We arrived at the hospital which was a few kilometers from where we were, we put Andrew and Lilian lying down in a room with two beds. I applied the serum to Andrew, then to Lilian.
— You have an excellent medical care skill. Liam remarked.
— Yes, I ended up growing up next to a family of doctors and nurses, I had to learn some basic things. replied Natasha.
Wiping Andrew's face, Natasha placed a few stitches on his forehead.
"When are we going to get out of this?— asked Liam.
— I don't know, sometimes it feels like we're in a terrible nightmare that never ends. replied Natasha.
"Exactly how I feel. But I disguise it with jokes and comic strips to lose the pain. — vented Liam
"I didn't know you felt that way.— — reflected Natasha
"The joy outweighs the pain, but lately I haven't found much happiness in
the midst of so much chaos. I just can't find euphoria. — Liam said
— I understand well, sometimes I feel empty. Like a hollow change in the midst of a storm. — I say
Liam sat next to Lilian's bed and held her hands. Looking sadly at the faces of the two lying down.
"I'm afraid the only option to get us out of this would be for one of us to end up dying. I don't know if I could handle losing any of you. Liam said with tears in his eyes.
"Hey, look at me. said Natasha. "We're going to survive this. I promise.
What I didn't know was that promises aren't always successfully fulfilled, or are forever. The days ahead would be overwhelming.
I was sleeping on the sofa and Liam in the armchair next to the beds. In my dream it was possible to see Xavier. He was standing in a totally white and glowing place, just calling my name.
I wake up and realize that a storm has whitened the entire room, I run to close the curtains. When I see on the avenue, a hooded figure staring at me.
With a flash of lightning, the figure disappears.
I go into the dark corridors with a flashlight in my hands, looking for a water fountain, I was dying of thirst.
I found you. — I think
While the glass of water was being filled, I noticed the silhouette of someone approaching. I hide and wait, I hear the sounds of your footsteps. More than quickly I knock him down kicking his legs, taking him to the ground. Wielding my ax towards him, I realize it was Liam.
Hey Hey! It's me, are you crazy?"Liam? Sorry! — said Natasha "Wow, it hurt. Liam replied.
— But what are you doing, in the halls at dawn? — I ask
Eat something. I haven't eaten anything in a while. Liam replied.
— Really, I don't even remember the last time I ate something. — said Natasha
"Shall we get some stuff to recharge our packs?— asked Liam.
"Yes, great idea. — I answer
We went to the hospital cafeteria and filled our backpacks with sweets, sweets, water, snacks and soft drinks.
"I think that's all right, let's go back.— — I say — Hmm? Liam said with his mouth full.
"Stop stuffing yourself. — said Natasha
When we were leaving the cafeteria we were stopped by Lilian. Her blond hair was dark. Your white eyes and your stained clothes.
"Lilian, let go of me!— — order
"Quiet! — said Lilian
What is happening? asked Liam.
— Lilian, is possessed by some creature. replied Natasha.
Who are you? asked Liam.
"I am the goddess of the underworld, queen of eternal darkness. my name
is lilith
"Oh no, the challenges are going too far. Liam replied.
"Get out of my sister now.— Natasha screamed
"Let me think, I don't think so.— A being with a soul as pure as this little girl makes me even more powerful. — said Lilith
Natasha let go and went over Lilith, holding Lillian's body.
— Lilian, I know you're in there. Fight, fight. Natasha screamed
Lilith got angry and threw Natasha against the candy machine, going through the window.
"I'm not handing my sister over to a dirty demon. — said Natasha
Dirty? How dare you? — shouted Lilith
He lifted Natasha into the air, choking her with the power of his mind.
"Please release her. Liam pleaded.
"Idiot human silence. — snapped Lilith
Throwing Liam away, hitting the wall across the hall. The boy faints.
Natasha was already out of breath, her face was red. That's when Andrew shows up and knocks Lilith out with a silver platter. Making her unconscious. "Thank you, Andrew. — breathed Natasha "You're welcome, are you okay?— Andrew asked.
I am yes. replied Natasha.
We took Lilian to the bedroom and tied her to the bed. We were waiting for her to wake up.
