Karin: The Demon Sleeping Within

Chapter 16: Salvation

Karin's P.O.V.

Empty.

I was becoming detached from this world, back at square one. Except, this time, I had no control over what would happen to me.

I was becoming more and more of a hallow shell. I was fading away entirely, the flame within me desperately clinging to remain lit. But, the flame was dimmer now. No matter how hard I would try to fight this, to fly my way out to freedom, I would fall.

Surrounded by the arid dark walls of my mind, I kneeled down in a cradling position, pulling my legs to my stomach as my arms wrapped around them. Closing my eyes, I exhaled.

I was born into this world, oblivious to the subtle changes, the cool shifting breeze of the fall, with big forest green eyes that would allow me to see vibrant colors in which amused me- allowing me to smile.

It might had been okay that I was born into this paradoxical world; I might not have hurt people, but no matter how hard I tried, my existence was enough to cripple and destroy.

No one wanted to look at me or acknowledge me. To everyone, I was the odd one, the mysterious young lady who "worshiped the devil" as they all would say.

I was born into a world filled of loneliness and ignorance. No one knew me.

No one tried to know me...

That was until one day, someone entered this corrupt world and looked me in the eyes. I stood there frozen, not with fear, but mere fascination at her- the one who dared to see me. It was as if she was staring right into my soul; as if she could feel my heart beating in my chest in the same rhythm as her own.

My eyes closed, the image of her surfaced in my thoughts. It brought me warmth. It was as though she was hugging me fully, eloping me within her arms.

Tears rushed out of my eyes as I then cried into my hands, all of the times we shared together replaying before me.

"Karin." I heard her voice echoing through the the nothingness I was surrounded by.

"Satania..." I breathed, not bothering looking up.

"Karin, I know you're in there. Please, wake up. Please, wake up for me."

Sniffling, my head rose just to find her looking into my eyes with both hope and sadness in hers.

"Karin, Leone put Keres to sleep. We don't have much time. I need you to want to come out, to want to take control back of your body. If you can do this, we'll take care of the rest."

I have to want to come back?

"Don't be foolish, my child. They are just using you because they want to get rid of me. As long as you're alive, I will be, and you will always be watched and controlled."

As much as I didn't want to admit this, she was right. As long as I was alive, the fight would never truly be over. I could never truly be saved by this prison that was myself.

Unless...

"Karin..." My breath was caught in my throat as the break in Satania's voice pierced through me, an unkind shiver running through my veins. I could feel her. I could feel her warm hands as she held my face. Her eyes seemed to dilate as she allowed her thumbs to gently roll over my cheeks. I closed my eyes, unconsciously leaning into her touch.

Oh, god. I... Satania-

"Karin. I need you. Please, come back to me." I could feel her trembling. "You are not her. You are sweet, gentle, loving and so much more! You walk through life with such optimism and faith in people, even when some are wicked to you. You're giving, and you cherish the animals. I see how they look up to you. They trust you and know you're good. I may have loved Keres in the past, but, Karin, not anymore. You're the one I love. It's you! It's always been you, and I'm sorry if you had ever doubted this. But, I promise you. Come back to me." Her fingers outlined my jaw, slowly and meticulously, as if drawing a precise picture. "Come back to me, and I'll spend the rest of my life trying to prove to you how much I love you, each and every day."

With barely any time to process all of what she's said, she pulled me into her, one arm wrapping around my waist as her lips pressed deeply into mine. I sunk into it, fully immersed in feeling nothing but the heat and comfort of her kiss. Deeper and deeper. Though I was still there in her arms, the kiss was desperate as if she thought I could disappear at any moment.

I do want to see her. I do want control again.

I didn't want her to feel sad because of me. It pained me that those tears in her eyes were due to the idea of losing me.

A tear had manifested. I felt it move down my cheek. Satania removed her hand as she instantly moved away from me and looked into my eyes as if I was brought back to life.

"Yes, Karin." Her lips curved into a semi-relieved smile as her glossy eyes seemed to lift. "That's it. Fight for control. You're doing so well." She encouraged.

I focused on my wanting for control and concentrated on moving different parts of my body at a time. First, my arms. I wanted to be able to reach out for her. I wanted to feel her skin. I wanted to feel her lips against mine and be able to reciprocate. I wanted...

"Oh!"

She smiled as her eyes darted to my hand that reached for hers. Soon, our fingers intertwined. I did it! I really did it!

I managed to curve my lips, my actual physical lips, into a smile, as I gazed at Satania, admiringly, ignoring the others who were around us, who were also in awe of my rejuvenation.

"Satania, I-"

Feeling weak again, my body grew numb, and I fell into Satania's arms. My eyes half lidded, I apologized.

"S-sorry."

"No need." She asserted while picking me up, holding me cradle-style into her arms. "Come on. Let's take you to a bed. You need to rest up, so you're body can recuperate."

I smiled as I leaned more into her, my head resting on her shoulder as she walked an unfamiliar path further away from my house. I had no idea where she was taking me, but I trusted Satania, and I trusted she would take care of me.