The dark corridor is dimly lit by a few lamps casting more shadows than light. The sounds of my footsteps and jagged breath echo. Dragging my prickling numbing feet across the wooden floor, all I can think was that

I’ll finally be free from this hell, I can go back home, my life can finally be peaceful once I reach the exit!

Passing through the goal I breathed in the sharp clear air as I got hit with the harsh cold. I turned around to see the small ominous building hiding within the rocks of a mountain base. Yet the flames it’s in gives their location away. The fire was a lot quicker than I expected, but then I did panic when I cast the fire spell.

Memorized by the flame like a moth, I sensed someone casting their eyes upon me. A humanoid figure slowly growing within the door I ran out.

Their features flickered as the flame danced around them. I know it’s probably an enemy, yet all I can do is stand and stare at them. I don’t know if it’s horror or shock, but their smile is just abnormal. It’s almost as if someone carved their face open to express their excitement as best as they can.

When they finally reached outside I turned and ran, bursting with newfound adrenaline fueled by fear. Reaching to wherever safe place I can find. Never again do I want to live in a never ending nightmare, I’ve never done anything morbidly wrong, so why did I get treated like this? I just wanted to live a peaceful life.

Seeing a town within the edge of the grassy hills did I finally dare to turn around. It seems like the fire has probably consumed the whole house, since the smoke rising is still clearly visible. A sense of satisfaction crawls upon my shoulder as I calmly stride to a safe place to rest at.

For once I can finally rest without the fear of someone forcing me awake by pain or forcefully. Hopefully I can just fall asleep instantly if this fear can disappear. And by all means, never again do I have to close my eyes only to hear laughter from hell.

Standing on top of the hill I manage to see how small the town is, only consisting of a few buildings. The one standing out being the town hall in the center of it all. I can probably-

The world suddenly tilted right, making me crash upon my hip. Just how? A reply soon came as a burning pricking pain. As I soon respond with a scream of my own. It hurts.

Ithurtsithurtsithurtsithurtsothurts!

Looking towards the source of the pain through my fuzzy blurry vision, I saw vague shapes of a tan log splattered with red. Lying beside it was some short silver stick within the greens.

Ah, my vision is slowly turning dark. I don’t think I have enough energy to even-

A sudden force lurched me back, sending me down the hill. My body soon spat out something red as it was clogging up my throat. And by a god sent my consciousness has been regained.

With newfound courage I quickly tried to move away from that presence of bloodlust. Putting one hand over the other I started to move. I wanted to shout for help, but my throat was strained to the point of pain and whispers. Let alone the blood burning it.

As I was ready to move my other hand it seemed to be stuck. Turning my head to see the problem, something slammed into my chin flipping me over.

What greets me aside from the starry stars was an all too familiar smile.

“I’ve finally caught up to you!”

No. I don’t want to go back. Idontwantogobackidontwanttogobackidontwanttogoback!

Coughing out the blood left in my throat, I called for help. Yet only a gust past my mouth.

“Awww, how cute of you to scream for help. Here, let me help you with that!”

My stomach folded inwards as they stomped upon it. Causing me to vomit out the grime they feed me with.

“Oh no, you made a mess! Here, let me clean it up for you!” They said as they touched my face “My, your skin is quite cold.”

As if their hands could help me even remotely, they proceeded to rub my face with it. While managing not passing out, a faint shout can be heard over the hill.

Am I finally going to be safe? And to respond to my question, a faint prick is felt upon my chest.

“It’s a shame you’ve outlived your usefulness, I honestly want you to stay longer.”

So, this is it huh? The end of my second chance. I thought I could’ve been better, but- huh?

Slightly cold drops of water drip upon my face.

Is it raining?

Yet there’s no drops of water anywhere else.

It can’t be… Just why would some sadistic killer be crying for me? Just what deranged mind will they be to-

As a last gift to me before I die; everything becomes visible, my mind sharpens, my hearing rings. I bear witness to their tear soaked face, an all familiar scene.

The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

Rosa, my girlfriend, my beloved, crying for me.

Soon the world becomes dark

What was that.

Was it a dream? My delusions? A man's final wish?

Rosa, it can’t be her. She isn’t the kind to suddenly…

But then, how? Why? Why would she?

Why did it turn out this way? Was I blind to the truth? When did it all start?

It can’t end like this right?

There must be a solution, there must be a reason why… I just need to find out the truth to my questions. If she did betray me and tonight was the only time her true colors bleed.

Then, what would I do?

Would I just run away from her? Would I accept the cruel fate that’s set for me and die by her hand once again? Would I try to change her?

But then why can’t I just do the same thing to her?