It was past three in the morning when Lilian/Lilith woke up.
"Natasha, please let go of me. It's me Lillian. — said Lilith
No, you are not. — I answer
"Stupid girl, untie me!— NOW! — said Lilith
The bed started to shake and everything in the room started to levitate. — Do not be afraid. She feeds on it. — said Natasha — What will we do? asked Liam.
"We'll kick her out. Andrew replied.
The room started to catch fire, Andrew took the extinguisher and started to put it out. Natasha picked up a crucifix and pointed it at Lilian. As soon as she did, Lilith threw Natasha against the wall.
Rising from the bed, Lilith levitated the three, trapping them in the next room.
"Did you really think mortals could be against the great goddess?— — laughed
Lilith
"No, but you can't leave the room. — said Natasha "We bless the place. Andrew said.
"What do you think of that little demon?— Liam teased
"Damn them. — shouted Lilith
— Nos eiciant vos et oppressi sunt daemonium ab inferis, in nomine patris et filii et spiritus sancti. Natasha screamed
All the hospital doors opened, releasing Natasha, Andrew and Liam. In the next room. Lilian levitated in the air and opening her mouth, white smoke came out. The image of a woman in white appeared, her disheveled hair and white eyes screamed towards Natasha, before she could approach, she exploded in ashes and embers when the girl pulled the crucifix. — Lilian? Natasha screamed — She is fine? Andrew asked.
— She will stay. — said Natasha
The day was already dawning, we could barely sleep worried about Lilian's condition.
The next day, Natasha was at the cafeteria making some coffee. When Lilian appears behind her. Drawing his revolver and pointing it at Lilian's head. The little girl widens her eyes. Raising hands.
"Lilith? — I ask
— Natasha, what are you doing? asked Lillian.
"Lilian, my God!— replied Natasha.
Dropping the revolver on the floor, Natasha runs to hug her sister. After a few minutes, Natasha starts to cry. placing her hands on Lilian's cheeks.
"What do you remember Lily?— asked Natasha.
— Not much, the last thing I remember was you telling me to look for something that would free Andrew from the electromagnetic field. replied
Lillian.
— And then? Natasha asked again.
"Nothing, I think I just fell asleep.— replied Lillian.
I thought it better not to tell her that she was possessed by an oppressive demon, I'm sure that wouldn't do her any good. There are things that are better left in your memory. Some terrors are best forgotten in time. So as not to cause incurable wounds.
— We will have breakfast? — I ask "How long do I sleep?— asked Lillian.
"Too long, sister. — I think
Chapter 26
When paths cross, forming an affective bond between death and destruction. Fate intersects with fatal luck that plays a troubled path for us to follow without guidance. It becomes difficult to count on hope in glorious days of peace, goodness and light to walk without difficulties, towards a good future.
liam
"We'll be fine. — said Natasha
"I don't know if I can still believe that. Liam snapped.
"Liam, come on, positive thinking. Andrew replied.
"I hate to agree with Liam, but the asshole is right. Lilian agreed.
"Yes, hold on. Hey! Liam exclaimed.
Lillian laughed.
For a moment that would be by far one of the moments when I felt the lightest, you know, with everyone gathered there, having breakfast in an abandoned hospital room in the middle of a city surrounded by monsters and horrible creatures. I come across Natasha's face, she was downcast, with some wounds on her face, her mouth cut on her lower lip. But she was still the girl I fell in love with. It was still her. Not for a moment did he give up on us, on any of us. On the contrary, he risked his life to save ours. That was altruism, I don't know if in her place I could handle all of that. Despite everything Natasha was strong, for facing her own demons, her mind, her principles, for everything.
"If you don't mind, I'm going to take a shower.— And rest. — said Natasha
I grab my backpack and go to the bathroom, lock the door, fill the sink with water and wash my face. I take off my clothes and put them away. I go to the shower and turn it on, the water was a little chilly, which was perfect for counteracting the pain in my back. I close my eyes and wash my hair, which by now feels like steel wool it's so stiff. I leave the faucet running to fill the bathtub. I brush my teeth and stare at my image in the mirror, I was finished with sunken eyes, seemingly dark circles under my eyes and a haggard face. She looked like a living dead.
