Why won't you save me? (Book 2 of the Misguided Killer Series)

Chapter Twelve: Illusions

The forest was ablaze. Or, at least, he believed it was. Perhaps it was just a trick of the light on his mind. But the smell of smoky ash and the sound of crackling flames told him this was happening. So he ran, lungs burning as smoke replaced air. His legs were burning, but he pushed on through the trees. A form made itself known and he ran towards it, calling out. They didn't seem to hear him and, as he got closer, Jeff recognized the male within the trees. It was Toby, staring at the burning trees with an expression void of emotion. The mask normally over the lower part of his face was hanging around his neck, the gaping hole in his cheek gleaming in the firelight.

"He's waiting for his death," a voice hissed in his ear, "You've burned them greatly. You are this raging fire, a force they've done nothing but try to quell. Now they're suffering the consequences." The flames raged, engulfing the teen in a sea of flames. Toby seemed uncaring about the fire licking at his skin, simply allowing it to consume him. "You'd better run, lest I find you."

Chills ran down his spine, sending him racing into the forest like a frightened hare. He squeezed his eyes shut as he raced headlong into the blaze. Laughter echoed behind him, incredibly chilling despite the heat. His feet tangled in something, sending him stumbling forward. He caught himself, turning back to look at what he'd tripped over. A body. Two bodies to be exact. Jeff recognized them easily, despite the pair lying tangled together. The flames had yet to touch them, but the smoke had done the job well enough. Hoodie was curled lifeless lay around Masky, the pair forever frozen together in this blazing hellscape.

"His little pets," the demon snarled, "They'd die to protect you for him. Such loyal things they are." He took a step back.

"You're lying," he said forcefully, "They value one another over someone like me."

"Ah, but that's where you're wrong." A clawed hand snaked around him, gripping his chin. "While they do value one another over you, they're still his proxies. And like it or not, his greatest desire is to keep you safe." He tensed, staring at the bodies before him. "They died for you. You caused this." He swatted the demon away, bounding away again. Tears pricked at his eyes, evaporating faster than they could ever hope to escape.

'I didn't cause this,' he thought, 'I can't have.' And yet somehow he knew it was. He hated it. 'No one should die for my sake.'

Pain exploded in his leg, making him fall. He rolled, looking over his shoulder. Large slashes marred the flesh on his left calf, and he hissed. "Just accept your death little killer," Zalgo said. For a moment, Jeff struggled to his feet. Yet he eventually stopped, laying on the ground silently. He let his eyes slide shut, hearing Zalgo's chilling laugh. "So...you give up?"

'At least then no one else will die,' he thought bitterly. Claws dragged down his back, making his blood chill.

"I was hoping to have a little more fun with you first," the demon replied. There was a pause before the demon chuckled. "I suppose I still could..." Jeff flipped over, smashing the heel of his shoe into the demon's jaw. Zalgo roared, lunging at him. Claws dug into his throat, restricting his airway. "Do you want death so badly?" He growled. Jeff smirked at him.

"Maybe I do," he challenged. Zalgo grinned.

"Fine," he said, "I'll enjoy ripping you to little bloody pieces." Jeff sighed, shutting his eyes. Claws cut off his airway, making him lightheaded.

"Jeff!" His eyes slid open, and his head lolled back bonelessly. He saw Liu, just a glimpse of him, staring on in horror. "Fight back!"

'Why?' Jeff thought bitterly. His mind was fuzzing over, his breath growing shallower. 'Give me one good reason Liu.'