I opened my eyes, the light peeking over the horizon. Staring at the colours of a sunrise peeking out between the trees. Something inside me was stirring me awake. A nauseous feeling that wouldn't let me rest.

 Rolling over, my body ached as I struggled to move. I couldn't tell the time but I knew it was early. I should try to get more sleep but that feeling kept nagging me. A relentless pull, telling me to stand. 

I gave in, sitting up. The air was shockingly cold, I couldn't ward it off. The fire out, just a bunch of charcoal. The smell of campfire was still caught in my hair. I moved my eyes to Luca. His eyes shut, drooling over his arm. His hair, messier than usual. He looked so peaceful. 

I got to my feet, trying to be as quiet as possible. I tightened his coat around me, trying to ward off the cold air. Walking back over to the cliff, I left the cover of the trees.

I caught the end of the sunrise, pastel pink and yellow fading out against the light blue sky. That same brilliant mountain peak looked even more majestic. It stood out a deep blue dusted with snow. I could see quite far from here. The whole valley in my view. The wastelands stretched out far, almost like a scar on the land. The grayish yellow color of dead grass stretching out far beyond my sight. A speck of a city on the horizon, I guessed it was Arcane. The two cities weren't that far away, maybe a day's ride. It was hard to judge the distance when the space between was so empty. 

Something small was moving in towards the cursed city. A dark grayish blue, I squinted my eyes to see. It was slow moving, working Its way across the expanse. I thought maybe it was an animal. It didn't move like an animal though, nor did it move quite like a man. I furrowed my brow, trying to figure out what it was. 

My eyes grew wide, Merle. He must have walked all night. Coming right to us, just as Luca predicted. He was here. It was time. My heart started pounding as I stepped back. The initial terror messing with my head. I took a breath, walking back to the campsite. We needed to get moving. I didn't have time to waste. 

Back under the cover of the trees, I paused, staring at Luca. Destined for Sheol. The phrase repeated in my head, haunting me. Watching Luca's chest rise and fall. I couldn't wake him. I couldn't do it. It left me paralyzed. I wouldn't let him die, not today. I couldn't even risk it. He would keep breathing.

 I bit my lip, tiptoeing silently I lifted the sword by my pack, slipping it back in my belt. My hands shook as I left. I held my breath, every action suddenly feeling louder. Get a hold of yourself. This wasn't happening. It didn't feel real. I felt scattered. I shook my head, getting back away from him. His face was hidden by the charcoal of the fire.  It could be the last time I saw him. I shouldn't think like that. This plan was going to work. I could do this and I could do this without him. I could keep him safe. I probably would make better bait anyway.

 I pulled myself away, starting down the forest path. If my timing was right, I'd reach the city at the same time as Merle. I would get there in time to meet him. 

The sun was still rising, the air was still cold. I was glad for Luca's coat. It was a nice leather skin coat, the sleeves were too big on me. It kept the warmth in. The path widening, I was getting closer. The line where the green turned to grey, approaching with every step. Today I would kill my monster. I was resolved to do it. I wouldn't let anything stop me, not even time. I had to succeed.

The ruins of the wall blocking my path, I climbed up and over the large rocks. I brushed off the grainy dust, walking back down the street of the grand palace. Starting down the street, the hollow space echoed. I stepped quietly, listening well. I caught sight of Merle. Darting beside the building, I hid. Trying to control my breathing, I focused. I needed to give myself as much time as possible. 

Going over the  windows Luca pointed to in my mind. I memorized my path. I would have to be fast, I couldn't miss a beat. His spell was still solidifying but who knew how long that would last, or even really what that meant. I still knew almost nothing about it.

I peeked my head out, watching Merle drag his feet across the streets. I clenched my fists to stop the shaking. A blank expression across his face, apathetic and emotionless. His fight with Augustine still fresh in my mind. It made this much more daunting. In spite of my fear something was calling me forward. That same nauseous feeling gripped me. He was committed to this path and so was I. 

I crept along the building's edge, making sure I stayed out of sight. Once this started there was no going back. I had to be flawless. 

Merle stopped in front of the grand palace, admiring it from his stance. He seemed to sigh, his bird beak twisted in a slight frown. This was my moment. Gathering my courage, I took a deep breath. I could do this. I just had to get him to chase me.

