The Next Generation (A TMI Story) COMPLETED- But May Be Revised

Where we fall

"You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope...I have loved none but you."

― Jane Austen, Persuasion

Lydia POV: I run at the side of the hill to avoid the darkness below me. The river of something terrible. The ends to meet all ends. I couldn't let it happen to anyone I tell myself over and over. But when I turn back to face Ty and Kit, surrounding their daughter like a shield from the endarkened warriors that encircled them, I felt uneasy. They were so very close to what was coming to them, it didn't seem possible for her to stop Jade before they were taken. And not just Kit and Ty...

But I had to try. Had to keep going. I was so close... only half a yard away.

"Jade!"

I call out to her, almost falling to the ground as I make another slight turn, running faster. I should have put another endurance rune on. I was feeling light headed and my legs were shaking under my weight. I felt week. Tired. I want to slow down. I want to just stop and lay on the ground and let her darkness take me.. To let go and give up. But I can't. I couldn't.

Lydia?

Her voice was all I needed. It was like 10 cups of coffee finally kicked into my system. I run again, realizing I was just limping on my toes. I run as fast as my burning lungs and aching legs will let me. Until I'm by her side, hitting the ground hard on both knees.

"Jade... I'm here. Everything's going to be ok. You can fight this."

I.. I can't. I mean nothing. I am nothing.

Her arms cover her red hair, the darkness around her not as great as it was before. Most of it faded into the woods, creating a haunting fog that reminded me of the ash from a fire. It even smelled like burning wood. but that didn't make me feel better. Her words pulled at my heart, and I knew that this darkness wasn't gone. It was tearing her apart in a way that made it hard for me to keep the scream and tears from breaking through. But I force them back for her. She needed to know that I was ok. Even though I'm not, she had to at least believe I was strong enough to hold her hand.

"You mean more than anything to me."

She doesnt' turn to face me, just stays in place breathing heavily. I wasn't certain, but I start hearing mumbled words from her unseen lips under her arm. I couldn't even see her face. Only a shadow behind her hair that fell in greasy tangles. I swallow hard. He didn't take care of her. He even kept her in the same clothes she wore when she was taken. They were torn and faded with mud and....blood. The sight made me panic. Whose blood was it? Was she hurt?

I reach out to her, in hope she wouldn't try to run away or catch me on fire. Though why would I care? Why would I worry? I hated myself for it. But I did. She didn't hesitate only few days ago to kill my best friend, why wouldn't she be just as willing to hurt me now?

"Stop... no, please dont touch me!." she lets out a horrifying scream, lifting her head as she clutches the front of her shirt so hard it starts to tear, forming small holes. It was too late for me to stop. I could feel the hot tears fall, covering my hands over my face to keep myself from screaming with her. I had to stand. So I do. It was hard enough sitting so close without being able to hold her.  

"I'm sorry.. I'm so sorry." she starts breathing fast to the point I could hear the beating of her heart. 

"Jade... there is nothing to be sorry about. I love you and nothing will make me stop. Nothing. I know you're in there somewhere. I know you can fight it. Your stronger than you know sis. Your stronger than me in so many ways. "