Given a Second Chance (Hiatus)

Rise of the Dead

A/N: Sorry for the delay! Slowly, but surely, we are now approaching the final chapters of Part One! I'm really excited! Also, I don't remember if I gave Michael a last name yet? I used 'Ackerman' (I love you, Levi!), but give me a heads up if I was inconsistent. 

I immediately sat up, seeing the dark, blurry creature within the corner of my eye. I hopped out of the unfamiliar bed I was in, but found myself kneeling on the ground, wincing in pain at my chest. By the time I recovered, the weird creature was gone. What the hell was that? It didn't look like one of those soulless Inanima that I fought, in fact, it seemed like the monster could think. I shuddered, remembering those dark eyes that had a morbid curiosity. 

Struggling, I reached for my bed, my legs wobbling as I tried to stand up. Wow, that attack did a number on me, didn't it? I could hardly move without an excruciating pain shooting up my chest. I was in the middle of standing up before the door to the unfamiliar room opened and I heard a loud clang!  Looking to my left was the person I expected to see. 

"You're awake," Michael said, genuinely surprised. He had dropped what I guessed was my breakfast. He quickly ran over to me, swinging my arm around his shoulders and helping back onto the bed. Honestly, his kindness was kind of creeping me out, but whatever. 

I gave a light sigh as I rested my head back onto the pillows. 

"Thanks," I murmured as he moved my pillows to help me be more comfortable. The raven-head took a seat across my bed, deciding to just stare at me. A long silence followed his actions as I became increasingly uncomfortable. 

"So, what happened? You know after I got slashed at and everything?" I joked, trying to make lighter of the situation. 

"Stop it," he seethed, looking angrier as I had ever seen him. "What were you thinking? Running in front of that beast like that? You didn't even know what could've happened to you?"

I scoffed at his scolding. "Shut up. Like you wouldn't have done the same. You have no right to yell at me!"

He shook his head. "Perhaps you're right," More quietly, he continued, "but you didn't see all of the blood. There was so much blood. Your heart even stopped, Camille!" My chest warmed at his words, and not because of my injury. 

"Thanks. For worrying about me," I gave him a slight smile. "I thought you hated me," I questioned honestly. 

He smiled bitterly. "I did. You were a threat to Alice and honestly, you didn't exactly seem like a nice person. But once I got to know you, once I actually spoke to you in person, I realize you were actually a good person. You even risked your life for a friend. Now, I, Michael Ackerman, actually respect you, Camille Calvert."

I came to a realization. Unlike my parents, Felicity, Alex, and even Alice, this boy never knew Camille. He's the first person to know me as I really am. Even I don't really know who I am anymore. I can't really say I'm Ayano, but I still don't identify with Camille. It's weird, not having a solid identity. Somehow, this person makes me feel like I actually belong in this world. Shaking my head at the unusual feeling, I continued with my questions.

"What happened when I blacked out? Is Alice ok?" I asked worriedly. The absurdness of the situation almost made me forget about Alice's well-being. Hopefully, I didn't get an injury for no reason. 

Michael's expression darkened, and I became anxious. "Alice is fine," he assured, "if not scared out of her mind. You pulled quite a number on her. I have never seen her that upset before." I sighed in relief at his reassurance. I don't know what I would have done if I knew Alice got hurt. But I was confused. 

"Then, why are you still upset? Did something happen?" I asked.

He nodded. "Just when we all thought it was over, something horrific happened. Although we managed to defeat those", his eyes flashed in fear so quickly that I thought I imagined it, " beasts, we also suffered quite a bit of casualty. The King and Queen were escorted out before anything happened, but the civilians weren't so lucky. We were checking on the death count when one of the corpses just moved." His voice lowered as if trying to emphasize the severity of it all. 

"That's impossible." I acted like it was a surprise, but everything that had happened was exactly portrayed in that ancient book. 

"Did you try to kill them?" I realized what I said was a little morbid, but coming from a world with zombie fantasies everywhere, killing the undead didn't seem that weird. However, I may be chill with killing humans, though technically they were no longer human, Michael didn't seem too comfortable with the situation. 

"It was difficult, but yes. Though, most of the students weren't too keen on killing actual humans." I could see his point. Most of these students wanted to become powerful to protect their race, not to kill them. 

"Thank God you were there though," Michael continued. "We probably would have all died if it wasn't for your tip. How'd you figure that out anyways?" Oh crap. Think quick Camille, think quick. 

"It wasn't difficult. I guess I accidentally released my magic when I attacked the in- monster with my sword." Shoot. Almost called it an Inanima. I've gotta be careful. People will definitely be suspicious if I was caught in the possession of that book. 

"What about-" "Camille!" Michael was about to continue with his questions, ones I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to answer when two familiar figures entered the room. 

Before I knew it, I was engulfed in a bone crushing hug. "Alice," I choked out.

"Yeah?" She said innocently. 

"Too tight," I squeezed out. She quickly let go, looking a little ashamed. 

"Sorry. I'm just really glad you're awake," she said tearfully. Her eyes flashed in something unfamiliar, but after a blink, she returned to normal and gave me another hug. 

"I didn't think I would have the chance to thank you. Without you, I would've have died." My heart ached as I saw tears falling down her face. I patted her light brown hair, glad that I had such a kind free. Next to Alice, Alex rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. 

"I also want to thank you. I don't know what I would have done if anything happened to Alice," he finished lamely. 

I looked at both of them and smiled. "It's no problem. What are friends for, right?" Alice looked like she was going to burst into tears at my words so Michael cleverly intervened. 

"How are you feeling anyway? You were out for 3 days after all," he commented. I was surprised at the duration. Sure, it felt like I was sleeping for an eternity, but my mind was currently weirdly clear, not what I'd expect from being asleep for so long. 

"Besides the wound, I feel fine," I replied honestly. 

"Really?" This time, it was Alex who spoke. 

I nodded. Alex whistled. "You know, the doctor wasn't even sure you'd make it past the first night. Alice even aided in the healing process, but nothing happened. Miraculously, you managed to push through."

Suddenly, my dream came to thought. It felt like a dream, but what if it was real? Would I have really died if I followed that light? Somehow, I think I knew the answer to the question. 

"You can't kill me off that easily," I joked. However, I knew the situation at hand was no laughing matter. "Any updates on the monsters?" 

The temperature in the room immediately dropped. It was Alex who spoke first.

"Unfortunately, the Bluebell stadium wasn't the only one that suffered an attack that day. While we were able to quickly figure out how to defeat those creatures, many villages across the kingdom were not so lucky. About 5 villages were completely extinguished." My heart dropped at his words. 

"... What?" The trio nodded.

"The kingdom is currently in a state of emergency. The King has called for an audience with the all of the citizens at the end of the week. The principal has also called for a meeting with the students tomorrow. I think they are both connected," Alex continued.

I had a feeling that the principal somehow knew I was going to awaken today, but that couldn't be possible, right? Excpet you know, my feelings were never wrong. Blame it one woman's instinct. And currently, I have a feeling things are only going to get worse. A lot worse.