Ghosts of the Future

Tried And Failed

Lily's POV

School is chaos the next day.

Apparently, someone (cough, cough, Saira) had turned in Max on the charges of murdering me. A recording of his confession was given to the police. His trial will be next week.

As I float through the school, rumors swirl. Some say that Max turned himself in. Others say it was a cover-up of a bigger crime. Very few ever mention Saira by name, but every person knows exactly who turned him in, though they won't say it.

Their fear of her is too strong. Too potent. But mine isn't.

As soon as I see Saira enter the bathroom, I approach her. She glances up at me in the mirror, but doesn't turn around as I ask, "What the hell were you thinking?"

Saira blinks at me, and I hear her voice in my head, saying, I did what you couldn't. I gave evidence, more than circumstantial. Your body will be brought up this weekend. You will finally get to rest.

"I don't want to rest! I want to know what the hell you were thinking!" I shout. The glass in front of Saira rattles in its frame, but the human girl doesn't look concerned. A stall door opens after a flush, and a girl walks out. When she sees Saira, though, she backs away and runs out the door without washing her hands.

"I was thinking," Saira says softly, now that we're alone, "That you need peace. Your soul needs rest, Lily. And even if I did it slightly to ease my own conscience, then that doesn't matter to you. You can go to Heaven and be with your parents, Lily. That's what I was thinking."

I shake in anger, my aura glowing a bright white. "You're putting yourself in my place. Because you tried and failed to die so many damn times," I say, realizing that it's the truth as I say it. Saira turns around to face me, leaning against the sink with her arms folded.

"I'm damned one way or the other. I've caused too much pain and suffering. At least in Hell, my abilities will be useful," Saira says, watching me with her green, green eyes. I shake my head, trying to contain the rage and concern roiling inside of me.

"Is that what you think? That there are only two options?" I ask, fighting to keep my voice level. Saira's eyes flash, and she raises her chin defiantly. "For me, the only path after death is Hell. Do you doubt that?" she asks.

I shake my head, and say, "No. I don't doubt that you'll go to Hell." Saira nods, then turns to walk out. My voice stops her, though, as I say, "But even if you do go to Hell, you won't be tortured."

Saira turns back around, fear and anger warring in her eyes. I look into those jade depths, trying to see any trace of red. When none show themselves, I finally breathe a sigh of relief.

"The demons call you the Queen of the Dead," I say. I don't know where I'm getting the words, but they flow out of me like a dam has broken. Saira watches me, no longer inclined to leave. Her curiosity is too strong, just like mine is. Was.

I take a deep breath, then plow on. "The spirits and ghosts call you the Spirit Wisher. Everyone, though, calls you the Weapon of Good and Evil." Saira takes a step towards me, her eyes hungrily devouring my face. So long as she's under the illusion that I have information she wants, I can control her. I can make sure she won't hurt anyone again.

Saira's expression suddenly shutters, and I kick myself mentally. She can read my mind. Saira steps back, turning around to walk out the door.

"You can at least try to reassemble your soul," I blurt out, lunging towards Saira. Her head looks over her shoulder, and in her eyes I see twenty-five shattered shards of glass. Saira simply shakes her head, and whispers, "It's impossible, Lily. Someone like me can't be fixed. Shouldn't be fixed. And I won't waste time or effort on trying."

WIth that, Saira Collings leaves.