I'm really sorry for the LATE LATE update. Very sorry. And I'm sorry that this chapter is so short.

I hope you'll enjoy this. I had to think a while before deciding the end. Well, actually, this isn't really the end. Not yet. And wait, this chapter contains bits of TFST spoilers, with my own twist.

Enjoy and review !

---

It has been a little over three years since the day I last had seen Gemma. Everyday I have lived my life to its fullest, taking whatever was thrown at me and making the best out of it. Everyday I have thought of her, at least once. Everything I do is for her.

Members of the Rakshana have noticed a change in me, but I give no heed, for this is something I owe to Gemma. Nothing matters anymore but her.

The leaves have long since turned a crispy gold, orange, and flaming red. I sit in the stables where Gemma and I used to have our nightly talks. The Doyles have not resided here since the death of Gemma, but they have not sold the house, which is a huge relief to me.

I find I have grown more and more restless over these continuous days with no end. There is nothing to look forward to in these dark days without a light for guidance. I don't know why or how I have survived so long with murder upon my hands. Perhaps it is because of Gemma's last few words to me. If I keep going on like this, I'd likely go crazy or kill myself. It doesn't matter.

A magnificent red leaf flutters from the gnarled branches of the apple tree above me. I reach out and catch it, feeling the thin veins embroidered onto its delicate surface. A hint of anxiety seeps into my bones: What was it that Gemma said so long ago? Something about Miss Cross dying in the realms .. by eating .. what was it? I begin pacing around the tree, creating puffs of dust to rise with my frustrated steps. Dizziness results in my constant circling, and I stop, placing a trembling hand on the trunk of the tree. I force to close my eyes, but when I open them, all I can see are dried berries hanging feebly upon the bush. I have my answer.

It takes me no longer than a few seconds to arrive in the realms. The beauty of the realms cries out in protest at my ignorance. I race towards the river, and as I have guessed, the bank is overgrown with bushes and bushes full with plump berries. My fingers start to shake as I pluck a berry off the bush. A shrill giggling behind me that sends shivers down my spine stops me.

I swing around, and my eyes meet with stunning white-blue ones. Carefully, I force my gaze away from those haunted eyes and recognize this .. creature as the beloved Pippa Cross.

She takes note of my astonishment and laughs in delight. "Hello, Kartik. How nice it is to see you again."

I nod, paying attention to movements that could promote to killing me. Or worse. She smiles slyly and points to the berry in my hand. "Do you wish to have the same fate as me? If you eat that berry, you could stay here in this land for eternity. With me; together."

"What do you mean?" I manage to whisper.

Miss Cross feigns delighted surprise. "Gemma didn't tell you? She took me here, and decided to take my friends away from me by leaving me here. I was thrown into this very river by one of those frightening demons from the Winterlands and almost drowned. She came back then, and dragged me from the river. That I deeply was grateful of. She began persuading me into eating these berries, saying that would relieve me of the terrible cold I felt. I did not know what could possibly happen, and so I ate it. That was the greatest mistake I have ever made. I cannot cross; they won't let me."

I know she is lying, and I half expect her to break into tears, but instead she shoots me a coy smile, showing off her sharp teeth. I clear my throat and say, "I see. And I'm quite afraid to dissapoint you, Miss Cross, as I won't make the same mistake as you did."

That frightening smile still stays plastered upon her face. "Oh, but think of the wonderful things we could conjure. The magic is so free here - we could do anything we wish!"

"No, you can do anything that pleases you. I shan't be here for long." My voice trembles as the rest of my body. I turn away and walk from her unsettling gaze. "Goodbye, Miss Cross."

"She isn't worth dying for, Kartik. You'll regret it one day, and I won't be there to offer you this chance again."

Her words seem to pierce through me. I pretend not to hear her and summon the door, but her haunting words follow me into the world I have come to know and hate.

---

There. And yes, there will be another chapter coming up. But first, I must finish reading the last 200 or so pages left in TSFT. (Eee, it's finally out!!) It'll only take me a few hours, hahah. I hope the ending will be satisfying.

Pleasee review!