[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/fty63uk.png[/img]
[h1][color=D2691E]Farim[/color] & [color=#8A2D28]Saiya[/color][/h1][/center]

[hr]

The sun had already begun to set on the horizon as Farim made his journey across the grasslands of Caesonia. His ship had already taken a detour on its journey across the sea, but thankfully he was left with a caravan to hasten his trip to Sorian Castle. He gazed out the window, hearing the pittering of the hooves of the horses that drew the carriage he was residing in while thinking about the previous events. He hoped that his dealings in the sprouting bud of a city known as Saru wouldn’t be too much of a blow to his social standing with these nobles that sought so eagerly to earn favor with the Sultanate.

He could only imagine how the night had progressed, wondering what kind of mischief his cousins would get into. This idle thought would keep him plenty occupied while he watched the sun begin to set, finally making his way into Sorian. The caravan came to a stop outside the castle, and it was very clear by the lack of activity that festivities, at least for tonight, had come to an end. He quickly made his way out of his carriage, and addressed a few servants about what he would like done with his luggage, ending with a satisfied clap of his hands before moving onward himself towards the guesthouse they had driven him up to.

He eyed up the housing, not quite used to the style of his Caesonian neighbors, but not looking to judge too harshly. He was under their care after all, and he resolved himself to not show much disapproval towards any lack of luxuries he may be used to. He walked up to the front door of the guest house, opening the door with ease and stepping into the main room, where he happened to see a familiar face sitting on the couch facing a low lit fireplace. The flames danced and the light seemed to hug along every surface in the immediate area. He smiled softly, happy that he was able to see a familiar face so soon after arriving so late.

[color=D2691E]”Ah, Saiya. It is so good to see you. How has the night gone? Anything fun I should know about?”[/color]

Saiya had chosen to stay behind while the other Alidasht kids went on to the secret afterparty that they insisted she come to as well, but she knew Farim was supposed to be there any time now. It wouldn’t do if he arrived and no one was there to greet him, especially when he’d likely seek out his uncle or father and ask where everyone was. No, they needed someone to stay behind if they didn’t wish the secret party to be discovered. She promised to try and convince him to go once he was there so the Kadir sisters made sure Saiya was dressed appropriately for the party. 

The [url=https://i.pinimg.com/564x/2b/24/df/2b24dfd1953c54a115b29fab254bf132.jpg]outfit[/url] they put her in was quite different from her normal everyday dress, but wasn’t much different from the outfits she wore when she danced. She always quickly changed after her dances, however, so the fact that she would be wearing this for the remainder of the night had her feeling a little uncomfortable. Thankfully she was currently wrapped in a cloak so as to not raise suspicion as she sat by the fire and read her book.

A familiar voice reached her and she turned to look at the man who had just entered the guest house. [color=#8A2D28]”Farim!”[/color] Her face lit up as she sat the book down and stood. On silent, bare feet, she almost seemed to glide over to him as she threw her arms around him in a hug. [color=#8A2D28]”How was your travels? Hopefully you had no major issues?”[/color] She asked in her soft, melodic voice as she took a step back and looked up at him.

He smiled as she approached, having known Saiya since she was brought under his father’s wing, he was always happy to see her. His father would often spend most of his free time with her, leaving Farim to read, study, or do whatever he would like in peace. Whatever few moments he wasn’t badgering her about her behavior, her dress, where she would walk, what she would say, and a list of other things, he would often find her in more secluded areas of the palace, hidden away from the pressures of noble life and singing her heart out. That same voice rang out so melodically as she spoke to him, he smiled ear to ear, his eyelids coming together as he returned the boisterous hug she gave him.

[color=D2691E]”Woah! It is nice to see you too, my friend. My travels were rather dull, sitting in the back of a carriage, but I am here now. I was able to finish off the startup for the trade post and I rushed back here as quick as the ships could carry me. I hope I did not miss much.” [/color] He spoke with a hint of regret in his voice for not being there for the grand entrance he had seen everyone planning for. He looked around, noticing it was just the two of them and raised an eyebrow.

[color=D2691E]”I doubt everyone went off to bed this early…least of all Nahir or Munir…So where is the party?”[/color] He spoke with a sly smile, his eyes slowly moving down and then back up, noticing the interesting garb she was likely asked to wear. [color=D2691E]”I see you’re certainly dressed for one. How kind of you to wait on me before heading out for a night of fun~.[/color] He spoke in a teasing manner, but there was genuine joy behind his voice as he spoke. He gave himself a look over, making sure there were no wrinkles or creases in his clothes before giving a nod and another smile to Saiya.