"I've got to figure this out.— — I think
I take my makeup and cleaning products out of my purse. I make a black clay mask.
— Okay, now I'm going to let it act, while I rest in the bathtub. — I say
I get in the bathtub and under the water with the sound of silence and only the faucet running. I end up falling asleep.
More than a few minutes pass, I hear someone knocking on the door.
— Natasha. said Lillian. — All good?
— Huh? I say confused. "Yes, fine. I'm leaving.
I get up from the bathtub and wrap myself in a towel, my skincare mask had already dried so I carefully remove it. I wear clean clothes, a dark blue blouse, black pants and high— heeled shoes. I wash my face again to remove the rest of the mask. I dry my hair and style it by turning the comb to simulate a curling iron. I put on my black lipstick and place my double choker around my neck. To cover up my haggard face, I throw in my foundation, blush, and concealer.
Mascara and other layers of more makeup. Finally my trusty cat liner.
"Okay, now it's me.— I think, wiping away the lipstick residue.
When I came out of the bathroom, Lilian was having a milkshake on the couch while watching television and the boys sitting on the bed playing cards.
— Lilian, your turn to go to the bath, actually all of you should go. The water is fine. — said Natasha
"Natasha, are you...— Andrew said.
"A tremendous cat. Liam replied.
Natasha looks disapprovingly at Liam and twists her mouth at him. "Stunning...— Andrew finished.
Thank you children. — I answer
Lilian ran to hug Natasha, who returned the hug.
Now it's my turn. — said Lilian
Lilian went into the bathroom, while Natasha sat on the sofa and started watching television, changing the channels she realized that there were only old programs. That's when she stopped at a cartoon show.
— I remember watching this show when I was a kid. — reminded Natasha
"Ah yes, that drawing was quite famous. — Liam said
In one scene the rabbit ran to get the carrot and was caught in a trap.
Natasha's eyes focused on a number that appeared on the cage. 2235.
— Weird, I don't remember that episode. — said Natasha
"Natasha, I'm done.— — yelled Lillian
I am going. — I answer
I went to the bathroom, where I saw that Lilian was wearing a purple shirt, with red jeans that Aunt Suzana had made especially for her.
"Look how beautiful I look, Natalie! exclaimed Lillian.
"You are, my love. — I say
— Thanks. — said Lilian
"Now let's fix that hair.— — said Natasha
While fixing Lilian's hair, I notice a darker streak in her hair, which has me worried. Braiding Lilian's locks, thoughts came into my head.
— Remember when we were little and Aunt Suzana used to come over for the weekend. And taught us how to make homemade ice cream? — I ask "How could I forget. They were so delicious. replied Lillian. "Never forget those good times. — Promise me. — said Natasha "Okay, I won't forget. replied Lillian.
Natasha smiled and lifted Lilian so she could see her braids in the mirror.
— It looks beautiful Natalie! — Smiled Lilian
We left the bathroom, a little cold. The boys took deep, icy breaths.
What is happening? asked Liam.
— I think they are already wanting to finish the challenges, but we can't let them. replied Natasha.
The snow fell with fury, under the soil of the city. Falling on us, we put on the snow clothes.
"We have to get out of here. It is no longer a safe place. — said Lilian
As we were crossing the icy snow, we passed the Seattle tower. The lake was frozen.
Natasha sat by the frozen tree, watching the frozen lake.
"Hi, I brought you some hot chocolate.— Andrew said.
Thanks. — I answer
"What do we do from now on?— Andrew asked.
Natasha lifted the mug to her lips and watched as Liam and Lillian danced on the frozen lake.
— They look like two children, Liam is worse than Lilian, in terms of mentality. Natasha growled.
— Don't try to change the subject, I know you don't like to bring it up. But what are we going to do with it? Andrew asked.
"Andy, I don't know. For a moment I just wanted to relax and rest my head and not think about the challenges at the moment. replied Natasha.
Andrew rested his head on Natasha's shoulder, looking into her face.
"Okay, does the chocolate taste good?— Andrew asked.
"It's delicious...— Natasha said a little sleepily.
Natasha's eyes grew heavy and her vision blurred. She tried to get up but ended up passing out in Andrew's arms. The boy lifted her, carrying her to the other side of the lake.
