The Cursed One

Waking Up

Lazarus's POV//

Against my better judgement, I checked on Lysander once or twice during the night. I figured he wouldn't be waking up, so I had the perfect opportunity. Yet, a part of me couldn't shake the feeling that this was all my fault despite Nikalus's words. If only I had control over myself. Then none of this would of ever happened. It'd been a while longer now, since everything had happened. I heard from Luca, and Penelope saying they weren't going to hold a funeral for Rhys until Lysander was up and on his feet again so he could attend as well. Part of me was grateful.

Nikolina had been by a few times, checking up on me, and making sure Lysander was still breathing. I had explained to her that once she was kidnapped by Zaiden, I called Nikalus, and he managed to lure Lysander out of hiding to rescue her. She seemed pleased with that. She seemed pleased knowing that Lysander was the one who was keen on rescuing her.

By now, on our second week here, my visits to Lysander's room were more frequent, as my feelings that he'll never wake up grew stronger and stronger with each passing day. Nikolina sat next to me in the waiting room, while the nurses went to go check on Lysander and make sure everything was okay. She looked over at me, and sighed.
"What?" I asked her, and turned my gaze over to her.
"We're gonna have a lot of catching up to do at the Academy." She said, and rubbed her arm.
"It's not like you and Lysander did anything anyways. So, why are you complaining?" I stated, and she laughed.
"I suppose you're right. But with Zaiden gone, I'm sure there's things we're missing that are vital to stopping him." Nikolina said, and leaned forward in her chair resting her arms on her thighs. "Say, Lazarus?"
"Hm? What?" I turned my gaze away from and looked up at the ceiling.
"Lysander, was right this entire time, wasn't he? About Zaiden being a bad person."
"Yes."
"He was trying to protect me?"
"Yes."
At that Nikolina stayed quiet for a moment, before saying, "Does he love me?"
I lowered my gaze from the ceiling and turned to face her yet again, "Yes."
"Did he tell you that?"
"No, why?"
"So you believe he does?" She questioned.
"Everyone does."
"Hm..." Nikolina stood up, and stretched before looking down at me. "I'm gonna go check on him again, do you want to come with me?"

I shook my head, and looked at the clock amongst the wall. It was getting late again already. We've been staying at a hotel nearby, so I decided to head back there, to go take a shower, and eat. I stood up as well, and crossed my arms over my chest. "I'm gonna head back to the hotel. Call me if anything changes, alright?"
"Yeah, you got it."

Back at the hotel, after my shower was finished, I went into the kitchen and started preparing instant Ramen. I wasn't very fond of it, but it was probably the easiest thing for me to make right now, and I was hungry. As it was cooking, I decided to clean up a little around the hotel room.

I scoffed to myself, I hadn't realized how empty life was without Lysander in it. His obnoxiousness, rude manner, his attitude, everything about him changed my perspective on the way I looked at life. Without my little brother life was dull, a classic gray, that couldn't find a spark of colour. I guess the saying is true. You really don't know how much you love something, until you've lost it. But well, in my case I haven't lost Lysander yet, but it feels as if I have.

I sighed, as I finished cleaning up, and grabbed my food.
"Will he actually forgive me?" I said aloud, knowing I'd never get an answer, "Will he pin the blame on me? Or what? Will Lysander ever wake up? No. Of course he will. He's Lysander, he's too stubborn to die."

I managed to laugh at my words, and took a bite of my food. Plus, he wouldn't leave Nikolina all alone, now would he? He loves her too much. I don't even need him to outright say it. Everyone can see how he feels towards her. Just as everyone can see how Nikolina feels towards him, the dumbass is just too blind to even notice.

Whilst eating, my phone began to buzz repeatedly. I set my food down on the table, and looked at the caller ID. Nikolina. I quickly answered, and finished eating the food in my mouth.
"Yes, hello?" I said, worried Nikolina might say something along the lines of "He's dead", or "I'm sorry Lazarus, he didn't make it", something like that. But what she said changed the way I thought.
"Lazarus, it's Lysander. He's awake. And he's asking for you."