Swords clashing and men grunting block out the constant irritants of my father's rants. The smell of sweat and blood heavy in the air. Starring at the ground in utter defeat once I've hit the ground with a hard thud once more. My small, pale body covered in dirt and bruises. My legs covered in turf marks.The dirt and dust burning my wounds, the salty sweat of mine doesn't help either. Tears threatening to spill, I lift my arm and wipe off the sweat from my forehead.Being snapped out of my haze when I feel a force of contact hit the back of my head. My head thumps in pain, my pounding in my ears. "Boy, are you listening to me!" My father yelled in rage. He continues screaming, "Look me in the eyes when I'm talking to you!" I lift my head in silence to look at the king standing in front of me. His face is red and drenched. His teeth are crooked and his face grotesque to look at.

I feel the cold hands of Kathleen's intertwine with mine. The icy feeling soothing the burning of mine. The burning that I've been feeling for so long now, the one that's been agonizing me for the longest time. Her cold hands bring my hand to a bearable temperature after so long of burning.Finally, I feel the relief I've been craving for the longest time, it almost brings my breath back. Closing my eyes again, savoring the feeling.Hoping that her cool but calming embrace is the last thing I feel as I leave this earth. I know that all the memories from our time before may be gone, but I remember this feeling. This feeling of puzzle pieces finally fitting together and like my whole world finally has meaning when I'm with her. Blessed and complete bliss, this feeling I can't forget.It's been two years. They've trained me to become a killing monster. After the rabbit, it was a pig. Which I, now think is pathetic, took a week to kill. Almost dying from hunger

 I open my eyes, Kathleen's face beams down with a wide smile. She saved my life. Then with a sudden burst, all my memories of time spent with Kathleen burst back to me. All of these moments flood my head, especially my favourite memory. I stretch my tired bones, sleeping on the small couch doing a number on my tall body. After using the bathroom, I rub my eyes and see that Kathleen's still asleep. After she fell asleep last night in my lap I had carried her over to my bed.She smiles slightly. Kathleen looks so gentle and calm. Not bothered with the stress of school or her mother back home. Seeing her like this makes me want to protect her with all my life. I hope I never forget this moment. I take a mental image, wanting to stay in this point in time.I sit down on the bed next to her, moving her coffee coloured hair out of the lady's face. Kathleen shifts, her eyes slowly fluttering open. Once they're com

 The music festival was one massive success. I got first place and Dixie second. We both got a standing ovation, I felt like the birds flying high in the sky. Our duet was also a win and I could see Levi cheering me- us on from the crowds, it made my heart swell with pride.I can't believe that I've made it through this term with everything that had happened. I'm so proud of myself, for once in my life. I'm so excited to have a break, after all.Now I'm left sitting on my bed, on the Tuesday after the festival at night. Waiting for Levi, my leg bounces nervously wondering if he's coming at all. I mean for all I know he was just in shock when he said all that. My anxiety just attacks my head with unwanted thoughts. He could think I'm weird and irresponsible. He probably-There's a knock at the door bringing me out of my self-doubting thoughts. Standing up, my purple star-lace dress, the one Dixie got me just for this occasion, flowing around my body

        ~Part two~"Years of love have been forgot, in the hatred of a minute."~Edgar Allen Poe"He's immortal..."The words repeat over and over in my head. A daze of question's flooding my mind not giving me time to process any of them. A blinding amount of fury and confusion comes over me. I knew Levi would not answer my questions. He would be too stubborn.He would tell me what he always does. "I do not wish to lie to you, Kathleen. I also do not wish to hurt you. Or for you to leave me, so I will not tell you." I can already hear it in his deep, strong voice. I'll be left to wonder all over again. Now, now his unwillingness to tell me, will be the cause of