What happened? asked Lillian.
"She fell asleep. Let's take her to the nearby truck. Andrew replied.
All good. — said Lilian
We left towards the car, when we were approaching. An explosion hurls us away. Flying through the air, Liam falls towards the tree making his body hit and go against the trunk. Lilian fell unconscious near the benches facing the park. Andrew and Natasha fell into the frozen lake, breaking the ice and sinking into the icy water. With the impact of the temperature, Andrew wakes up nearly drowning and swims to the edge.
Unconscious Natasha ends up sinking to the bottom of the lake. Andrew notices and throws himself back into the water. Grabbing Natasha around the waist, he climbs to the surface.
Laying Natasha down on the solid side of the frozen lake. He gives her mouth— to— mouth resuscitation. Everything was on fire around. After a few seconds, Natasha comes back to consciousness.
"Andrew...— sighs Natasha.
"It's okay, you're staying. Andrew soothed. "Please help me up.— asked Natasha — Clear. Andrew replied.
Carefully lifting Natasha to her feet, she is startled to see the truck in flames.
"Lilian, Lillian!— Natasha screamed
Looking around, Natasha sees Lilian passed out, runs to help her. When he approached the girl, an impact threw her away. A magnetic charge separated Natasha from her sister.
— Natasha! Andrew yelled
Liam, still dizzy, got up staggering, with a bit of a headache and hearing a buzzing in his ear.
"Guys, what happened?— asked Liam.
Lilian's body levitated in the air and rose, moving away from the ground. Natasha, seeing that, didn't think twice. He threw his ax in the air, severing the bond that bound Lilian. The young girl was spiraling down.
The snow impacted the fall, her face was covered in snow.
"Lilian, hi. Please wake up. Natasha begged.
— Let's get out of here. Andrew said.
Carrying Lilian in his arms, Andrew pointed to one of the buildings that were close to where they were.
"Liam, come with me, I'll help you.— — said Natasha
Leaning on Natasha's shoulders, Liam walked disoriented until he reached Andrew.
"We need to get them to a safe place. Andrew said.
The snow punished the path, it was not possible to see anything but the snowflakes disturbing the vision.
We broke into a run when we realized the ground was starting to crumble around our feet.
A crater appeared in front of us, preventing us from going forward, we were trapped.
"We have nowhere to go. Liam remarked.
"We're too tired to fight. — said Natasha
"We don't have a choice. Andrew replied.
Natasha held her ax close to his face, her eyes glinting off the blades.
Coming out of the snowstorm, a team dressed in black like ninjas, with lead armor. Armed to the teeth.
Natasha dodged one of the blows from one of them, but ended up getting hit with a punch in the face and fainted.
Andrew tried to defend himself, but was shot in the neck with a tranquilizer dart. Liam couldn't even fight, with a kick in the stomach he fell to the ground.
— The next stage of the challenges is about to begin. said one of the ninjas
Carrying the young towards the horizon and finally disappearing in the snowy fog. Fate was being written for Natasha, Liam, Andrew and Lilian.
Chapter 27
Barren land of fire and ice
My vision was still blurred, when I realized that I was submerged between currents, on the other side, were the others in the same situation as mine. Fire harpoons aimed at us. Any false move activated one of them.
My ax was positioned on the ceiling, along with the other weapons above our heads.
"N...Natasha. Andrew said, bleeding from his face.
"Andy, it's going to be okay. Natasha reassured
Andrew gave me a crooked smile, my concern increased for Lilian who was still unconscious.
"Think Natasha, think. How to escape from here? — I think fast
I tried to swing to get to my axe. As he did so, the harpoon triggered. I twisted my body to the opposite side and the harpoon's flames burned, slicing through the chains. It fell to the floor soaked in water, suddenly a water pipe comes out of the wall throwing me away. Nearly drowning from the pressure. I get up a little dizzy, lean my back against the wet wall.
"I need to get to the axe. — I think
I run towards the loose chains, locking them around my legs, use my body to get to the axe. With a mortal in the air, I hold the ax firmly, breaking the lock that held it to the ceiling. Cutting the chains, he landed upright on the lake of water that the ground had become.
