Trenton

We all jumped up in shock. We were trapped in the narrow hallway of the hotel, and none of us had our powers. The zombies licked their lips, eyeing us hungrily. We were all trying to come up with a strategy, when suddenly, one of the zombies went wide-eyed, and slumped over dead. Behind him stood Riley, knife in one hand, short sword in the other. Her long blond hair billowed behind her like a waterfall as she rushed forward to confront the other zombie. The zombie tried to run away, but was no match for Riley as she struck him down with her sword. She stood and turned towards us as she wiped the blades on a rag. She was dressed in all black, combat books, and a belt with multiple pockets. She walked towards us slowly as she sheathed her weapons. Serena couldn’t contain herself and ran at her, embracing her.

“Um, why is some random person hugging me,” she asks, slightly stunned.

“It’s Serena,” she replies. “We had our bodies switched around for some reason.” We kept walking and explained everything that had happened to us since she had died (nobody said anything about that) and how we somehow ended up in this nightmarish world. I fell into step next to Eric at the back of our group.

“Don’t you think this is just a bit weird?” I ask.

“I was thinking the same thing,” he responded. “I guess that this world is somehow based on our memories. I guess our memories of her were strong enough to have her here. I just hate to see how the others will react when they find out she’s not real.”

“That’s not going to go over so well. At least she can help us find a way out of this world.” We kept checking every floor until we got to the lobby. By then we were all thoroughly exhausted and we all sat on the ripped up couches. We caught our breath and looked outside. It seemed to be getting darker, so we decided to stay a night in the lobby. None of us were either hunger or thirsty, which we thought was weird, but then we remembered that were in a nightmare. I’m standing in the middle of the room stretching after sitting for a while. Everyone is trying to find somewhere to sleep that would be somewhat comfortable. Riley walks up and stands right next to me.

“So you’re Trenton?” she asks.

“Yeah,” I responded. “Why?”

“Just wanted to make sure.” She turned towards me. I turned and looked at her, but in her normally cool blue eyes is a fiery hate. Before I know what’s happening, I see her reach down to her hip and yank up her knife. She shoves the blade up my gut, and then yanks it free. I gasp and fall to the ground, unable to breath very easily. Everyone jumps up and start yelling. My vision starts going black and I start trembling.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” I hear Serena yelling. But it sounds like it’s at the end of a tunnel.

“Doing him a favor,” she replies nonchalantly. I feel Kylie’s hand on my arm. I look up at her and see the tears falling freely down her cheeks onto me.

“No, no, no. You can’t go,” she whispers in shuddering breaths. I see Serena trying to stack Riley, but the others hold her back. I try speaking, but it comes out in a croak. Serena notices me and comes to my side. Everyone comes around me. Kylie grips my hand tightly, as though it is my life. I see tears in everyone’s eyes. The pain in my chest is unbearable and I feel myself falling though the floor. I close my eyes and open them again. Although it takes tremendous effort, I reach up and pull Kylie down.

“Do not mourn me,” I whisper into her ear. I’m falling farther and farther, unable to keep a grip on what is happening. I exhale, and when I try to inhale, I find I can’t. Everything goes black. I’m tumbling, falling through time and space, everywhere at once, but nowhere at all. I am aware of one thought constantly.

I am dead.

I am dead.

I am dead.

I am… dead…

I… am…

I…

And everything ceases. Nothing breathes. All is gone. I am dead.