[Sample] Out of the Darkness

[Note: No relation to the previous story with Simone and Zeke]

Crystal was mostly unconscious for the few weeks following the attack. There were times when she would temporarily regain consciousness enough to be slightly aware of her surroundings. She would hear voices, but her pain dulled mind could only process the smallest bits of what was said.

            “I don’t know…”

            “… her condition…”

            “… so long…”

            “… not much longer…”

            She spent her time in the darkness that had originally saved her from Nicolae, but now served as her prison. When she heard the voices, she would fight it with all her might, to say something, to move a bit, to just open her eyes! But it was too strong, and she too weak. Then the voices would fade and she would once again be alone in the dark.

            Except one time, Crystal managed to pry open her eyes. At first she still could not see. As her eyes adjusted, she saw a face looking down at her. It took Crystal a moment to realize that she did not recognize the person.

            His face was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. Over all it was the face of a king, His nose perfectly shaped, His brow perfectly arched. His features were strong, yet His mouth was shaped in the most gentle and reassuring smile she would ever see. He looked young, not more than twenty, and yet at the same time inexplicably old, as if He had survived eons of time.

            And His eyes! Crystal stared at them and was quickly lost within. They held a strange mixture of emotions. They sparkled with delight, yet seemed terribly sad. They blazed with wrath—though not directed at her, she could tell—and shone with unconditional love.

            The love was what Crystal felt the most above all else. A love so great, so extreme, so wonderful, she felt it was something so tangible that she could reach out and touch it.

            Then He spoke; and His voice was melodious and calming. Looking into His eyes and listening to His voice, Crystal felt more at peace than she ever had in her entire life. She hardly noticed that the ever-present, throbbing ache in her head had lessened and vanished. Crystal could think only of Him.

            Still, she could not process what He was saying, but that mattered little. Then He stopped speaking, touched His hand to her brow—sending warmth into her body and heart—and smiled. Then her eyes slid shut and she was unaware once again. The darkness did not consume her, however. In fact, there was no darkness, Crystal knew only of His love and light.

            The next time Crystal awoke, there were more familiar faces and they all looked extremely relieved. She struggled to sit up, but Peaches gently pushed her back down.

            “No. Just lie still. You’re still weak.”

            “Wh-who was He?”

            Alex frowned. “Who was who?”

            “He… He was here… And… and He spoke to me… I… I can’t remember what He said…” Crystal was dismayed at how desperate she sounded, but she couldn't help it.

            “Crystal, what are you talking about? There’s been no one here but us.” Alex gestured to Peaches, Honey and some of the others around the bed.

            “But I know I saw Him…” She closed her eyes trying to remember, something, anything.

            “Maybe you just thought you saw something… It’s normal.”

            “No! I saw Him! He was here… Ugh! If I could just remember His face… How could I forget?” Finally she was able to call up His face in her mind’s eye and describe Him for them.

            Alex and Peaches glanced at each other. Peaches spoke slowly. “I think I know who you are talking about… You just described the King. But I wasn’t aware that He was here…”

            Crystal frowned. “King? But I’ve seen Mikhail… And he wouldn’t be here…”

            Honey smiled and put her hand on Crystal’s. “The true King, Crystal. Mikhail’s nothing but a thief and a traitor. He stole Kardrax from Him.”

            “Oh…” But, then why did He… smile at me? He should hate me. I’m one of those who attack His followers. His people. Why?

            Peaches put a hand on Crystal’s arm. “Are you sure you weren’t just dreaming? You were really sick, hallucinations like that are normal…”

            “Yes, I’m sure!” Crystal exclaimed exasperated. “Why would I dream about Him? I’ve never seen Him before!" Crystal shook her head, and then instantly regretted it. Her vision swam and she had to blink several times to clear it.

            Honey noticed and smiled gently. “Maybe you should get a little more rest. Come on, everyone.” She led the others out.

            Crystal watched them go, and then let her head fall fully back on the pillow. She closed her eyes, wondering if she'd dream of the King again.

[The King’s words… “Perfect love casts out fear. Know that you are loved, My child, and do not fear.”

Written... Wow, a long time ago. xD This is a part of one version of a long story I've been working on for years, called the Bridge Chronicles. I would put pieces of it up here, but it's in such a state of progress, I wouldn't want anyone to fall in love with one version only for me to abandon it. This part works as a stand alone, though.

The last few paragraphs were altered because the led to another part of the story that /can't/ stand alone, lol. I just made it so it closed the scene, rather than leave it hanging.

As always,
All praises to the King.]