Lunar Eclipse

Chapter Two

Author’s Note:

Gah, this is going to be a difficult write, anyway, I would like to pass on my appreciation to my friend, Jelly. She’s giving me ideas on improving my writing.

I’d also like to (with much enthusiasm and love) thank my friend, Ms. Politeness for being my beta reader and editor, if only you could just write my essays.

Chapter Two

Fire.

Intensive heat that nearly rot away the silky flesh. The flames flicked and licked in anticipation; it wanted to create pain. The villagers scowled, to their dismay, the fire had yet not consumed my brother and I.

No matter, our death shall make things tremendously easier for our mother, I thought warily, the only thing I regret is that it seems Hell shall be welcoming both Alec and I.

I only stared quietly, I wish not to cry. It would sadden my twin, my other half. “At least, we know that mother loves her deeply,” I spoke softly, loud enough for Alec to hear.

Sweat formed at his brow, but I could detect a smile as he replied, “That she did, Jane, that she did.” I felt fingers intertwined it with mines. He was trying to comfort me; he was lying to me. Deep down, I knew that mother hadn’t loved us. She tried, but it even for her, it was hard.

I murmured incoherently, as I stared into the eyes and faces of the living. It was looking at shades of black and blue, their tunics were all worn and patched unevenly. The plague had yet to have done its worse.

“Yes. I do believe that she’ll be here. Mother shall say goodbye, don’t worry,” Alec responded, my left sleeve was slowly burning away, black ashes formed at the hem of my pastel blue dress, nipping it away.

The village was small, only a total of 12 houses are sustainable for the living. It was an old, old town. Straws used for as a sheltering roof was beginning to thin, barely keeping the inside dry. Patches of grasses could only be found near the lake, a bottomless pit of water. I thought the town was dreary, like the people.

The people themselves had dark circles forming under their own eyes and their hair reminded me of Medusa’s coiled snakes. Their bad features heightened as they circled the dancing fire. Everyone was watching, from the elderly to newborn children. They watched with amusement and satisfaction. They wanted us to die. 

They’re the monsters.

I continued to search until a frail figured staggered into the front, eyes burning with venom. Her hair was thick and coarse, the brightness of it faded away. Yet her eyes, it was finally living again. Her gown wasn’t tattered or ripped anymore; I suppose the town stopped throwing rocks at her. Everyone else swayed away providing mother space while she stood upright, and fierce.

“Mother,” I whispered softly. Had she come to say her farewells? Or perhaps she wanted us back and we could move to a different village, somewhere they’ll accept for who we are.

“Alec,” she stared at my brother before she shifted her gaze, “and Jane.” She spat our names, as if she had drunk something disgusting and with a look of disdain, she smirked. “My, oh my,” insanity seeped into her tone, “don’t play with fire, my beloved children.”

“Mother,” I shouted over the blaze, “you should head home, your health—”

“TO HELL WITH YOU!” her face, disfigured. “Mother, you shouldn’t do that,” she spoke in a high-pitched sound, “Mother, don’t do that, your health is crucial. Darling, the reason I was sick was because of you.” It was as if her face was truly transformed into something gruesome, shedding skin, sharpened teeth and bloodshot eyes. She looks neither human nor dead.