The Phantom Riser

CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT - GRATITUDE

They say your life flashed right before your eyes before you die. To most people, it’s the regret of the things that we did or didn’t do. To others, it’s simply gratitude for the things we were able to accomplish. But the only thing Karenia could see was neither the past nor the present. It was too vague to be called the future either, but the person that stood before her looked too much like her future self. A version of her that would have existed if she didn’t die at that moment. Or probably a version of her that always existed as the voice in her head; her true self. She stretched her hand out. She had to grab hold of it, hold of life. But before her, stood a mirror. On it, a reflection that she was yet to become. Braver, stronger, and more graceful than she could ever dream of being. But ‘it’ was there for her. She was there, but why was she silent. And that look on her face; like she was going to break down any moment.

Karenia tried to utter the first words, but her reflection beat her to it. “What troubles you, my dear,” she said. The comfort that flowed from those words comforted Karenia more than she thought it would. Was that really what she was supposed to become?

“He’s going to die, and I can’t do anything to stop it. He’s right in front of me, but I can’t move a step. I’m not fast enough,” Karenia said.

“Do you really believe that? Do you know what the source of your power is?” she asked.

“Source? Is not the Beast?” Karenia asked.

“Not your origin, my dear. Your source. Everyone has one. A source of motivation that pushes you past your limit. That makes you achieve what otherwise would be unachievable. Everyone has one. For prodigies like us, it is stronger. And for the Beast; the class with the strongest loyalty, it is our ultimate weapon. Do you see it? It’s right in front of you,” she said. Slowly, the mirror before her dissolved into nothingness. The safe space that had housed her for that little moment faded away as well. The only thing she could see was Kiro. And he was in trouble. At that moment, her senses expanded. She could see their movements all so clearly. Kelleher’s movements slowed down as he got closer to Kiro. She could hear every step, every heartbeat, every heartfelt cry from everyone saying just one thing; save Kiro.

She moved. She finally moved. Faster than she ever had, faster than she probably ever could. Even faster than Theodore could teleport. Faster than Kelleher could blink. And before his hands could through Kiro’s chest, she caught it. She got between Kiro and Kelleher at the last moment, holding his arm in her hands. But his hands already went through her chest. The utter shock on everyone’s face that she was able to move that fast, and the anguish that followed knowing that there was little that could be done to save her if there was anything at all.

It took a moment for Kelleher to realize that he hit the wrong target. How did she move that fast? Was that even supposed to be possible? His eyes narrowed as he noticed that Revik was about to break free from his hold. Kiro was still stunned to see Karenia’s condition. That was the best moment to attack him. Or maybe he should retreat momentarily. But would he get a chance like this again? Wait… why couldn’t he release his hands? Karenia’s grip tightened every time he tried to wriggle free. She wasn’t dead? How was a Riser able to overcome him? What was wrong with these people?

The fire in Karenia’s eyes was burning ever so brightly. She wouldn’t let go of his hand for anything in the world. Not while Kiro was still in danger. She would hold on until they could take care of Kelleher. Even if it meant taking her out along with him. Kelleher realized just how much of a pinch he was. He wasn’t going to force himself out of this situation. “You’re not going anywhere,” she said with enough conviction to send chills down Kelleher’s spine.

“You’re not the decider of that,” he said. In an instant, using his free hand, he cut both her hands off with a conjured sword, freeing himself from her grip. Revik was right behind him. He swung straight at his head. That blow would have crushed his skull if it had made contact. Kelleher could tell from how much force he felt when he evaded it. He tried to put as much distance between them as he could, but Revik wouldn’t give him such a chance. He was truly enraged by how things were starting to turn out. He promised he would protect them. That he would keep them both safe. But he had just lost one of them and it was looking like Kelleher would get away with it. No way in hell he would let that happen!

Kiro held Karenia in his hands as Victor ran over to her side as well. The others got there some seconds after. “Karenia! Karenia! Stay with me,” Kiro said. His hands trembled.

“Isn’t there something we can do! A special item? And ability she doesn’t know about yet? Something!” Victor yelled. He was beginning to lose it. They knew that their lives were at risk when they decided to save Kiro, but why did it have to be her? She didn’t deserve to die this way. At least not now. Not before they had survived this ordeal together and lived a fulfilling life. Not now.

“It’s okay, Kiro, Victor. I have no regrets. Only gratitude that I was able to live this long. That I was able to go this far with you all,” Karenia said. It was difficult but she had to try to absolve them of as much guilt as she could.

“Hey, stop talking,” Victor said. He was breathing so heavily that he could have thought he was the one dying.

Karenia could feel it getting harder to breathe. Every second was more painful than the last. But she had kept them safe. And that was more important than even her own life. “You’re both primed for great things. Live. And show that bastard hell.”

“Hell doesn’t compare to what is coming for him,” Kiro said. His eyes wide with rage and only one goal in mind; revenge!