Hell Beast

Preperation

I slowly open my eyes. I feel water lapping on my cheek. I try to push myself up, but feel shooting pain in my right arm. I then remember what happened. The beast I fought, the injuries I sustained.

I turn my head and take a long drink from the lake. It is cool and refreshing. I slowly push myself up with my left arm, biting my lip to stop myself from screaming. My head is clouded. I inspect my wounds, noticing the scratches on my arms and torso have begun to scab over. How long have I been here?

I take in my surroundings. It is mid day, the sun is high in the sky. I hear weeping back in the trees.

"Hello?" I yell, my voice gravely and strangled.

I try again.

"Hey, who's there!"

My voice is stronger, and I hear a voice call back.

"Cameron?"

It is my mother.

"Mom, I'm by the lake! Help!" I yell in pain.

I see my parents come running towards me. My mother kneels next to me, as my father remains standing.

"Cameron... What happened?" My mother asks, more frantic than I had ever seen her.

I recounted my tale, starting with how I went to Liv's house. I didn't mention the light cave, or how I slept with her. I only told how I needed blood, and got some, and then right to the part where I had heard the scream. I did not mention Liv possibly seeing me. My parents intently listened.

"So, you killed it?" She asks, a small smile on her face.
"Yes, but... My arm is destroyed."
"That can be fixed."

I look at the ground, pausing.

"I... I'm sorry I couldn't save Sawyer."
"Oh, honey, it's alright. Don't blame yourself."

But I do.

"Where is Gus?"
"Still with your brother. Can you stand?"
"I... I don't think so."

"Gus!" My mother calls.
"Yes?" He shouts back.
"Come here! We found Cameron!"

He runs out, with red, puffy eyes. He has always loved Sawyer. It pains me to see him cry.

"Could you carry her home?" My father asks.
"Y-yeah," Gus stutters, picking me up with his strong arms.

We walk in the forest, myself being carried bridal style by Gus. My right is slung across my stomach, pain arching through it every time my brother takes a step that causes it to bounce.

We walk for an hour, and finally reach the training arena. I am taken down to the chamber with the books, where I was told about the prophecy.

Gus lies me down on a table as my parents begin to rummage through a few boxes.

"I'm sorry, but I need to do this," Gus says, gently taking my arm.

He straightens my arm. I scream in pain, tears streaming down my face. My father then comes to my side.

"This might burn," he says, holding a vial.

He begins to coat the scratches in the liquid. It only tingles slightly, and I can feel them quickly cleaning and healing. Once all of them are completely scabbed over, the tingling goes away.

My mother then comes next to me, with another vial.

"Drink this," she says, sternly.

I obey, using my good arm to down it in one shot. It tastes like bile, and burns as it goes down my throat. I then feel a sharp pain in my elbow and ribs. It feels like the bones are moving themselves. I bite down so hard on my lip, I draw blood. I then scream, unable to hold it in.

My voice is gravely by the time it is done. Once the bones and parts are done moving, I feel instant relief. I slowly flex my elbow, moving it around. It is as good as new.

"Wha-how?" I stutter, looking between my parents.
"Ancient magic. Healing potions," my mother simply states.

I nod, and look to them for what happens next. They look at each other, and Gus shrugs at me.

"Gus?" My mother asks, turning to him.
"Yes?"
"Could you please get Cameron's things from Olivia's house?"
"Um, yes, but... What if she asks?"
"It is night, she should be asleep, and you should be silent enough not to wake anyone. If not, say there was... A family emergency."

He nods and jogs up the stairs. My parents look to me.
"So... What's the plan?" I ask, slightly shaky.

My mother draws a sharp breath.

"It is apparent the light have found us. Therefore, you must prepare for what is to come."

Oh, what a joy.