, I am and fire. I hit the tree that would be our target. "Whoa. You know that kind of accurate aim is very attractive." he grins and kisses me on the cheek. "I think you can do this." he says and I nod with a grin.
***
That Friday we begin heading out for Charleston. There are a few Skitters here and there, but not much. We don't meet attackers quickly, and when we do they're human.
***
There are about a dozen of them. Riffles raised, and so are ours. We just hold them at attention. That's when I see him standing in the other side. "Dad!" I call out he turns and sees me. His is expression is un readable. "Elizabeth." he walks toward me. His weapon at his side I take a step toward him, and I hear a voice within the 2nd mass. "2nd mass cease fire!" I know that voice. It's Ben. "Since when do we take orders from you half breed Mason!" I hear pope shout. I roll my eyes at that. "If she gets shot by our fire, I'll shoot you." Ben responds calmly. My dad throws his arms around me, I'm so unsure of how to react for a moment. "Lower your weapons! Welcome the 2nd mass!" my father yells.
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AN: Hey readers! I love you guys so much! Thank you for reading! Drop a comment, or a vote! I appreciate every read! And please ignore any grammatical errors!:)