I have little time to escape that trap and save the others, as soon as I manage to get my axe, strands of energy bare and energized. They emerge from the ceiling and approach the water.
— Andrew, I know you're very hurt, but I need your help, take your sword here and save Lilian. asked Natasha "It's for now. Andrew said.
Andrew obeyed Natasha's command, while the girl went to release Liam who was hanging closer to her.
"We need to get out of here now. — said Natasha
Knocking down the door with a kick, dust smoke rose in a curtain. Natasha carried Liam on her shoulders who was unconscious, while Andrew held Lilian.
The building they were in began to demolish itself quickly, going down the stairs the young people left for the exit. Debris followed them furiously.
"We won't make it. Andrew yelled
We are going yes. Hold tight. replied Natasha.
When we were reaching the exit, I go first with Lilian leaving Natasha and Liam behind. I just watched as Natasha threw Liam forward and the building collapsed.
— Natasha! — shout
Liam, upon reaching the ground, awakens quickly. I gently lay Lilian down on the sidewalk and run to Natasha's aid.
Hey Hey hey. Nat, where are you? Andrew yelled
Removing the wreckage of bricks, after a few minutes, I found Natasha buried surrounded by sand on her face and her hair, she was very down and injured.
I carry her in my arms, I look directly at Liam who staggers to his feet. His face was a little bruised with severe cuts on his face. Mostly on your forehead.
"Liam, let's go.— Andrew said.
— I don't know if I can, I'm too weak. Liam replied.
— Then see if you can find any car, or automobile around. Andrew ordered.
— All good. — Liam said
After a few hours, Liam appears driving a truck.
"Boy, how did you manage to drive?— If you don't even have a wallet? asked Andrew in amazement.
"I learned by seeing the best.— Now is not the time to chat. Let's get out of here. You put the girls back there. — Liam said
In the back of the truck, there were several mattresses, which in a way was essential for everyone.
"Hey, get out of there, let me drive.— Andrew asked.
Switching places, Andrew took Liam's place.
— How are Natasha and Lilian? asked Liam.
— Badly injured, I think our first aid kit is not enough. Andrew said. "I think we still have some serums in some of those bags. Liam reminded "Let's find a place to be safe.— Andrew replied.
Driving carefully through the avenues, a few kilometers away an arrow hits the front window of the truck. Coming in slow motion, the object shattered the window, pinning it to the driver's seat. "Andrew! Liam yelled
— I'm fine, he grazed my cheek. Nothing else. Andrew said.
A reptilian— skinned woman with a gigantic tongue appears with a bow and arrow.
Hit her. suggested Liam.Like this? Andrew asked in surprise.
"That's what you heard!— Liam replied.
With several arrows hitting the truck per second, a deafening shot was heard very close.
Sorry reptile woman, but neither this time nor the other, you will be able to stop us. said Lilian with two revolvers in her hands.
Suddenly Andrew brakes the vehicle hard, Lilian loses her balance and goes through the window of the truck falling on the other side of the street.
Lilian! "Andrew what did you do?— asked Liam desperately.
"It wasn't me, it looks like the truck took on a life of its own.— Andrew replied.
In the air conditioning tube, a green mist came out, choking Andrew, Liam and Natasha. His eyes turned black, pupilless. Hallucinations began to appear in the minds of young people.
Meanwhile, Lilian gets up from the floor, trying to find the revolvers. Having reached one of the revolvers, the reptilian woman kicks Lilian hard in the face. Removing the weapon from his hands.
—Oh! Looking for something stupid brat. said the reptilian woman
"You disgusting woman, disgusting snake. — cursed Lilian
Snake? More respect, my name is Lizardian. said the reptilian woman"Okay, Lizardian. What do you want? asked Lillian.
"Well, it's been a long time since I've seen humans around here. I'm starving. said Lizardian
"Have there been others around here?— asked Lillian.
"A long time ago, many humans were sent to us creatures of the underworld. But scarcity punished us, the great voice disappeared, the creatures had to confront each other, in order to have something to eat. said Lizardian
"Why can't we unite against the whole system. Together. suggested Lillian.