Saiya glanced down at herself briefly and felt her cheeks heat a little as she quickly pulled the cloak back around her, glancing around quickly to make sure there were no spying eyes. [color=#8A2D28]”Your cousins thought my typical dress wasn’t appropriate for…well, come. I’ll fill you in on the way.”[/color] She said as she grabbed his hand and pulled him out the door. She led him to a small carriage, climbing into it and beckoning him to follow. [color=#8A2D28]”You missed quite the entertaining entrance, unfortunately. Your father was knocked off his palanquin thanks to an unfortunately clumsy man. Your uncle, too, but he was far more merciful. Thankfully no one lost their head, despite your father demanding it.”[/color] She said once he was in the carriage with her. [color=#8A2D28]”Also we’re heading to a secret after party. That’s another reason I waited for you, I couldn’t have you giving away that people weren’t in their rooms.”[/color] She smirked at him.

He felt his hand grabbed and pulled, his feet and head lagging a moment behind his torso as he was pulled by her towards the smaller carriage. He ducked his head so that his nearby entourage would not spy him leaving the guest house, and climbed into the carriage with Saiya. His eyes began to widen and he could barely contain the smirk sliding from the corner of his mouth at the mention of his father being embarrassed. [color=D2691E]”Oh what a sight that must have been. I can only imagine his temper, and I’m somewhat glad I didn’t have to see it now that you tell me. But thankfully they didn’t just let Hafiz just run amuk.” [/color] He chuckled at the mention of the party, leaning over to give her a slight nudge with his elbow as he looked at her with a grin. [color=D2691E]”Well how kind of you to be looking out for me. I am always one to enjoy a little sneaking off into the night. Let us enjoy ourselves!”[/color] Farim was glad to finally be done with business. He could take some time to enjoy himself, and relax the rest of the night away with his family who he was sure were up to no good.

The carriage continued silently into the night, the two having a rather bubbly conversation about their most recent events. He would smile as they talked, taking occasional glances out of the window to see a little more of the new country they had traveled so far to visit. He noticed the carriage coming to a stop, not seeing much of a noticeable club or entrance at first glance. He initially raised an eyebrow and looked at Saiya, as if questioning [color=D2691E][i]”Is this the right place?”[/i][/color] without uttering a word. He would open the door and hold his hand for her, beckoning her to step down and show him where this “secret party” was being held, as his curiosity was growing by the minute.

She glanced at the building as well, eyes narrowing a bit as she was a little unsure and pulled out the invitation that was in her cloak pocket. She read it over again briefly and then nodded. [color=#8A2D28]”According to the invitation this is correct. I’m now concerned, however, because I let your cousins come to this strange place alone.”[/color] She said, feeling a twinge of fear that she made a mistake in doing so. While she had no doubt they could easily take care of themselves, Saiya had always felt a need to protect all of them to the best of her ability. Perhaps it was her love for Sultana Esrin that caused her to wish to keep them all safe or maybe it was the loss of Kahrem that had her a bit paranoid.

She took hold of his hand as she stepped out of the carriage, feet still bare as she despised wearing shoes, and glanced up at Farim. [color=#8A2D28]”I guess we go inside and find out and pray it’s not a trap where everyone is dead.”[/color] She said it partially jokingly, but there was real concern in her voice as she started to head for the door, invitation still in her hand.

His gaze hardened as he looked around, scanning the darker corners for anything suspicious. He placed a single hand on Saiya’s shoulder and gave her a reassuring nod. [color=D2691E]”Come now, Saiya. These are our cousins we are talking about. I think Mayet and Layla alone could probably level a capital. They would have returned to the guest house if there was trouble.”[/color] He followed her towards the door, opening it first to see what exactly is in store for them. He took the lead, and her hand, as they walked slowly down the stairs and through the fog until they reached the strange man holding white masks in either hand. Farim politely declined the offer with a quick raise of his palm, still keeping Saiya close while he wandered into the main room. Immediately his vision seemed to clear, and the spectacle before his eyes unfolded. He witnessed several of his family members, intermingling with others that he could only assume were of nobility as well, engaging in an array of exaggerated and intense behaviors. He smirked, looking back towards Saiya and nodding his head towards the bar. [color=D2691E]”Well it seems the party has started, perhaps we should start with a drink?”[/color]

Saiya made sure she kept very close to him, holding onto his hand tighter than she probably should have as they entered the warehouse. Her other hand hovered over where her daggers were hidden in her cloak, ready for the worst. Thankfully the worst didn’t happen. There did seem to be a strange man passing out masks and, while Farim denied the mask, she did take one. She figured it would be better to blend in if need be. She was fiddling with the mask with her one hand and initially didn’t take note of the unusualness of the afterparty in front of them.

