Standing Our Ground

As the bandits were nearing Felicia, me, Tara, and Genevieve made our way to the top of the walls.

"I don't know what's gonna happen today, but we have to give it all we got," I said. "We can't let our home fall to these filthy bandits."

"We've been here in this future time and world for a while now, and look at how much progress we've done in building Felicia," Tara responded. "I agree, Ricky. We have to fight until the very end."

Genevieve raised her spear. "I'm with you two. Let's put an end to these assholes."

Moments later, we heard the sound of a horn, and it was loud.

"They're close now," I said. "Get ready for battle."

"I love you, Ricky," Tara replied. "We'll make it through this."

"I love you too, babe," I said to Tara. "Stay close to me on the battlefield."

We heard the sound of a horn again, and this time it was even louder.

"They're at the shore!" Genevieve shouted.

I held Tara in my arms, and then we kissed. I turned towards Genevieve, and we fist-bumped.

"Alright ladies, let's do this!" I yelled.

I don't know how this is going to end, but these bastards are definitely not going to be taking our home without a good fight.

The enemy is coming. Me, Tara, and Genevieve are running towards the castle. I close my eyes, and I see myself drifting through space and time. I see a bright light. I'm drifting towards the light. I see a beautiful colorful world. I see Tara as her younger self...

I see Tara as her younger self. She looks like a young goddess. She is walking through what looks like a heavenly garden.

I can hear her whispering to herself, "I’m waiting for you to come home, Ricky. I love and miss you..."

I am trying to talk to her, but she cannot hear me. I am trying to drift towards her, but I am being pulled back. The beautiful colorful world and Tara vanish... I am drifting through space and time...

"Snap out of it, Richard," Genevieve says. "Now's not the time to pass out."

"Wake up, Ricky." I hear Tara saying.

"Shit, how long have I been out for?" I ask.

"Not very long. Maybe about five minutes," Tara replies.

"The bandits are almost at the walls," Genevieve says.

"Quickly, let's head to the castle roof," I respond. "I'll tell you two about the experience I had after we deal with these bastards."