A Thought's Return

One

Faces. Dozens of them. Melting in distorted scream, like dripping wax. Mouths stretched out in agony, the pain they were feeling immeasurable. Just as quick as it started, the vision faded, replaced the figure of a woman, so familiar yet so far away, out of reach. Soon, the distant silhouette of the woman was replaced by a pale face uncomfortably close. As soon as it opened its violet eyes, blood leaked out in a crimson fountain. Another figure, but this one dressed in a dark brown traveling cloak, holding a stainless steel blade with embedded sapphires. The the faces again. The horrible faces. "No! Make it stop!"

"Rose! Rose, are you ok?" A voice called out. The faces faded away, replaced by the reassuring and fearful face of Alexis. Rose's pale blue eyes slowly focused into the concerned brown eyes of her best friend.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Rose muttered, shaking her head.

"You were screaming, like you were having a nightmare." Alexis went off, sounding more and more worried. "Are you sure you're fine? I can ask Aliza if you can skip training today."

"No, really." Rose assured her. "I'm fine. I don't even remember what I was dreaming about. See. That's the thing with memories. They fade." She smiled in what she hoped would be a reassuring way.

Alexis still seemed unconvinced, but realized it was useless to try to argue. "Fine." She scoffed. "You better get ready, then. Aliza's holding another strategy meeting." She left, exiting the small yet comfy room in a few quick strides.

Rose sighed, slowly stumbling out of bed. She closed her eyes, slipping on the light armor required for training. With a steady and practiced, she fastened her white hair into her two signature tight buns. She threaded a pink ribbon through each, weaving it through the snowy locks.

She arrived in the meeting hut last, and felt all the eyes in the room swivel to her for a split second. Aliza, head general, gave her a stern glance. "Don't be late." Her aquamarine eyes hardened. "Time is of the essence."

Rose nodded slightly, head bowed in humility. "Well, don't just stand there!" Aliza barked. "We have a meeting, so you can either take part or see yourself out." Startled, Rose quickly made her way closer to the circle, still feeling the eyes of the other rebels on her. Momentarily, the faces seemed to glitch, gray out, dark mouths stretch in horror. Rose ignored it, dismissing it as a trick of the light.

Aliza swiftly laid out a worn map, locations etched in fading dark blue ink. "Over the past ten years, we have gathered a significant amount of followers. Most of them train here, but we've even been able open up a few other camps down river. Unfortunately, this still isn't enough to attempt to combat Magnhild's new allies."

"Ari." Rose muttered bitterly, causing all heads to swivel to her again. Aliza raised her brows.

"Pardon?" She inquired.

"His name is Ari." Rose repeated. "He doesn't deserve such recognition. He doesn't deserve to be called by a special name."

Aliza sighed impatiently, pinching the bridge of her nose in annoyance. "Fine. Unfortunately, this still isn't enough to attempt to combat Ari's new allies. However, his forces are very divided, as many of them are naturally enemies. Loyalties can be swayed. Now, one of our scouts has gathered some information about an enemy camp." She pointed to a spot on the map almost completely surrounded by water.

"This one, apparently, is inhabited mostly by goblins. Goblins are naturally terrible swimmers. If we can manage to close off the opening, they will be trapped and forced to-"

"No!" Rose screamed, startling everyone. Her pupils dilated in fear as her chest heaved up and down. Visions swam before her eyes. Red. Red everywhere. The clear river water stained with crimson blood. Sounds of clanging swords rang in her ears, creating a screeching and unbearable din. And the faces. They were back. Black goo leaking from their darkened sockets, giving the effect of tar. It poured from their mouths like charred foam.

And just like that, it was gone. Rose slowly looked up at the crowd. Some expressed concern. Some expressed annoyance. Some expressed fear. The teen slowly met gazes with Aliza, afraid of what the general would now say.

Aliza gave out another exasperated sigh. "Care to explain why we shouldn't use a near foolproof tactic?" She inquired with a hard edge in her voice.

Rose froze up. "I-I don't know. But I can feel it. It won't work." Everyone turned away, shaking their heads in complete disgust. They were unconvinced.

Aliza didn't even spare Rose another glance. "Alexis, if you will, show Rose to the medical building. The rest of you, suit up for combat. We have some goblin butt to kick."