When she finally looked up, she paused and stared in shock. It was Farim’s voice that pulled her out of her thoughts as she looked over at him. It took her a moment to register what he was saying, but then she grinned. [color=#8A2D28]”You go ahead, I might grab one later. For now I think I’ll stick with water and maybe dance some.”[/color]

Farim would shrug and make his way over to the bar, still insistently pulling Saiya along as they made it past the party guests, noticing their bizarre reactions, but paying not much mind. [color=D2691E][i]Surely it is just the alcohol. Everyone relieving stresses. Yes yes that must be it. [/i][/color]This is all Farim would tell himself as he practically rushed to the bar, eager to just enjoy the night. Looking towards the bar, he would take note of all the various drinks available for picking. So many unique and colorful choices, each one catching his eye and raising more and more curiosities. That’s when he spied a particularly alluring drink, one colored blue that seemed to contain clouds in the glass, and a faint scent of sweet flowers hit Farim’s nostrils. His curiosity finally won over as he decided what his first drink of the night would be.

[color=D2691E]”Wonderful barkeep! This blue drink is simply…alluring. Might I trouble you for a glass? And before I get too ahead of myself…my name is Farim, and it’s a lovely place you have here. I’d also love to get a glass of water for my friend, she is rather parched you see.”[/color] He watched as the bartender nodded, their cool demeanor remaining constant as they wordlessly prepared a “Conquer the Mountain” and a glass of water, just as Farim had requested. With a nod, she pushed both drinks their way, and Farim, in his excitement, handed the water to Saiya before giving a slight bow. [color=D2691E]”Let’s have us a toast for a safe journey, and hopefully a riveting party!”[/color] He raised his glass towards Saiya, tilting it forward as he went for the toast.

She followed him to the bar, but her eyes scanned the crowd as she located where each of the Kadir children were. Despite being told to relax, she couldn’t help but look out for those she considered her family. In doing so she began noticing the odd behaviors of others. Perhaps they were all just drunk already. Definitely would be best if she stuck to drinking water. Her attention was then pulled back to Farim and the glass of water now in front of her. She grabbed the glass and grinned up at her friend as she raised her own glass in a toast. [color=#8A2D28]”Yes, let’s make it a fun night and see if these Caesonian’s truly know how to party.”[/color] She said in reply before taking a sip of the water.

Farim brought the glass to his lips, a chill running down his jaw as he felt the liquid hit his throat. The drink had such a sweet aroma, with a hint of raspberries to its taste that made Farim smack his lips a few times to really savor that flavor. His eyebrows would raise up as he felt a swelling in his chest. That same chill on his jaw traveled throughout his body as he felt his body begin to feel like it was floating already. [color=D2691E][i]Is this the drink? Surely it wasn’t strong enough to send me reeling already. But gods it is good![/i][/color] That floating joyous feeling bubbling in his chest prompted him to drink more. Sip after sip, he took the drink to his lips, not realizing he was practically chugging the drink before placing the drink down on the counter.

It was then that his body felt simply amazing, almost the best he had felt in a long time. His entire body felt light, and every little action felt so positively stimulating. He took in a deep breath, feeling like he was breathing the cleanest air he ever breathed. His eyes opened once more as he shook his arms slightly, giving his body a few hops as he felt just how limber and amazing this new feeling that was spreading throughout him, almost even more so once he finished his drink. He went to speak, but couldn’t even stifle his voice as he looked at Saiya. [color=D2691E]”[b]SAIYA! THIS PLACE IS AMAZING! WHAT A LOVELY ATMOSPHERE! WHAT LOVELY GUESTS! OH THESE DRINKS! GOODNESS I WANT ANOTHER BUT I CAN’T EVEN STOP MYSELF FROM MOVING! SAIYA! DANCE WITH ME WILL YOU?”[/b] [/color]Before she could even respond he would wrap his arm around her, bringing her to the floor and clearing a spot, giving her one final look as he stepped a few paces from her. [color=D2691E]”[b]OH LET’S DO THAT ONE DANCE WE SAW AT OUR LAST COURT! THE ONE WHOSE DRESS YOU LOVED AND WHERE THE GUY TRIPPED AT THE END! HOO WHAT A GLORIOUS DANCE IT WAS!”[/b][/color]” His nodding grew almost too enthusiastic as he eagerly awaited for her to start this dance he had been referencing.

