Hidden Within (Markiplier Fanfiction) Chapter 4

Mark's P.O.V.
     Esme's soft white hair cascaded down her back in an unbroken waterfall as she stood on wobbly legs. She bit her bottom lip in concentration as she took a tentative step forward, careful to regain her balance before stepping again. We were making our way out of the hospital, the sun blindingly bright as we pushed past the two glass doors.

     It had been two weeks since the panel, fourteen days since she had saved my life, since her screams of agony had begun to haunt my dreams. I've stayed here in North Carolina with her, Wade as well because he didn't want me to be alone. We've been at a hotel about five blocks from the hospital. Wade has met Esme, and will not stop talking about how amazing she is. He came in with me everyday, and  pestered her with questions, until I somewhat politely made him leave. He's at the airport now, waiting for me to arrive.

     It's been somewhat of a torture, waiting for Esme to recover fully from the sudden...convulsion. The doctors had no idea what had happened. They're calling it a seizure, but it didn't look like one, or sound like one.

     Her screams had reached me a little while after I had uploaded the vlog. It had scared me to death, the silence shattered by her wails of pain so suddenly. I had literally bolted out of my chair and up the emergency stairs. I don't know how I knew it was Esme. All I had I known at the time was she was in pain, and I had to get to her to stop it.

     Dr. Quilf had reached the room first, and I followed not long after. Esme was screaming with torture, her wide eyes filled with pain and pleading yet, at the same time, that strange calm from before. They had met mine, and all I felt was helplessness as she writhed on the bed. Lines of white had shown through her hospital gown, tracing an intricate design of loops and whorls on her back, and the sense of deja vu had hit me hard again.

     I had felt my fear well up inside me, and gave voice to it with a strangled, "Esme!" But as soon as her name had left my lips, she collapsed unconscious, the delicate design of lines slowly erasing.

     Dr. Quilf had rushed to her side, and I had tried to follow suit, but a nurse who had entered behind me urged me out and, with many apologies, gently closed the door on me. Standing there in anguish and frustration, I grabbed my hair in both hands and clenched my jaw to stop the sob from escaping. Why is everything going wrong?

     Now, though, things were looking up. I've been creating vlogs for my fans, keeping them updated and such. I had some pre-recorded videos that I've been putting up, as well, to keep everyone entertained. I had one more for tomorrow, but I'll be back in Los Angeles by then. I've been receiving many complaints from people of the videos I've been uploading, but I've also been getting reassurance and even some fan art on deviant art. Many of them depict a girl standing over me, protecting me from dangers. Another shows myself protecting Esme. I told them everything, from the beginning to the end, and nearly cried in every vlog I've put up.

     But I guess I haven't told them everything. I haven't shown Esme to the fans yet, and they've been demanding to see my knight in shining armor. But I wasn't gonna shove a camera in her face while she was recovering. Maybe I'll do another vlog and have her in it, quite possibly...no, that wouldn't work. She would be going home as well, if she had a home. Does she? Esme was cleared to leave yesterday, but I made her stay for another night, just to be safe. We were walking to my rental car now, a red truck. Nothing special.

     But where would she go? Are those...markings on her back really from abusive parents? If so, she can't possibly go back to them. But what if, and I know this sounds like all those fan fictions where I give shelter to a distressed fan, but what if I invite Esme to stay with me? If those odd marks on her back really are from her parents, I can't let her go back to them. They would harm her even more, quite possibly kill her, and I can't let that happen. If I can do something to save this courageous girl, I'll do it.

     I had Esme's arm around my shoulders to support her, her touch sending the electricity throughout my body. I wonder if she could feel it, too. If she ever had the sense that we've met before. I shook the thought from my mind, positive that she would find me crazy if I were to ask. Instead, I said, "Esme, do you know where you're going after this?" Birds chirped in a nearby tree, and the dappled sun spots cast shadows across the numerous cars we passed.

     She turned those beautiful eyes to me, the bright clear green outshining the brown. Maybe it was the lighting that caused them to switch between the two colours. Within them, I saw something completely unexpected: fear. Worry filled me as she continued to stare at me with her terrified gaze. I could see her frantically thinking, but of what, I couldn't tell. Does she think she has to keep her parents a secret? Does she fear their actions when she returns, or does she fear the thought of returning?

     She finally opened her mouth, to say the word that confirmed everything. "No." Her voice shook as if she was going to cry, and my heart broke in two to hear the tremor. She tore her gaze away from mine, and continued to carefully walk to my red truck.

     My heart was filled with joy as I realized I could save her, but confusion and doubt were there as well. Should I ask her? Or would Esme be better off in a foster home? I cleared my throat. I could feel her body trembling next to mine, and I took a deep breath of the clean air before continuing. "Esme...if you have no where to go...would you, possibly, like to go, ah, go back to L.A. with me? To stay in my apartment? You know, just until your old enough to..." I trailed off, not even sure where I had been going with that last sentence. My heart was in my throat as I felt Esme tense, halting our steps to the truck only two spots away.

