Alone

Dorian sighed and ran a hand through his dark brown hair.

"So what the hell's hunting you?"

"Hell itself," she said quietly.

"What?"

She gave a dry chuckle.

"I'm a dead woman walking, Dorian. It probably would be better if our paths had never crossed."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because I died!" she cried.

Tears threatened to fall down her cheeks. He looked at her, concerned. Confusion flickered across his features too.

"I died, in a war, and went to Hell, because I'm a terrible person. I escaped from Hell after two years and took on the body of a young woman who recently died. And now, the rulers of Hell, the Masters, as they call themselves, want me back. They've sent their shadow creatures, one of which you just clubbed, after me. They won't rest until I've been dragged back to the afterlife."

He stared at her in pure horror and shock.

"I'm so sorry, Dorian. You seem like a good man. I don't want to bring any trouble to you, so I think it's best if I leave. Thank you for being so kind to me."

Then, she turned and jumped out of the window and immediately took off running. Using her powers to speed herself along, she plowed straight into the forest and kept going. For a while, she kept away from civilization. If she came across a town, she'd go way out of the way to avoid anyone.

After a few months, she finally settled into a routine. She'd stay in a place for about a week and then move on. This routine continued uninterrupted for about a year. When she finally wound back around to Retonda, she didn't realize it until she saw the White Wave docked in the harbor.

"My ship," she breathed.

She teleported onto it and walked around, feeling the old, smooth, familiar railing wood with her fingertips.

"We're a long way from home, aren't we, White Wave?" Liana sighed.

"Sometimes, I want to go home. I long for it. But then I remember the atrocities I've committed and know that I don't belong there anymore. At least here, no one knows the things I've done."

Then, she heard someone call out to her.

"Liana? Is that really you?"

"By the gods, it can't be."

She leaned over the railing and saw a familiar mermaid in the water.

"Elsie?"

"Liana! Hi! How are you?"

"Good as things can be expected. I assume you've heard everything that happened?"

"Yeah, I'm sorry to hear things aren't going well for you."

"It's okay. I brought it upon myself anyways."

Then, an idea popped into her head.

"Elsie, can you do me a huge favor?"

"Sure, what do you need?"

"I need you to make a splash in Dressna. Ask for Harmon. he knows about you. Anyways, tell him I'm in this world. And that he doesn't need to worry about me. I'm okay."

Elsie nodded and disappeared beneath the surface of the water. Since she didn't return, Liana guessed that she had gone to Dressna.

"River Cyndar winds up from the sea to Dressna. Elsie should be able to get there."

Then, she heard someone else.

"Lily?"

She turned around to see Dorian out on the docks. Liana walked to the other side of the ship and waved to Dorian.

"The White Wave is yours?"

"Yeah. Want to check it out?"

He nodded. She took out the plank and set it down for him. He walked up and hopped onto the main deck.

"It's been what? A year or so?" he asked.

"Yeah, I think."

"You look good."

"Thanks. You too."

Her arm had healed long ago, but a nasty scar was left behind, a constant reminder of what was after her.

"So you're back in Retonda?"

"Yes, though not for long."

"Why?"

"Because, I'm leaving. I've seen all I could of Kivan. It's time to return to the seas and move on."

"That's a pity."

"Well there's nothing holding me here. And even if there was, I'd probably still go."

"Because of the creatures that are after you?"

She nodded. "Yeah. I don't want others to get hurt because of me. Speaking of which, did any shadow creatures ever pop back up since I left?"

"No."

"Good."

"Could I ever make you stay?"

"What?"

"I like you, Lily. When I first saw you, I knew you were different from most girls here. You have drive. You have spirit." Despite everything you've told me, I still like you."

"Oh, Dorian. I can't. I don't want to hurt you."

"What if I said it was my choice. I know the risks. I know what I'm getting myself into. And yet, I'm making the choice to ask you to stay, Lily."

Tears sprang to her eyes. Her bottom lip began to quiver.

"Dorian, I-"

"Liana! I did what you asked. I told Harmon. He said to take care of yourself and that he loves you!"

Liana winced and quickly turned away from Dorian. She didn't want to see the probable hurt and betrayal on his face. She walked over to the far side of the ship and leaned over to talk with Elsie.

"Good, thank you, Elsie."

"No problem! Anything else?"

"I have something hidden in Shipwreck Cove. It's a small box with a lock on it. Will you get it for me?"

"Sure!"

Thanks, I owe you two."

Elsie giggled and disappeared once more. Liana sighed and straightened up.

"A year ago, you asked for the truth. How much are you willing to hear?"

She turned around, but no one was there. Dorian had left. She watched his retreating form head up into Retonda.

"I push everyone away. Intentionally and unintentionally."

"I got it!"

Liana used her powers to sweep the box up into her hands.

"Thanks, Elsie. I'm leaving Retonda. I don't know where I'm headed for the moment, but I'll find a new place to wander for a bit."

Concern showed on Elsie's face.

"Okay," she said.

Then, Elsie disappeared. Liana used her magic to lower the sails, unrope her ship, and cast off. She took to the high seas once more and sailed onward. Alone.