The complete shift in mood had caught Saiya off guard and she was rather concerned as she watched Farim. Had he been drinking on his way to the castle? Surely he wasn’t drunk after one drink, right? [color=#8A2D28]”I…Farim, why are you shouting? I’m right here, I can hear you just fine.”[/color] The music was loud, but it wasn’t loud enough that she felt like he needed to shout in such a way. It seemed like her words didn’t really reach him, however, as he pulled her to the dance floor. [color=#8A2D28]”Of course I won’t deny you a dance, but are you sure you’re feeling okay?”[/color] She questioned, her brows furrowing as she glanced around to see if anyone else was noticing the odd behavior. It seemed, however, that they all were acting odd as well and so no one was looking. That was a relief, at least.

His next words hit her and she turned her attention back to him, blinking in confusion. Dance? With a dress she loved and the guy tripped at the end? She really had to dig deep into her memory to even remotely realize what he was talking about. She vaguely remembered a dance that she thought was nice, but she couldn’t recall any of the steps. [color=#8A2D28]”Why don’t you start the dance out? I can’t remember all the steps, you’ll have to guide me!”[/color] She said, not wanting to discourage his enthusiasm.

His movements were still coordinated, as he nodded some more at her suggestion. His hand almost seemed to have a mind of its own as he seemingly tapped the air to the beat of the music. His eyes closed and he took in a breath, not wasting a moment before he began his performance. He kicked his foot outwards, his arms swinging back gracefully as he began to twirl his hips in a firm and single sweeping motion, following through yet again with his foot before switching off to the other, bouncing back and forth between each side as his body got into the rhythm of the music pounding throughout the club. His arms swung around, one behind him, one in front, and his knees bent and buckled, bringing him to a kneeling position on the floor. The hand in front of him pointed towards the dance floor, not quite touching as even Farim wasn’t bold enough to touch the floors. After all, who knows what happens on these floors? His hand traced a single line across the air above the ground just inches away from Saiya’s feet. He looked up towards her as he bounced back up with a surge of energy, brushing imaginary dirt off his shoulder as he felt rather proud of his little dance. [color=D2691E]”WELL? RING ANY BELLS?”[/color]

Slowly, while watching him, she remembered parts of the dance and she began nodding some. [color=#8A2D28]”Um, yes. I think I remember now.”[/color] She said as she went on to pick up the next part of the dance, as she shimmied her hips from one side to the other, continuing the dance he’d started while grinning at him. [color=#8A2D28][url=https://youtu.be/ilw5_jn9sz0?t=108]”This one, right?”[/url][/color] Little did she know they were starting to draw the attention of some who weren’t used to Alidasht dancing.

His smile somehow grew wider, if it could be considered possible. His teeth showed as he saw her joining him. He had all this energy, all this optimism, practically bursting forth as every step seemed much more exaggerated than the last. He approached her for the next part of the dance, moving his arms opposite of hers in quick but fluid motions as they lifted and raised them in unison. He noticed a few wandering gazes, but he only saw them as more witnesses to the exotic, and fun, ways of his nation and his people. As they began to separate for the next part of the dance, his eagerness overtook him and he felt as if his body began to move on its own. His  feet simply seemed to glide across the floor, moving in a large circle as his upper body would twist and turn to the music. Soon he would plant himself lower to the ground, only tapping on the floor for mere moments before sending his body into several circles while laying lower to the ground with each passing moment. He planted his knee to ground himself and turned his head to face Saiya, almost completely losing himself in the dance and seeing if she was still dancing.

The stares that the enthusiastic dance drew was causing Saiya to become uncomfortable as she glanced at the cheering and clapping people. She felt her face heating some as she slowly and silently backed up. Any time he’d glance at her she’d force a smile onto her face. Eventually she couldn’t take the spotlight any longer and she slipped into the crowd, calling upon her skills of disappearing into the shadows. She still kept an eye on Farim and the others, but she needed a minute to calm her anxious heart.