     She tipped her head up to look at me again, a questioning bewilderment in her eyes. "You'd...allow me...to stay in your home? Even though you know nothing about me? Even after...all that chaos?" She whispered softly, as if in awe, and I had to lean in to hear the last bit.

     I hadn't realized just how close my face was to hers until her breath touched my skin gently, like a warm breeze lazily blowing through the trees on a cool spring day. I was suddenly very aware of her touch, of her soft lips just inches away from mine, of her sweet smell of crisp snow and sunlight as it surrounded us in the air. And, of its own accord, an image drifted through my mind of my lips upon hers, of her arms wrapped around my neck with my hands placed on her hips, and an unidentifiable light radiating from either one of us.

     I quickly buried the picture deep in the recesses of my mind, and leaned away from Esme, though it pained me to do so. All these emotions I have for this one girl is overwhelming me, and I'm afraid I will soon lose control over them. I was still staring at Esme, who was, in turn, doing the same. But I don't think it was for the same reasons. I felt my cheeks heat and knew I'd be red as a tomato. I took a shaky breath and looked away, running my hand though my hair nervously.

     I felt her touch below my chin as she gently pulled my face back to hers, her bright green eyes filled with concern and confusion, as well as what might be understanding and affection. "Mark?" She asked softly. "Are you sure you want me to stay with you? I don't want to be a bother, and you're obviously fighting a demon within right now. I hope I am not the cause of your discomfort, because if I am, I can simply find another place to stay."

     I blinked in bewilderment, amazed that she could read me that easily. I was surprised when I felt a sudden flash of alarm, and nearly shouted my answer. What the hell is wrong with me?  But I regained my control before the words left my mouth. "No! Esme, its fine! How else am I gonna thank you, for everything you've sacrificed? I can't let you go back to your home, not if your parents really are as terrible as I've heard." I mentally face palmed. Great. Now she'll think I'm some stalker. She hasn't said a word of her home, or even if she has parents. Nice one, Mark.

     Esme tilted her head to the side and removed her arm from my shoulders. The electricity slowly left my body, and I felt cold inside when the last of it drained through my feet into the blacktop beneath. She took a deep breath. "Mark, I am in no danger of abusive parents. My home..." she dropped her gaze to the ground but not before I saw the guilt and disappointment. "It's complicated to explain right now, but you'll just have to trust me. Please. All will be revealed soon." She raised her head and met my gaze with one of pleading and wisdom, an odd combination.

     I felt déjà vu, again. She said almost those exact words to me before she had ran to the man with the gun. Before I had held her in my arms while her blood stained our clothes with its bright crimson colour, before she told me the "others" would've been too late, and before she called me that odd name. Lost One. I haven't brought it up since then, what with her recovering, but also because, I guess, I was afraid. Of what, I didn't know, but when I even thought of questioning her about the things she said, I was filled with apprehension and, for some reason, fear of what she may say.

     "Mark?" Her soft, musical voice broke through my thoughts, and I realized I hadn't said anything to her last statement. Her eyes were wide and they shone with hope and nervousness. I shook my head and gently took her hand in mine, meeting her gaze as I squeezed reassuringly. "Of course I trust you, Esme. You saved my life, twice. How can I not trust you?"

     She smiled, a true smile that lit up her eyes with happiness, and I was surprised when she wrapped her arms around me in a tight hug, her face pressed in into my chest. This time, instead of a slight buzz of electricity, it was an explosion. It felt like fire was racing through me, eating away any doubts or fears, warming me from the coldness of anger and any other negative emotions. I wanted to laugh and cry all at once, and encased her small form in my own arms.

     I wanted to stay that way forever, wanted to feel her heartbeat against me throughout all time. In that moment, I felt as if we were meant to be, our bodies molded so they may fit together like two pieces of a puzzle. But the moment ended when she pulled back, leaving me feeling cold and alone. Esme smiled up at me shyly, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear before walking the rest of the way to my truck as if she hadn't just spent two weeks in a hospital bed. I shook my head in amazement at her strength and jogged to catch up, holding the passenger door open for her before making my way to the drivers side.

     As I slid in, I glanced to Esme, who looked as if she just won a million dollars, and couldn't help but chuckle as the engine turned over and we drove to the airport through the crowded streets of North Carolina.

Esme's P.O.V.
     My heart was swelling with joy and hope as we wove our way through North Carolina's congested streets to the airport. Mark, even after everything, has found it in his heart to offer me a home. But at this thought, the happiness died, because I was reminded of the Punishment that had happened, of all the Consequences yet to come. The Punishment...was torture. Literally. It had felt as if my skin was burning from the inside out, that it was being ripped off layer by layer. And, at the base of it all, was a molten liquid that had traced along my Indicia, outlining the delicate loops and whorls in white light. That's when I had lost my identity, my freedom.

     That's when they had burned.

