𓆩Reynzo𓆪

We ran, but the Proxy ran faster. The air felt toxic in my lungs. Don’t look back, don’t look back. I told myself, keeping my eyes on everyone in front of me. On Kian. In the corner of my eye, I saw the Proxy leap. It was headed straight for Kian.

Without a second thought, my body moved on instinct, blocking Kian from the Proxy’s claw.

My lungs filled with blood, making me choke. A scream ripped out my throat as the Proxy pressed its claw deeper into my stomach.

In my blurred vision, I saw Kian turn around. No. No. Kian, don’t look! 

“KAEL!” He shrieked, desperately trying to run back to me. “KIAN, DON’T! STAY BACK!” I cried out, fighting to stay conscious. The pain exploded, forcing a violent tremor through my body.

The Proxy let out a low hum as if it was mocking me. Proxies never ate humans, they just killed. It twisted its claws into my flesh purposefully, as if it wanted to prolong the torture. I let out a strangled whimper as I continued to choke on my blood.

Max lunged at Kian, forcing him back as he cried my name. Good, he’ll be safe. I thought, blood trickling down my mouth.

As if it was an act of cruelty or boredom, the Proxy left. It just left. As if it was uninterested in my fading breaths. The moment it had, I saw Kian shove Max aside and run towards me.

“Kael, Kael, Kael… please no, God no, Kael.” He repeated my name like a mantra. He gently held my head up, his eyes wide with fear. “Please Kael, please no. Kael. Kael! KAEL!” He continued.

I weakly lifted my hand to his face, tears streaming down his face. “Ki—an.” I coughed, blood spilling out my mouth. 

“Don't look at me Kian, I'm covered in blood…”

“I don't care, losing you scares me more than any amount of blood.” He sobbed. 

“You—guys. Need to—go. More will come.” I coughed, looking back at Max, Ashlyn, and Piper.

Kian’s eyes dilated as he heard my request. “Kael, no—not without you, Kael.” He choked, brushing his thumb across my cheek.

“Kian—”

“Kael, no.”

“Kian listen—”

“We will get you back to the base, I promise Kael.”

“Kian, look at me, I’ll just slow you down. I don’t need you all to die because of me.”

“No, you won’t Kael,”

“I WILL!” I choked out, my throat burning as I continued, “I DON’T WANT TO DRAG YOU ALL DOWN WITH ME!” I gagged, fighting back tears as I looked at Kian's terror. “I DON’T WANT TO BE THE REASON YOU DIE KIAN! LEAVE! THIS WAY, I CAN BE USEFUL!” I exclaimed, burning agony rising to my throat.

“Kael, do you expect me to just leave you to die!? I CAN’T! KAEL YOU BASTARD!”

“Kian I—”

“HOW COULD YOU SAY THAT, KAEL!?” His fingers pressed into my shoulder, shaking me as if he could keep me from dying. His voice filled with anger, fear, and everything I expected. “If you die, Kael,” he began, closing his eyes as he inhaled sharply. He gently pressed his hand against mine. 

“I die. You hear me?”

His words hung in the air as the rest of the group caught up to us, just enough to hear Kian's broken plea.

My heart sank. “Kian… don't say that.” I whispered.

“I'LL SAY IT UNTIL YOU UNDERSTAND KAEL!” He screamed, his eyes focused on mine.

“I swear to God… if you die, Kael, I’ll—I'll kill myself. You hear me? I—I will.” He whispered, broken.

His words hurt more than the stab, more than anything else. No. No. No. He can't die. He can't. I looked around wildly, my eyes couldn't seem to focus.

“No—don’t you dare.” I started, blood pouring from my mouth.

“You can't—live, Kian. Please. I can't die for nothing.” I choked blood spilling out of my stomach. “Just to have you die with me. Please, promise.”

Kian’s eyes filled with anger as he pressed his forehead against mine. “I won't! You can't make me!” He weeped, his hot tears mixing with the blood running down my face.

“I won't promise you anything! If you are alive then why should I be? WHY? What will I have to live for? I hate you!”

My heart stopped. Hate?

His eyes widened with guilt. “I'm sorry Kael. Please, please I didn’t mean it. You know that, please don't leave me. I'm begging you Kael. Stay strong, we will get you back to the base. We—”

“Ma—x.” I choked out, trying not to cry. If I cried, Kian would break. I would break. I looked up, trying to push my tears back.

Max, who was turned away covering his face, turned his head back towards us, his mismatched eyes glistening with unshed tears.

“Take—Kian away—” I started, fighting consciousness. My vision started to blur as they mixed with the background.

“Don't you dare touch me Max! I won't leave him!” Kian spat, his eyes fixed on me.

“Don’t—listen to him Max. He’s—not thinking properly. Please Max—I’m sorry to ask you of this, but please—do this for me.” I whispered, knowing I don’t have much time before my voice gave out.

Max’s face twisted with hesitance, looking between Kian’s trembling form and my desperate wish.

“Kael…” He whispered, his voice with false calmness. “I’m sorry Kian.” He said sharply, stepping forward.

Before Kian had time to react, Max pinned his hands down and hoisted him on his shoulder.

“NO! MAX LET ME GO! STOP! KAEL! PLEASE! PLEASE!” He screeched, thrashing in Max’s firm grip. “PLEASE! LET ME GO MAX! DON’T DO THIS TO ME!”

Their voices began to fade as they ran, I lifted my head just enough to see them one last time. 

Piper was trembling, holding onto Ashlyn as they both cried.

Max had closed his eyes, tears streaming down his usually stoic face.

And Kian.

Kian was so broken.

He kept crying my name, begging Max.

My heart shattered. I hated causing so much pain. I hated leaving him.

That’s when it hit me.

They were leaving.

Leaving me.

“KI—AN! WAIT!” I said, my voice refusing to stop. I told him to go. I told Max to leave me! I know I did. But why?

“I know—what I told you! But—I can’t help it! I’m—sorry I broke our—promise!” I paused, seeing them preparing to turn a corner.

“KIAN I’M SCARED!” I begged into the empty city.

No. Why did I say that? 

But that was it. My world went dark.