I reach into Raven's mind and sigh as I end up seeing through her eyes. A beautiful green meadow surrounds her as she walks. Oak trees from a tunnel around her as she looks around at them. She turns around and I see nothing but trees. I snap out of her mind and think of where she could be. I put the pieces together conjuring up the image of where I think she is. I throw out a disk sending me to that place and step through.
**
I continue walking and don't stop. The heat is pounding down on me so I take a knife to my jeans and cut them into mid thigh shorts. I throw the scraps of fabric deep into the woods and pull my hair into a messy bun. I grab the last water bottle and chug it leaving only so much left, then take a small bite of the last granola bar. I wipe the sweat from my forehead and continue hiking breathing heavenly. I healed the wounds that were made by Josh but it took so much out of me I'm weaker and so tired but I push on.
Josh. I can't believe I watched him kill himself. I can't believe such a good man turned so nasty and dark. It's just questions we have no answers too and it sucks but it's life and reality. Have to learn to live with it no matter what.
I just hope he killed himself because he found the good in himself and he couldn't let the darkness take him over. That he really meant what he said when he said he loved me even if I didn't love him back. It still felt good to know he was still there that he meant the words he said.
And Eric. God I hope he turned back.
**
I will never turn back!
I scream this in my head repeatedly as my limbs shake from the over heated, dehydrated body I'm dragging around. She's here I know she is. I just have to find her. I have to bring her home and if not bring her home at least fight with her by her side.
I finished my last bit of water about ten minutes ago. I'm tired and weak so so hungry but I have nothing left. I need to get to Raven. I can't lose her and I will not die trying. I will find her and I will bring her home.
And I continue hiking.
**
I lean heavily against a tree trying to catch my breath. My vision is swimming and my body is aching. I can't go on. I have to rest. I slide down the tree and place my head between my legs. Aching is all I feel and think of. My head pounds and a small whimper leaves my chest from the pain and tiredness. I shut my eyes and take deep breaths. I hear leaves crunching only so far away but I can hardly move. I push up on my aching limbs and pull out my knife. I hold it ready to be thrown for when whatever is walking steps into my area. I grip the hilt and pull it back ready to let it fly. A figure steps out of the trees and I chuck the knife with all of my might.
**
I step through the trees reaching a clearing and see a knife whiz right at my face I duck just in time and spin around. My eyes meet her dark ones and her jaw drops open. She looks terrible so broken and vulnerable.
"Eric?" She asks
"Yes." I reply
"No, why'd you follow-" she dips towards the ground and I catch her in the last second. She holds onto me and I pull her tight as hell against me.
"I've missed you so much. God I'm so glad you're ok." I whisper stroking her hair. She sobs against me and I hush her.
"Why'd you follow me? I'm a danger." She says through sobs.
"I don't care I won't leave you Raven. I can't do it. I will not let you fight these demons on your own. I want you back home." I say
"We don't have a home anymore." She says calming her sobs and her tears.
"We'll make a new one. You me and Josiah." I say and she catches my eye
"Where is Josiah did he come with you?" She asks
"Yes he made it half way before-"
"Before what?" She asks gripping on to me scared at what could happen.
"Before he was hit with a poison arrow." I say and she pales
"Is he is he-"
"Yes he's alive he's back with Valerian."
"Valerian was helping you?" She asks
"Yes, she tried to keep us away but we wouldn't take no for an answer. She is taking care of Josiah." I say and she nods slowly. She falls to the right some and I catch her. She flops against me her head landing against my chest hard.
"Have you not slept?" I ask
"No." She says and I slide an arm under her legs and lift her into my arms.
"No I can't go back I need to fight, to wi-"
"No Raven. You are coming home." I say and she nods giving up on trying to argue with me and leans her head against my neck. Her breath makes the hairs on my neck spike up and a shiver of pleasure runs through my body. I ignore it best I can and start walking back the way I can. Finding Raven has made me stronger but I still know I won't be able to get all the way back towards Valerian and Josiah without sleep. She wraps an arm around my neck and I reposition her in my arms.
"We'll stop to sleep soon for now though I have to keep walking." I say and she nods. I continue walking and throw out a disk conjuring up the image of a safe area. I step through and sigh when on the other side is a nice area locked in by trees and brush.
Definitely a safe area.
I place her down and she moans in pain.
"Do you have any water left?" I ask
"Half a bottle." She murmurs and I un clip the bag from around her and dig in it for a water bottle. I take three sips then hand the rest to her. She takes it and drinks.
"Sleep Raven. And don't you dare try to run away." I say lying down beside her. She turns over to face me and places her hands gently on my chest.
"I won't." She says and I nod as I pull her so her chest is to mine. She places her head in the crook of my arm and I wrap my other arm around her.
"Sleep." I say and she nods shutting we eyes. I gently kiss her on the forehead and she snuggles closer to me.
I am not letting her out of my sight ever again.
I pull her tighter against me and shut my eyes falling asleep right after her.
**********************************