It's not a bad idea. But that's really I'm hungry. Lizardian said by baring his teeth and releasing his huge tongue.
"Too bad, we could be a good team. Lilian lied
With a kick to the reptilian woman's stomach , sending her feet sliding under the floor. Lilian cuts out her tongue and holds it in her hands. Lizardian screams in pain, his mouth oozing some kind of black liquid.
With Natasha's lighter in hand, she burns the creature's tongue. The fire succumbed to everything until it turned to ashes. The creature's image twisted several times until its body caught fire and out came a winged creature, all white and full of veins bulging and purple like a bruise.
God help me.
With a low flight, the creature ran after Lilian, grabbing her by the neck and flying with the little girl.
Let me go. ordered Lillian.
The creature smirked and left, swinging Lilian's body upside down. In a muffled voice, she tried to say something but given the blood in her mouth it was almost impossible to decipher what the creature was saying.
Fumbling in her backpack, Lilian found a sharp knife in her pocket. Piercing and cutting the creature's legs. Who released her and disappeared among the clouds.
Falling in a spiral, Lilian darting between the buildings, getting close to one of the buildings, she fell into a pool at the top of the building. With a deep impact on the water, several bubbles and waves formed around it.
Almost reaching the bottom of the pool, Lilian opened her eyes and swam to the surface.
"Thank you, superior force. For not dying. Lillian said softly.
Drying her hair and wringing out her wet clothes, she enters the building, descends the stairs and enters a room.
Removing her clothes and putting them in the trash, she pulls out a long— sleeved white blouse with a hand— embroidered cat's head symbol in the center and light blue jeans.
"I need to find Natasha. thought Lillian.
In the other side of the city..
The truck started to catch fire, while Natasha, Andrew and Liam were still mesmerized by the mist.
Andrew's hallucination.
I was in a dimly lit underground tunnel, running from something supernatural. When suddenly Natasha appears with her ax and destroys the animal in a thousand pieces, making a flash of light.
All good? asked Natasha.Yes thanks. Andrew replied.
We walked toward the exit, that's when Natasha grabbed my hand and hugged me. His eyes sparkled in the blue immensity. When we broke apart, our faces were close together, ready to kiss.
"Now your time has come. — smiled Natasha
Wielding a dagger to Andrew's abdomen, she backed away, smiling with a
Machiavellian face.
"N...Natasha, why did you do that?— Andrew moaned.
"For the simple fact that you mean nothing to me. — laughed Natasha
Natasha's face disfigured and appearing before Andrew, a creature with a huge mouth with several teeth.
"Rest in peace, Andy. — said Natasha
Tears welled in Andrew's eyes as Natasha walked away without looking back.
Liam's Hallucination
There was a spark in the distance in the city, I was running through the forest with the wolves. When I came across a macabre scene, on the other side of the road I saw Andrew being killed by Natasha.
"Andrew! Liam yelled
I tried to approach him, but I could never reach the spot, the wolves suddenly stopped in front of me and started to growl at me, with red eyes without pupils.
"Calm down, doggies.— — soothed Liam
The wolves attacked, Liam tried to run, but the weeds twined around his legs and knocked him off his feet.
With his hands Liam tried to defend himself, but it was too late, the animals seriously injured the boy, leaving his face and body badly hurt.
"Liam! — yelled Lillian
With her revolvers she shot the wolves that ran into the darkness of the forest. Upon getting close to Liam, Lilian stanched the blood and brought the bottle of water to his lips, with the rest of the liquid she threw over the wounds.
Liam screamed in pain.
Natasha's Hallucination
I saw him hitting your heart. I couldn't stop it. I just let it burn.
I was walking through the deserted city, with the hands of the clock striking midnight. Everything was calm, too calm. In the distance I saw Lilian running holding something shiny in her hands.
I tried to scream his name, but my voice wouldn't come out. I tried to run, but my feet were flat on the ground.
Lilian ran as fast as possible, but she wasn't as fast. The city was on fire and the buildings were falling down.
When she approached me to hug me, the arrow hit her back and she fell to the ground.
I gave a deafening scream, fell to my knees on the floor and started to cry, her body disappeared in smoke, my Lilian. It was gone.