Show her the pain I felt. If she is a psychopath who never loved me, then what’s there to hold back?

After all, she never loved me did she.

The world would be a better place if that backstabbing bitch didn't exist. I trusted her, yet she never did. Who knows what other fuckers got their hands upon that wrench?

But in the end was it my fault?

Was I just a fool in love? Never aware of the plummet to hell? Is this heart of mine cursed?

Because the love I hold for her still exists.

Just why? She made me suffer. She killed me.

So why do I still love her?

Am I going mad?

Why do I desire to go back to her? See her smile? See her happy? Experience the love we had once more?

Is this a pathetic attempt for myself to bear the pain of betrayal?

“Why, yes it is.”

Who’s there!?

“Does that matter?” The void scoffed “Do I need to abide by your pathetic sense of security?”

Then at least tell me what you want then.

“Tch. No backbone? And here I thought I found a new toy. Well, at least to what you want to show me.”

What are you talking about?

“Look, I know what you're thinking and thoughts. It was quite obvious from the start.” The voice sighed.

“What am I saying…” The voice then proceeded to chuckle. “I forgot, I’m talking to the same fool who can’t notice their beloved slowly becoming distant.”

Ever heard of the quote “Love makes you blind”

“Why, yes I have. But that isn’t the only thing you’ve overlooked. I looked through your lives when you were being a bit, delusional. Let’s just say your awareness is next to a tree. You can have an infestation within you, since you lack the ability to notice it or act upon it as you wither away.”

Are you just going to berate me for the rest of my existence here?

“Well, it is one form of entertainment for me.”

Enter-? I’m not even going to bother….

“Great! Lets-“

Just wait a fucking minute! What exactly is involved with “entertainment”? Aside from your berating.

“So you’re sharp on this shit but not anything else. Talk about misplaced focus.”

Just-Just answer my question, please.

“Oh-Ho. Resorted to politeness? Despite the fact you highly despise me right now?”

Please?

Upon the endless abyss a burst of light comes through, only to be quickly replaced with a person. A busty female.

“How about now? Will you like me like this?” As she seductively moaned

Just enough of this shit! Are you remotely serious!? Can you just answer my god damn answer!?

“Oh, there‘s your backbone. Well since this worked a little to improve your attitude of yours, I’ll say it.”

About time

“Angry and sassy? What a combo.”

…

“What I meant about ‘entertainment’ is simply me watching how you’ll overcome your disparaging situation. With a bit of my help.”

So you’re going to help me? What part of that is entertaining? And what is there for you to gain?

A loud cackle rings upon my whole mind. Losing all my focus and thoughts.

“You think there’s nothing to gain?” The girl in front me cracked a grin at me as their pupil snapped smaller. “Your disparity is all but enough entertainment for me.”

But you’re giving me help, no?

“I’m giving you power to make your fragile self a bit more, open field, as you would call it. After all, who doesn’t enjoy agonizing suffering from their hard work?”

Me?

“You sure? You know you do have the desire to go back to your ‘girlfriend’ despite the fact that she; partake in an organization that tortured you, chased you down as you ran away from them, chopped off your legs, stabbed through your hands, cursed your afterlife, and finally killed you. Not exactly what you can argue with.”

…

“Well I’ll be nice and give you a hint to survive, do everything you can to change and give no remorse.”

Even to Nanako?

The girl in front just smiled innocently. “Who knows?”

Don’t give me that!

“You do know it’s quite annoying to see you acting the same level as me. I will make you wish you’ll want to die right here instead , if that’s what you want.”

I-I’m sorry, please don’t do that.

“My! What a wonderful attitude made by fear and reluctance!”

May I ask what kind of power you’ll bless me with?

“It won’t be much of a surprise if I spoil it. But I know for sure you’ll love it!”

If you say so.

“Honestly I’m not sure if I prefer you going by your feelings or politeness. They’re both quite annoying.”

Th-Then which do you prefer then?

“Politeness. It’s a lot more fun to see you suppress your emotions. Then later on you’ll explode with it upon some unfortunate souls.”

As you wish.

“Well then! Let's quickly wrap this up! After all, I can’t wait to toss you back.”

Hold on! How would I talk to you if I-

“You don’t talk to me. I talk to you. Wait, is this the Stockholm syndrome thingy I saw? Quite interes- Never mind, it’s just an attempt to seek a sense of confidence.”

I’m… Sorry.

“Good! To quell your fear though, I’ll give you aid only if you need it. Now! Without further ado, it’s time for you to go back!”

The abyss suddenly has a faint glow slowly growing as soon the words slipped out of her mouth.

“Have fun!”