The Thoughts

Solskin

The rain poured down, splattering against the window, drowning out the rest of the world. Persephone was lost in thought, immediately heading back to her room. Xavier, too, was also going to his room without a word. I was alone in my room, surrounded by the pitter patter of raindrops.

The room was empty, at least it should have been. All I could feel was doubt, fear, and weakness. Every object seemed to have a malignant presence, leaning over me, pushing me to the floor. I felt the same doubts from before. Who's fault was it? Was it mine? I looked at my sword in disgust. Loosening the scabbard, I chucked it across the room. It crashed against the room with a loud bang. I backed away from it, not trusting myself. I was afraid I would do it again. After dying once, I didn't want to die again. My mind wasn't the most stable anymore.

Sitting on the ground, I banged my clenched fists against my forehead, eyes closed and in deep thought. What would Erik do? What would Xavier do? I used the questions to drive away my doubts. I wanted to model myself after them. I saw their stoicism, their bravery. If I was like them, I wouldn't be so hesitant, so… so weak!

I stood up, staring out and into the rainy sky. The rain came down hard, quickly flooding the wide streets of the capital. With the water splattering against the window, the city looked strange, warped into an abstract painting. I stared out into that warped scenery, the grays and reds and blues mixing together. Suddenly, there was a bright flash of green in the distance.

There was a loud whistling sound, piercing through the rain. I saw it coming towards me, trailing behind what seemed like thorny vines. I ducked down, taking cover against the wall. Glass broke and scattered on the ground. I scrambled to grab my sword and looked at my window. It was perfectly fine.

From the other room, Xavier screamed in fury, "What in the name of Hades!"

Persephone

Removing my rain soaked clothes, I was about to collapse from mental exhaustion. I buried myself deep in the bed, trying to block out the world. I was too tired.

The rain was soothing, easing me into a drifting deep sleep. I felt so peaceful.

I woke up as a five year old inside my father's church. It wasn't that large, but from my young eyes, it was my whole world. I was running after Ophelia. Her golden locks flowing out from behind her like the rays of light out of stained glass windows. Both of us were laughing. I didn't know what we were doing, but it didn't matter. We were having fun.

She stopped at the top of the balcony, staring down towards the congregation. I stood beside her, staring as well. My father was singing, his smooth timbre filling the church with a sweet, cozy hymn. Both of us were entranced by the song, listening intently. It was a bittersweet melody, but oddly comforting.

When the song ended, Ophelia turned towards me with a smile. Her face was brightly lit in a golden glow from the stained glass windows. Her teeth shined like expensive pearls.

"We will be together forever." She stated, her voice crisp and clean. There was no doubt, no fear.

I nodded my head enthusiastically. "Forever."

I woke up with a start. My face was wet with tears. I wiped them away and got dressed quickly. Someone was pounding on my door.