The rusted key around his neck, that was as good as anything. Leaning against the wall I pushed off, finding the beat of my pounding heart. Falling into the rhythm I glided, appearing right behind Merle.

 Still looking up at the palace, he didn't see me. I got closer, slipping my fingers carefully around the string. Purposely letting it pull against his neck, I ripped it off darting away, stumbling back into the pulse. I stepped around, down the lane, holding up the key to him. His eyes wide with rage, I glared right back at him. I would not tremble before him. No fear in my expression. 

Dropping back into the pulse I pushed onward, appearing right before the square. 

Merle drew his sword, chasing after me. A burning fury in his eyes, "You little thief!" He roared. Good I had him. Disappearing again, I stood in the center square. Dropping the key there, I purposely waited. The closer the better, even if I was scared to death. Seeing the white of his eyes I shut mine.

 I couldn't find the pulse, a strange emptiness. Not now. I panicked, opening my eyes again. Was I meant to die? I put my hand on my wrist, trying to find my heartbeat. I kept searching, Merle fast approaching. Come on! 

I caught it just in time, vanishing from my place. I stood in the house with the first crossbow, looking out from the window.

 "Come out you coward!" Merle roared, looking around. He stopped seeing the key on the ground, he bent to pick it up. 

I released the trigger. The arrow shot out of the window, heading straight for him. Before I could track its path, I disappeared. In front of the new window I watched Merle cut down the arrow with his blade.

 "Pathetic." He muttered, my heart failing me. It wasn't over yet. I switched the next trigger. 

Shutting my eyes, I appeared at the third crossbow. The second arrow hit his shoulder. Merle's yell ripping out, it echoed through the square. Eyes bulged out in shock. I actually hit him.

I set off the third arrow, watching it fly. It missed, hitting the ground as I caught the rhythm. Standing from the tower, I let another arrow go. I didn't wait to see the result, appearing in front of the last crossbow. I picked it up, adjusting the aim. The previous arrow landed, sticking out of his back. Another roar, it felt like victory. 

I pressed the last trigger. This arrow skidded across his arm as he threw himself out of the way. 

Merle looked in my direction. Shock, anger, maybe pure rage. I gulped, stumbling back. I may have landed two arrows but he was still standing. His monstrous figure, looking for my blood.

 I hissed a sigh pulling the sword from my belt. This was my last option. The mirror-like metal reflecting my weary eyes. A little fire left in them. It would have to do. 

I had to finish this, for Luca,  for my family, for Tetrad. My heartbeat, strong. I let the pulse resound like an anthem. The rhythm, pushing me onwards. The nauseous feeling left me, replaced by a certainty. I flipped the blade, giving it a test strike. I would kill my bird, I would claim my destiny. I would be the hero I was meant to be.

I let myself fall into my anthem. Swinging the blade back, I opened my eyes. I fell from the sky, the world growing closer as I dropped. Falling in full force. I was a little higher than I expected, the wind whipped up at my face. I steadied myself, taking a huge breath. A thrilling fear as I plummeted down. I felt powerful, readying my muscles, I aimed my blade right  for Merle's head. Death was coming. I swung the blade down. 

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He turned his head up, staring in horror. Merle wiped his blade up  with elegant precision. Stunned, I couldn't stop my momentum. The force knocked me back. 

I flew far, hitting the floor. My feet rolled over my head, I couldn't control my limbs. My mind was chaos. The air knocked out of me, I gasped in desperation. My face in the dirt, frantically I lifted myself up. I felt for my sword, not finding it. My heart sank. It must have been thrown in the force. 

Stumbling to my feet, I took a defensive stance. The dust settled, I coughed,spotting Merle. He walked towards me with shallow breathing. The two arrows sticking out of his back, he hissed a curse. 

The whole world solidified. freezing up so fast it shocked me. Merle looked shocked too. Nothing moved but the wizard. His sick grin, breaking into surprised laughter. "It seems destiny has changed Its mind." He squawked, tossing his blade between his hands. "Seems I am meant to succeed Wanderer. My spell has settled in time to smite you." He smirked.

