Nikasios's Island

IV

Previously:

"No light left in a world of darkness on an island secluded from the world."

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"Paris?! Are you awake yet?!" said a familiar voice.

     The world was still dark and the voice echoed within her head. Paris. Wake up. Darkness faded away and before she knew it she found herself lying on a bed. The cool feeling of the sheets made her feel safe. Paris turned her head. To her right was Nick curiously waiting for her to regain consciousness. His hair was wet and stuck to his forehead like glue. He took a step forward. For a moment his eyes flashed, the reflective shines full of something warm.

     Suddenly Paris blinked her eyes and looked all around her. From the bed she could see the balcony and all the rain pouring down. Every now and then lightning would strike causing an explosion of lights with its beautiful but deadly appearance.

     "Nick," she asked, "What happened?"

     He narrowed his blue eyes. "What do you remember?"

     "I remember walking outside watching two beautiful birds and then it started raining. Like full blast rain pour. I saw lightning strike and I can't remember anything after that."

     "Well I can tell you the full story," Nick said, "You were struck by lightning."

     Paris sat up agitated. "I was what?!"

     "You were struck by lightning," he repeated. "I went looking for you and saw you as it happened. Once the scene was safe I quickly ran and carried you back inside."

     "How long was I unconscious?" Paris bit her lip.

     Nick half-smiled, pitying the poor girl. "Two days."

     "Perfect. Just perfect," she said.

     Paris threw the covers off her and stood up. Pain stung as she stepped foot on the floor, almost as if thousands of needles were stabbing her. Her back ached and her body tilted to the side, though Nick caught her.

     "You better get some more rest," he said as he helped Paris get into bed. She smiled warmly at him and he returned a smile. "I'll be in the other room if you need me."

     Paris looked at the other room to make sure he wasn't watching and headed for the bathroom. She closed the door. The only light source was coming out of the cracks in the blanket covering the window. She lifted her head to a glass mirror. She was a mess compared to before the cruise. Her braid was gone leaving her brown hair flowing down in waves. She turned the faucet, refreshing water dripping out of the spout. She dunked her hands in and dabbed them across her face. She hadn't taken a shower or bath in nearly a week, the water was a savior to everything in pain.

     She turned off the faucet and took off her shirt, gently placing it on a small table next to her. Her skin felt greasy and dirt stains scattered like spots attracted to her skin. Paris's eyes shifted to the left. A small bathtub made of wood sat in the corner of the room. She filled the tub with water and sat in it. The peaceful water soothed the dry skin on her arms and legs. All the heat from the warm island went down the drain. Paris was amazed at the fact that a young boy could manage to build such a thing by himself, but she was grateful to have it because she really needed to relax.

     As Paris was enjoying the serene water she noticed a weird mark that didn't seem to go away. On her left arm a black and white mark stayed present. Paris observed it more closely. It wasn't just some odd random mark or a dirt stain. It was a white star with black tips. How on earth did she get this? At her age there was no way she'd ever get a tattoo.

     She scratched the star but it wouldn't go away. The mark continued to be visible as if it were a permanent Sharpie drawing. Paris splashed her arm in the water frustrated. She hated the star. It reminded her of a dog tag defining who was who. She shut her eyes and took a deep breath. She stood up and hopped out of the tub leaving a trail of water in her path. Just as she was about to drain the water, she slipped on a puddle and fell in the tub. Her whole body was underwater in frantic. She tried to lift up but something was keeping her down.

     Paris opened her eyes and in the musky water saw a golden glow.

     No one ignores. The desire shall thrive. Those who do not will die. Paris was out of breath; her lungs were burning worse than any sunburn she'd ever faced. Make the right choice Paris. Everything changes after that one choice. It was the end, she just knew it. Choking on the endless amounts of bathwater, gagging until the darkness takes over. She could hear Nick in the other room walking about clueless of her suffering.

     The door flew open and a shadowy figure came into view blocking out the golden glow. A hand reached for her and faded into blackness momentarily.