The Dark Hour

--------Astrid--------

I slid down the wall with pain in my face, my back, and blood running down my arms. When I move the thorns tightened, then there was a blow to my chest. No one could do anything I had to do this myself he was my opponent. I was tossed across the ring and I hit the wall. My head was pounding and my sword was clear on the other side of the room. I coughed and blood was coming up.

"Princess!" Vincent yelled. I tried to get up but I just fell back down.

"Winner Prince Zen!" The guy yelled. I was breathing heavily, and Vincent came down and picked me up.

"Father's going to be angry." I said weakly.

"Leave him to me Princess let's get you fixed up." I felt myself lay down I guess it was my bed. I saw the doctor come in and I slowly closed my eyes and went to sleep.

~~~~~

I woke up to yelling and screaming. I winced when I tried to sit up so I just laid there and listened. I'm pretty sure that it is Vincent and my Father.

"What do you mean she's sleeping?!"

"She's sleeping, she about died out there today sir."

"I don't care she needs to be taught a lesson when she loses we can't afford that in this family." The door opened and I got up as fast as I could without hurting myself. I looked down at me and saw that I had on shorts and a tanktop, I had bandages around my neck, arms, legs, and my hands. Did I really lose that bad? I sighed when my father came over to me. There was a stinging sensation in my face.

"First you run away then you think it's okay to lose the battle! You're a worthless daughter to have around. What good are you if you can't do anything right." I fell to the ground and was kicked in the stomach several times.

"Sir!" Vincent yelled pushing him out of my room. "Princess let's get you back in bed you need to rest." I coughed up blood and I held my stomach it hurts tears were streaming down my face. Vincent got me back in bed and I looked up at him.

"You're my one true friend here Vincent." He smiled and nodded.

"Get some sleep princess." I nodded and closed my eyes. I was in so much pain.

I wonder how the others were doing, I hope Lalna is okay and Skyla, I sighed. Axel I miss him and Ridge. Tears stream down my face. I miss all of my friends, why? Why couldn't I stay? I didn't want to come home, they might hate me now since they know what I am. I can't do this anymore I need to leave.