 I couldn't move but inside I was tearing him apart. I hated him, so very much. How did I fail again? How did I let this happen? My anger collapsed into guilt. This would destroy Luca. I hoped he could forgive me.

 Merle stopped, hesitating to get closer. "It was a nice effort." He muttered. "Maybe I'll even die from sepsis. You're still insane to attempt this."

 My anger boiled, my mouth suddenly finding movement. "I'm the insane one!?!? You killed my whole family over a book!" I yelled. 

"A mere book?!?! You don't know what you have." He stepped forward. I swallowed a gulp. I didn't have time to worry about what that meant.

 He looked up at me dryly, "How do you want to die Wanderer? Throat cut? Runned through? Slowly bled out?" He tossed the blade in my hand. 

"Do what you will. I'm not afraid." I roared, surprising myself. 

"Someone's growing bolder. You waste your courage child." 

My heart slowly pounding in my head. To faint to find the pulse. I locked on Merle's eyes with a defiant glare. If I was going to die I would die with my head held high. He stared at me, deciding. 

Merle's eyes suddenly bulged, a sharp cry of pain leaking out. The arrow sent him turning. Luca stood behind him, aiming a crossbow. His eyes locked in a wild fury. I had never seen him so angry. 

"You touch her and I'll kill you!!!" Luca roared, lowering the crossbow. 

Merle hissed, tightening his talons. "I should've known you were close behind." He gave a pained laugh. Luca found my sword, picking it up.  "I don't care if your blood, I will do it." 

Merle frowned, "She's a thief, street trash. She's not worth your life Luca." He warned, swinging his blade. Luca circling.

"She's a lot more than that." His eyes softened for a second, sending shivers down my spine. "I'd gladly die for her." Luca no! I don't want you to do this! My jaw locked stiff. 

Merle rolled his eyes,"I have no idea why you're so taken with the girl, but that's your choice. I won't go easy."

 Arrows still sticking out of his back, I didn't know how he was still standing. Luca locked back on a snarl, running at him, full swing. His blade, clashing against Merle's violently. Merle pushed him off, sending Luca stumbling. I hated watching this. Luca came back with another, Merle swinging before he could land it. Luca jumped back, the blade just missing him. He pulled back before he swung again. Merle caught the blade with his, turning it down. 

Merle smirked tilting his head, rapidly swinging strikes, he pressed Luca back. Luca struggled to block them. Each swing closer and closer to his head. I couldn't do anything about this. Curse him. 

With the last swing, Merle's blade swiped across Luca's chest. He hissed out in pain. I winced inside. He stumbled back, trying to create more space between them. Merle let him. As much as he said he wasn't going easy on him, he was. Luca couldn't win this fight. 

He wiped the sweat off his forehead, charging him once again. He was relentless and just this once I wished he wasn’t.

"You need to tighten your stance." Merle instructed, blocking the strike. "Shut up." Luca huffed, throwing more weight in on the next swing. "You're leaving yourself exposed." Merle scolded, poking his blade back where he cut Luca earlier. Luca cried out. I felt sick. A ripping pain in my heart. I wanted this to stop.

I felt myself shift, a small glimmer of the pulse. Merle's eyes darted over. It was quickly quieted, my whole body stiffening worse than before. I was having trouble focusing, the world moving in still frames. Luca and Merle interlocked in battle, it was a chaotic mess of silhouetted colours. Like looking through a patterned piece of glass I watched their still pictures shift. It was suffocating, I was trapped. The whole world stopped for a moment. There was nothing. 

"I'm done toying with you Luca." Merle's voice came back in, my focus returning. It was a relief, but that relief was short lived. "I won't stop." Luca roared, picking himself up again. He swung at Merle fearlessly. Merle turned him aside, flicking his arm around.  He disarmed Luca, sending him tumbling to the floor.

 "You're far too stubborn." Merle hissed. Luca's face skidding against the rocks, Merle locked his eyes on me. This wouldn't be delayed any longer. I could tell by the look on Luca's face that he was trapped now too. His arms and legs held stiff, he tried to fight against it.

I felt a single tear drop from my eye. It slowly rolled down my cheek. How did things come to this?

"Now you have to watch her die." Merle raised his arms, "Take this as a lesson, don't love someone like her." Merle strutted up to me, a sick grin twisted up.

