Karin: The Demon Sleeping Within

Chapter 7: Restless

I felt restless. My mind had drifted off...

Smiling down at two familiar figures in their pristine armor, I was practically towering over them, being a couple of steps higher than them. We were climbing the tower towards the chamber but took a brief pause.

"It's true, you know." I heard one of my guards say as my eyes fixated on the concrete wall.

"What is?"

"With you and the princess on our side, we now have a fighting chance."

"We are very grateful, and we're forever in your debt!" The other proclaimed.

I then felt a hand rest on my upper back before sliding down to the lower.

"Just knowing you'll protect my future wife is more than enough to me."

My eyes widened at that.

"W-wife?" Spinning me around, Satania stared intently into my widened eyes as she grasped my hands, rubbing the palms with her thumbs.

Not long after, she slowly kneeled down on one knee, and reached behind to grab something.

No way. Was she really..?

Opening a black square box, a beautiful ring was revealed, one looking way too expensive, the crystal rare. How did she get her hands on that? How much did that cost her?

"Sa-"

"Karin..."

I pursed my lips, anticipating her next words.

"We've always talked about being together forever and always having each-other's back. Well, what if I take it a step further by admitting something..."

Feeling her soft hand caress mine, she smiled warmly towards me. She may have a temper at times and would give others cold eyes, but she would only give me this. Those warm inviting eyes of pure love and bliss.

"Will you promise me this? Will you share my life with me? And, may I have yours?"

"Satania," I giggled.

Her hands were warm in mine.

"I want to become one with you- inseparable. So... I guess what I'm getting at is...well..."

"Yes," I smiled, gleefully.

"Let me say the words woman!" She smirked, kissing my hand.

"Sorry... by all means." It was hard restricting myself from jumping into Satania's arms right then.

"Karin... my beautiful goddess and queen, will you marry me?"

"Hmm... well-"

"Karin." I chuckled.

"Yes! Of course, yes!"

Pulling out the ring, Satania gently slid it on my finger. It was a perfect fit, as we were the perfect duo.

Inseparable.

***

Satania.

I felt a subtle breeze wave past me, blowing my hair back ever so slightly. I guess I hadn't closed the window when I came back late last night from the forest.

Waking up, I blinked a couple of times, adjusting to the sun shining into my room.

It felt so real. Everything about that dream. My feelings for her... and hers for me.

Why would I dream a dream like that? How could I look at her the same? That was if I would see her again.

That's unlikely.

"Karin!"

My eyes widened as my little sister practically jumped into the bed and crawled into my lap, after opening the door.

"Good morning!" She tightly squeezed me, wrapping her arms around me. She was quite cheerful this morning, though she usually was.

My smile widened, my confusion within it slowly disappearing.

"Good morning... Elizabeth."

***

Elizabeth had wanted to go to the market that day to get fresh fruit for a mixed berry pie she had a recipe for. It sounded delicious, and she seemed excited, her eyes holding an evident spark in them as she held her cook book close to her chest.

"All we need are..." She began reading the list. "...blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. We already have the rest of the ingredients." She was beaming.

"Let me take a look at that." She nodded and handed me the book. Glancing at it, I arched a brow at one of the ingredients. "Are you sure we have lemon juice?"

"I'm positive. The other day I tricked Mom and told her I needed it for lemonade."

"She might be disappointed that she isn't actually get her lemonade." I lightly chuckled. "And, what did I say about lying?" I shook my head, playfully.

"Sorry, sis." She bowed her head down, her excitement lessening.

"Awe, it's okay, Lizzy." I patted her head. "Just don't do it again." I handed her the book back, and, smiling at her, I kneeled down to match her height. "Let's surprise her with an amazing pie of yours!"

***

I didn't want to be here with everyone directing their cold glares towards me. I never felt wanted in this town. To them, I was an abomination, a tres-passer, but I would endure this for her- for my sister, who I loved most in this world.

Instantly, whispers spread around like wildfire, and I felt my hands becoming sweaty as they were balled into fists.

If only I didn't have to wear these metal chains. Maybe then I would have had less attention.

I felt a small hand grasp my arm, a worrying gesture.

"I know you don't like being here... I'm sorry I begged you to come with me."

Every time she showed her sympathy towards me, I could feel a tugging at my heart. She was so precious. So pure. So genuine. She didn't need to feel bad for me. She never should feel bad at all. Why did she have to have me as a sister? Why couldn't she have had a normal life?

It was okay for people to torment me. I was used to it. I could endure it. But, for her to want to lessen my pain by receiving it... it only hurt me more.

"Listen to me..." For once in eighteen years, my hoodie fell from my face, and I held my sister's hand. The wind around us had picked up, our hair swaying in it. Locking my eyes onto my sister's blue ones, I curved my lips into a reassuring smile. "You are special. You are so special."

"No, I'm not. Karin, you have always been the special one."

Elizabeth.

"If I am special, then you are extraordinary. And, no matter what happens to me, I want you to know that nothing was ever your fault."

"Karin, you're acting strange." She tried pulling her hand away slowly, her eyes becoming glossy. I held a firm grip.

"Listen to me. You are going to grow up to be a wonderful person. You will live on for many years, and you will change people... you've changed me."

By now, we practically had the attention of everyone in the market as it had become silent. I didn't mean to be all sentimental just then, but my emotions got the best of me. I just needed to tell her those things. I needed her to know that I saw her in such a light. My little sister, ultimately, needed to live on. Perhaps, without me.

"The corrupted one is touching that poor innocent young girl!" Someone yelled.

"Stay away from her!" An older woman chimed in.

My eyes widened as I realized that my hoodie was down, my entire face exposed. There was no running away from this.

I was never to show my face...

I was never to speak...