He met her gaze, albeit through a mask, and noticed the smile. [color=D2691E][i]WELL AT LEAST SHE’S SMILING. SHE’S HAVING FUN! THAT’S LOVELY![/i][/color] He thought to himself, even his thoughts were loud and boisterous. He stood back up, spinning around on foot and then looking around with a confused smile as he noticed she had disappeared. He scanned the crowd for a moment before shrugging. He figured that she must be looking for their cousins, perhaps she had wanted to check on them before dancing! Surely that could be it! He resumed his high-spirited dancing, letting out a loud shout beforehand. [color=D2691E]”LET ME SHOW YOU HOW WE DO THINGS IN ALIDASHT!”[/color]

[hr]

Over the next hour, Saiya kept herself in the shadows as she watched over her family. Nahir seemed to have found a toy to play with and Munir seemed to be with a group, including the Ceasonian prince and princess. Farim had continued dancing after she’d slipped away. Things were beginning to drastically change, however, as she watched Callum become acquainted with the floor. Munir also seemed to be losing it, as he began sobbing onto Anastasia. She felt alarmed as she watched all these people go from a high to a low. Was a similar fate about to befall Farim soon? She needed to get them out of here soon. She began shoving her way through the crowd, heading for Farim.

Farim was simply feeling amazing. All these beautiful women, all these lovely drinks, so many good drinks. Maybe he would have another? [color=D2691E][i] Maybe not, I’m a little full on my drinks.[/i][/color] He thought to himself, suddenly feeling a strange shift. He did not suddenly feel like shouting every word he spoke or thought. He barely even noticed it until now, but he really had been extremely animated. He finished his dance, breathing heavily, suddenly feeling the fatigue of his actions for the past hour. He fanned his robes against his chest and wandered over to the bar once more, simply needing to sit for a moment…just a moment…[color=D2691E][i]Why am I so tired already? The night has barely begun…Has it been that long? When was the last time I danced like that?[/i][/color] He continued thinking as he leaned against the bar, feeling his energy begin to almost fall off of him.

[color=#8A2D28]”Farim? Are you doing okay? It seems everyone here is beginning to crash. Maybe we should get the cousins and head home?”[/color] Saiya asked as she made it to Farim finally, gently touching his arm. She tilted her head around to look at him, concern showing on her face. Something definitely wasn’t right here.

Farim heard a voice. It was familiar, but his mind was starting to buzz more and more. Still, he would think it rude to not respond…What did they say again?[color=D2691E]”I..why am…I’m just really tired. I think…oh…it is you Saiya. Maybe heading home is good. I can…maybe…I…[/color] His voice was so much more muted, compared to his shouting from earlier at least. His head barely moved to look at her, this fatigue beginning to hit fast and hard. He could barely focus on standing, opting instead to lean against the bar even more as he tried to speak to her. His eyes slowly began to gloss over as his attention waned and wandered. [color=D2691E]”Maybe…I…um….uh…go home…yeah…”[/color]

[color=#8A2D28]”Yeah that sounds like a good idea then.”[/color] She said, a gentleness to her voice as she put his arm over her shoulder. [color=#8A2D28]”Come on, let’s get you to the carriage and then I’ll gather the others. Can you walk?”[/color] She then began trying to lead him out of the club.

His attention was rapidly fading, his body barely able to stand as is. Her arm around his shoulder felt so warm…why? He was feeling colder by the second. [color=D2691E]”Perhaps…it’s…time…let’s…go….”[/color] Each word was harder to speak, his voice growing soft and almost saddening. His eyes hurt, his legs were like lead, and he could barely turn as he moved to follow the voice of his friend while maintaining that selfsame 1000 yard stare towards the ground.

To say Saiya was struggling would have been an understatement. Something was very wrong as her friend could barely move. She was practically dragging him towards the door and as she finally got through it she almost screamed in frustration as she remembered the stairs. If she was struggling so hard to just get him to the door, how in the world was she to get him up the stairs? After a few failed attempts to get him up the first step, she gave up and helped him sit down on the bottom step. [color=#8A2D28]”Farim, stay here. I can’t get you up the stairs right now. I’m going to go get the others and hope someone can help get you up the stairs. I’ll be right back, okay?”[/color] She said as she knelt in front of him, trying to look in his eyes to make sure he understood her. After a moment, she turned and rushed back into the party to find the other Kadir children and get them out of there.

