Ruination

Chapter 22: "I want to build a better world."

ENSIS POV:

Standing with Monty and Harper by my side, I watched with a grave expression on my face as tragedy and pain surrounded us, people stood in swarms, clinging to life, in pain and there was little I could do to help. I wished I could take their pain and bring it on myself, even if I had been in pain every day for most of my life, it was nothing compared to seeing this. Miller slowly made his way towards us with Kali standing by his side, her hand on his back, carefully watching over him. "We can't stay here, the medical equipment you brought won't last us long, we're running out of food and water, the rain isn't drinkable from the ash. It's time to surrender." Monty advised me, but I shook my head. It wasn't an option anymore.

"The people who tried to surrender were slaughtered in the gorge." Miller hissed, turning to Monty. "The enemy, they don't want prisoners. They want us dead." He pointed out, his eyes becoming glassy.

"That's what they are gonna get if we don't so something." Harper quickly pointed out before turning to me. "I thought you said you had a plan." Harper's sharp voice reached my ears and I glanced over to her.

"I do, but last I heard of Echo she said she would be here soon, if my plans going to work, I need them." I replied, looking back over to the people. "I won't march these people into another massacre." I sternly said. "Where's Rigel?" I asked Kali.

"He's in the medical tent, he's helping Jackson with some of the more wounded people." Kali informed me and I nodded. The rumbling of an engine echoed throughout the camp and I stood up straight, grabbing a gun and stalking towards the noise.

"Weapons ready, do not attack until I give the order," I shouted, and Wonkru readied their guns, stepping forward, ready to shoot on my command. I saw the rover stop in front of us and I held my hand up, my fist balled, ready to signal to attack as I waited to see who it was that would come out of there.

"A little help, little help. We got wounded." Murphy shouted, jumping from the rover and as I saw him and Bellamy carrying Gaia out of the rover I let out a breath.

"Stand down," I ordered, opening my hand and slowly they all lowered their weapons. Standing there, frozen in my place and waiting for Bellatrix slowly chipped away at my heart, if she didn't come out soon, if she died in that gorge I didn't know what I'd do. My heart felt heavy, weighing down on me, testing me, breaking me. As I saw Bellatrix jump out of the rover with Octavia by her side the weight in my heart lifted and a slowly the desperation faded away as a smile broke out on my face. I quickly ran to her side, she turned to look at me, quickly separating from Octavia and jumping into my arms. I held her tightly, the tears cascading down my cheeks. "I thought you were dead." I whispered to her.

"Forever can't end this soon." Bellatrix muttered into my shoulder, slowly pulling away from me, her arms resting around my waist as she reached up, gently stroking my cheeks, her eyes filled with adoration as she looked up at me. Leaning in, I pressed my lips against her forehead, and pulling her back into my arms, resting my head on top of hers, holding her tight, afraid to let her go. My eyes fluttered closed, savouring the moment, never in my whole life had I felt something even remotely close to this. I had never had any relationship that had endured, survived and flourished like we did. She gave me the strength to keep going, she was my strength. 

"Ensis," I heard Madi call out and my eyes opened and I looked over Bellatrix's shoulder to see her, I slowly pulled away from Bellatrix and cast her one last small smile. 

"I know." she said, stepping away from me and I rushed past her and towards Madi, pulling her into a hug.

"Ensis, I thought you were dead." Madi breathed out, holding me close and I pulled away, kneeling down in front of her.