Eye of the Storm

I woke up screaming. Cold and shaking I sprung out of bed. My breath came in shallow gulps and the distant boom of thunder snapped me back to reality. "Nonononono! Please no!" I said in between gasps quickly grabbing my shoes and throwing my bedroom door open.

". . . Very big storm no one predicted. If it continues at this rate it could reach the city in less than two hours." The reporter droned on and I knew I was running out of time. Out, I need to get out of the city. I ran out the door ignoring my roommate's shouts in a blind panic.

I ran. I ran as far and as fast as I could. The electricity pulsing through my veins spurred me on. I have to get away before I hurt someone. I still can't breathe, but it doesn't matter. My lungs ache and my whole body is sore but I can't stop. So I don't. Every step sends another jolt of energy through my limbs and I keep running.

I wonder if I could outrun it. Maybe if I try hard enough, I can leave it all behind. Maybe if I run fast enough I can escape. I want to be free, but I can't. I've tried and failed enough to know that much.

My feet slap the pavement, ground shaking, as I push my way past people on the way out of the city.

"Wait! Stop!" He pleads. I recognize him as I look over my shoulder, but I can't stop. I can't stop running. I can't hurt anyone else.

I ran for what seemed like hours. The city faded behind me as I raced towards the storm. I looked back over my shoulder and felt my heart sink as I saw him.

"Go back!" I shout pleading with him. Hoping that for once, he'll just listen.

"Come with me!" He shouts back and I groan. I can't.

I pick up the pace. I feel the wind swirl around me. I feel the thunder shake the ground. I feel the Lightning fuel my steps.

Eventually I'm far enough away. I collapse on the ground shaking with exertion. I feel the weight lift off my shoulders as I stop holding back. I stop fighting. I feel the storm flowing through me as I finally catch my breath. I stop fighting and let go of it all. All the fear and all the pain coursing through my veins surround me. They twirl in a terrifying dance as they grow. Higher and higher, until they block out the sun. They change. Emotions swirling. My tornado, it's finally free.

I lay there and watch as the pain surrounds me again. I don't try to fight it as I'm enveloped in sorrow.

"What's happening?! Are you okay?!? What's going on?!" I bolt up and see a figure fighting past my storm to reach me. No, he... He can't be here!

"You have to get away from me!" I shout struggling to regain control. Fighting to take it back before I hurt him. "Leave! Leave before you get hurt!"

"I'm not leaving without you!" He shouts back running towards me. Further and further towards danger.

"This isn't the time to play hero! Go away! I can't let you get hurt too! Please!" I scream at him barely feeling the tears run down my face. Falling to my knees as my storm fights for control.

"I can't let you hurt yourself!" He yelled back but I barely heard him. My vision was blurring as I fight harder than I ever had before. I have to control it. I have to... I have to keep him safe... I don't want... To hurt anybody else...

"Please!" I whisper desperately before slipping into the dark embrace of unconsciousness.

I woke up slowly. My ears rang as I fought once again. But this time, nothing was fighting back. I blink as the world slowly came into focus my head pounding. I tried to sit up but exhaustion pulled me back down and I stared up at the bright blue sky. Glad it's finally over.

I groaned sitting up fighting against the gravity that seemed much too heavy. I looked around at the uprooted trees and debris filling the space around me. My eyes scan the rubble and land on him. He's laying a few feet away. Cold. Still.

"NO!" I shout scrambling over to him and making sure he's still breathing. He opens his eyes as I rub his wrists together pleading with him to be okay.

"I'm sorry," he chokes out as he struggles for another breath.

"Shut up and stay alive!" I order tears rolling down my face. "This is not your fault." I shake him as his eyes start to close.

"No! Please! You have to stay awake!" I remind him choking the words out and hoping he can hear me. I hurt him. I swore I'd never hurt anyone else! I have to help him. I feel a shiver run down my spine as I get an idea.

I move around behind him and grab the sides of his face in my hands pressing our foreheads together. I focus, feeling the energy running through me. I know there's not enough for both of us, but I don't care. I let it flow through me. I feel it leaving my body and entering his. Feel it coursing through my hands.

"I'm so sorry, I love you so much," I whisper as his eyes flutter open and the world fades to black.