[hider=TW despair/depression/suicidal thoughts - in summary, Farim relives past horrors and wallows in self-pity]
Farim would try his hardest to move each foot, feeling himself fall heavier and heavier on Saiya’s poor body as she diligently helped him towards the door. [color=D2691E] ”Saiya…sorry…I…sorry…”[/color] He would mumble and apologize several times as they made it to the dance floor. He could feel himself start to pity his actions. [color=D2691E][i] Look at you. Late. Going to late night parties. Getting drunk off a SINGLE DRINK. What is wrong with you?[/i][/color] It took everything he had just to crane his head upward at his friend’s voice. It was so nice hearing it amidst all of this buzzing and noise. But he could barely make out the words. He saw her gestures and figured he should probably stay still, not that he could move much on his own. He slumped back onto the next few steps as he could barely make out the blurred shape of her walking through the door. 

Then he was alone. Why did it feel so obvious now? Just him in that stairway, with his thoughts. But that was the worst of it. His mind wandered, thinking about what he had done to lead him to this pitiful state he was in. A son of Alidasht royalty? Sitting down in the stairway on the verge of tears? Over what? His expectations? The lack of immediate family? Why are you so sad Farim? Get over it! You are better than this...you're...better...why? Why am I better? What have I even done? Cheat my way to the top of an empire? Use my power for my own personal gain? I've done nothing...nothing worth noting at least...

[h2][color=#800000]"You're right. You are worth nothing.[/color][/h2]

That venomous tone...even in his own mind he couldn't escape his father.

[color=D2691E]"Shut...up..."[/color]

[right][color=#800000]"See? Even your wit is dull. A man calls you nothing and you 
just sit and take it. Just like your mother."[/color][/right]

Farim's gut would retch, not even knowing his mother was such a sore spot that his
father loved to poke at him over. He gathered what energy he could and spit towards
the image of his father, the glob of saliva barely making it onto the step next to him.

[right][color=#800000]"Pathetic. How are you my son? Surely there was a mistake. I must
go. Perhaps that common Ansari whore could be of better use to me than my own flesh and blood."[/color][/right]

Farim's fist clenched, wanting to strike at the image. He despised his father's attitude.
He wanted to sever himself from the name Hafiz. But he knew it would ultimately make his
goal impossible. Anything he did would make his goals impossible. It was all worthless to him.
Nothing he did mattered...

Farim would not even move, but a scowl would faintly form on his face at the ghost
of his father. He reeled back once more, feeling like he was falling down into a pit.
Such a long fall it felt like. All of his limbs feeling numb and his emotion and energy
draining from him as he laid on the staircase.

[color=D2691E][i]Pathetic...why am I so...pathetic…[/i][/color]

His vision was so blurry, but he could make out a single shape in front of him. The terror
of which almost brought him back from his delirious state entirely on its own. He shook in 
place with what little strength he could, trying to crawl up the stairs, and miserabley failing.

[color=D2691E]"No...you don't...not unless...I'm alone..."[/color]

[right][color=#B0E0E6]"Farim. You are not alone. Not as long as I’m here that is."[/color][/right]

Farim knew that voice and that figure from anywhere. Even with his vision as distorted as it was, the image of his long dead friend would never leave his worst of nightmares. Tears involuntarily streamed down his face as the despair took him. As if willed by some supernatural force, he grabbed his head and began to scream. His lungs pushing air out as much as it could, even if it came out as a whimpered cry for help. What a state he was in...so pathetic...

[color=D2691E]"MALIK! I DIDN'T MEAN TO! I SHOULD'VE KNOWN BETTER! I AM SORRY! SO SO SORRY! I COULDN'T PROTECT YOU! YOUR BEST FRIEND COULDN'T PROTECT YOU! MY COMPANY...MY STATUS AS A NOBLE...I DON'T DESERVE IT! NONE OF IT! WHY DID YOU...why did you...have to die...why not...why...not...me? Why not..."[/color]

All Farim would do is watch as the ghost of his friend would look on towards him, and shake his head before disappearing. Tears continued to run down his face as he pulled his head piece over his face and sobbed. He silently begged for anyone to free him from this nightmare. Anywhere...even that damned book shop where it all began...anywhere was better than here. His voice cracked, finally eeking out another word after what felt like an eternity.

[color=D2691E]"Help..."[/color][/hider]