"I will kill you for this." Luca managed to hiss out. His eyes wide in desperation. Merle smirked, taking his knife. He walked over, his monstrous bird face looming over me. He slid the blade and made a cut near my collarbone. I stared at it in horror. Strange, it didn't hurt. No blood dripping out. 

Suddenly a terrible stinging pain overwhelmed me. I yelped, looking up at Luca. Tears dripping down his cheeks. "She will only bring you pain." He mused, turning back to Luca. I smiled through it, "It's not so bad." I hissed the lie. 

"I...I didn't want this for you…" Luca's voice faltered. I know. 

 I couldn't stop the tears from falling. Merle turned his blade. Another sharp pain on my shoulder, I bit my lip refusing to look at it. It was deeper than the other wound. 

"How does that feel?" Merle smirked, knowing I was lying. I gritted my teeth, refusing to answer. 

"Stop!" Luca cried, his voice hoarse and broken. The sound of it hurt worse than the wounds on my shoulders. I couldn't bring myself to look at him. My own eyes blurring from the welling tears. 

Luca shook, "You've won. You don't have to kill her. We'll run away, stay away forever! Just let her live!" He pleaded staring up at Merle. Merle sighed, walking over to Luca. He shook his head, "How long will that last? Like you could resist trying to stop me. Like she could resist destiny. This must end now." 

"Then get it over with." I bit, "Haven't you brought me enough pain?" My voice dropped off raw, the bitterness finding me. Merle's eyes flickered with guilt.

 Luca's expression lost in hopelessness, it scared me. I let out a cry. I didn't want to leave him. I didn't want to break my promise. 

'I love you' I mouthed desperately. Something in his eyes shining through misery. He understood, that would have to be enough. What a sick twist of fate to find love and then to lose it. 

I swallowed, accepting it. Soon I would be back with my family. That was the only comfort I could find.

 Merle's sick twisted bird face stone cold, not mocking or gloating. "If you wish to pray for your soul, I would do so now." He suggested dryly, wiping his blade. 

I paused, not knowing what to say. I didn't know how to pray. I wasn't ready to die. I didn't want to die… don't let me fall… I cried out within my own head. The words bouncing around, not letting me rest. I didn't know if there was anyone to hear it. It didn't matter if there was. Everything seemed to be working up to my doom. If there was a God I didn't think I had his favor. I wasn't about to give up, not while I was still breathing. Trying to draw on my strength, trying to find the pulse. 

Merle shrugged, "Time's up." He said, standing in front of me. He pulled  his talon-hand up to steady himself, he rested it on my shoulder and raised his sword. 

I caught Luca's eyes, my heart wrenching out. Take care of Luca...please. I echoed lastly. Shutting my eyes I braced myself. 

The pulse suddenly erupting loudly in my ears. Pounding with an insane amount of energy. It felt like fire, so intense I couldn't bear it. Like standing on the cusp of a roaring waterfall. My eyes grew wide. Merle's fingers stinging on me as they locked on. That feeling brought me back to the first day I met him. That sting, It was the same but much, much worse. 

The power pent up in my veins, roared. It rushed at his fingers, like the opening of floodgates. My body screaming for escape, to fall into the raging depths this pulse was creating. Merle's face twisted in terror, he dropped the blade. He could feel it too. I embraced the raging waters, letting go of any resistance. 

Merle croaked a short pained response, terror gripping his face. I grinned at him, as smug as I could manage. The energy building up, it shattered. Like an explosion we flew apart, flying in opposite directions.

 I laughed, free from his grasp. Everything aching as I tumbled to a halt. I crawled to my side looking up, Luca racing to me. 

Relief slapped across his face, eyes wild with hope. His smile was the most beautiful thing in the world. He reached out for me and I reached back. Our fingers nearly touching.

Uh oh. 

I felt something shifting inside me, a violent lurch. The pulse was still raging, It was pulling me under.  

No.  

The fear in my face confused him. I tried to steady it, the rushing power in my veins. My fingers touched his, slipping away from them. I reached back desperately, the cityscape falling away. I felt myself disappear, ripped away from Luca. The terror on his face burned in my mind.

I was gone.