Tournament of Devastation

Chapter XII. Moments before Disaster

It didn't had to end like this. But he already volunteered himself for this battle and so he would end it. Waiting patiently for the opponent he tightened his grip around his weapon, ready to fight anyone for the win. He gasped upon seeing her.

"Lloyd" A familiar feminine voice echoed through the arena.

"Harumi" Calling that name always brought negative thoughts. His gaze quickly turned into a frown. "Good to see you again Lloyd" Harumi claimed and started walking up to him. "How?" He asked confused as he started walking as well. That all made no sense.

"Did you miss me Lloyd?" Her soft voice questioned. Lloyd only cocked a brow at this. Why would she be so nice to him right now? "I think about you so much" she continued, spreading her arms out slightly. He didn't answer. "Sometimes I wonder if things could've been different" a hand wandered to her chin, holding it as she looked at the ground. A hint of guilt in her voice. She looked back at him, now a smile on her face, "Maybe in another time or place" the voice scattered, sending shivers down his spine.

Was she meaning it? No, she wouldn't. He knows her better than that. But on the other hand...

"Maybe we could be together again..." she held a hand out to him. He glanced unsure at it, not knowing what to do. "...You and me!" She cracked, slashing him with the sword she held behind her back. That took him off guard as he stumbled back as she hit him.

He groaned slightly and took a few steps back, holding onto his sword again. She charged to attack him again but this time he dodged her attack and shoved her away. They started to walk in circles. "I can't fight her" he called out but the vision gets blurry.

Without a minute to waste, she struck him down. He hit the hard ground beneath him and held his chest where she had hit him. His clothing was ripped open and a blood streak remarked itself. He groaned in pain. "H-Harumi" he pleaded, holding an arm in front of him. "Don't do this. Please don't do this"

She tilted her head, crouching down on his level. "Oh Lloyd. Naive little Lloyd." She grapped his chin roughly, making him look in her eyes. They showed nothing but coldness. "You know. You're adorable. But foolish" with that she prepared her sword to strike down and he mentally prepared for the impact. But it never came...

Lloyd shot up, waking up from his dream. Leaning on his elbows he held a hand on his sweaty forehead. This kind dreams chase him often enough that he learned to ignore them and sleep further peacefully but that one was different. The memories combined with his fears kept coming back and it was no good sign considering their mission.

He sat upright on his bunk bed, leaning against the hard wall behind his pillow. Lloyd tried to keep his breathing steady.

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale

Finding a slow rhythm he came back in a normal sync. He sighed tiredly as he wiped his eye with a fist. He closed his eyes and let out another deep sigh before deciding to start the day early today.

Throwing the covers off himself, he went out of his bed and trotted to the bathroom to take a shower.

Turning on the water he waited for a comfortable temperature. Taking off his clothes he stepped in the shower, letting the warm water connect with his body and splash on his skin. He had scars all over his body, reminding him of his adventures he and his team had been on. He took his shampoo with the soft scent of vanilla and mint and washed his hair. He leaned a hand against the tile wall and letting his head hang. The water drooping on his neck gently as he stood.

After a few minutes he turned off the water. Taking a towel he dried himself before changing into new clothes.

He went back in the bedroom where the rest should usually sleep but in this case they didn't. They all wandered around doing some things. Kai was changing and Cole was picking up some stuff from the ground. Both glanced at him for a second but decided to do their own things again.