     My throat closed up as tears welled in my eyes, blurring the fast moving road. Once a Gaurdian receives a Punishment, they are cast out of the House until they prove themselves worthy to rejoin the Almighty. I have never been a bother, never caused any trouble on my Assignment, on the various Missions I have done on the side. This is a blow I never saw coming, a punch to the face my senses would've never picked up.

     A stray tear slipped down my cheek, and I quickly wiped it away before Mark could see my anguish. He doesn't need me to break now, not after all that we've been through. All the sadness and doubts, all the losses throughout his life. He doesn't know it, but I was with him. I felt his pain, witnessed his tears, and held him close as he weeped.

     His fathers death had hit him the hardest, and that's when everything began to spiral out of control for him. I was unable to interfere, though I wanted to. Lord, how I wished I could've. But the Laws prohibited me to lend him my aid, and I was forced to watch from the sidelines as he lost everything.

     Great sorrow and grief washed through me, and I shook my head to clear away those thoughts. What has happened in the past cannot be reversed in the present. I glanced to Mark, who, as if he had felt my gaze, looked to me and smiled. His deep, chocolate coloured eyes were filled with a childlike happiness, like a school boy after lessons while running home to play. I couldn't help but smile back, though it was a forced movement lined with guilt.

     He has absolutely no idea who I am, yet he has shown me the utmost kindness and respect. And what have I given him in return? Nothing. Nothing but words that could mean the end of us. My promise to him, that I'd explain everything, may have sealed my fate of returning to the House. But he should know, he deserves to know. Especially if...

     My breathing became staggered and my heart beat faster as I remembered the rush of heat, the explosion of fire when I had stepped up and hugged Mark. That small gesture had confirmed my suspicions, and caused great hope to bloom within me. He had returned. Just as he had promised. Caim...you're alive.

     Though there are differences in appearance, he was there in his wide and inviting smile, in his bright and cheerful laugh, within his joyful and caring eyes. He was there when he had held my hand, when he had laid beside me, when he had held me close as I bled. These small familiarities are enough for me to see, for me to know, that Mark...is a reincarnation of Caim. These facts are the reason why Mark deserves to know everything. He has gone his whole life not knowing who he was, who he is destined to be. Its time his fate was brought into the light.

     I shivered slightly as excitement and fear laced their way through me. The Consequences for my choice will be far worse than before, as well as the Punishment. But I don't care. I have made a promise, and that promise will be kept.

     "Esme, have you ever been on a plane before?" Mark asked, his eyes focused on the road before him.

     I took a shuddering breath, and turned to face him. "No."

     Marks smile widened. "Well, don't worry. It's really fun, but I'll give you the aisle seat, unless you don't mind the height?"
    
     I laughed softly, for I knew a secret he will soon be told. "No, I don't mind heights. I love being in air."

     Mark gave me a puzzled look, but continued the conversation until we pulled into the packed parking lot of the airport. As I moved to unbuckle, Mark quickly ran around to my side to hold the door open for me. I smiled at his sweetness, and thanked him. He grinned and we made our way to the building. I recognized Wade as we entered through revolving doors.

     He had a huge grin on his face as he raced up to us, his big brown eyes full of laughter, tickets clutched in his hand. He excitedly pulled Mark into a hug, and then turned to me with intentions of doing the same. But I guess he checked himself in time, because he quickly changed his movements to one of a hand shake, embarrassment turning his cheeks pink. "Hey, Esme. I didn't think you'd be coming."
    
   I nodded slowly and went to answer, but Mark placed a hand on my shoulder gently, sending sparks through my arm, and said, "Yep! Esme's coming back to L.A. with me!" He leaned in close to Wade and whispered in a low voice, "You know, because of what I told you."

     I blushed and hid my face as I realized they were talking about my "abusive parents." The doctors needed an excuse for the markings on my back, and they chalked it up to child abuse. Oh, if only they knew the truth... But soon Mark will. Then he'll understand. He'll know why I had to save him, why the man was after him, why he was called a Lost One.

     Marks voice as well as his gentle hand on my head jostled me out of my thoughts. "Hey, Esme, we need to go if we're gonna catch the plane on time."
    
     I tipped my head up to stare into his kind eyes, and smiled. "Of course." I turned to Wade, who was looking at us with a knowing smirk, and raised an eyebrow. Mark held up a hand, his expression one of horror, and shook his head roughly. "No, Wade! Whatever you're thinking of, you're dead wrong!" But I saw the laughter that danced in his eyes, and I smiled as an odd sense of adoration and happiness filled me. I was reminded of the moment back at the hospital, where Mark had leaned in close to me, and felt my cheeks heat as I remembered my emotions in that moment.

     I guess I had spoken too softly for him to hear, because he had leaned in so close that his lips had been inches from mine. I had felt his breath along my skin, had been surrounded by his unusual scent of green grass and fresh rain mixing with the clean air around us. I had had this urge to lean in and close that gap between us, to feel his lips on mine again, to run my hands through his hair. But as soon as it had happened, Mark had moved away with a look of embarrassment, leaving me to wonder what exactly had happened to me, and why I was suddenly wanting to kiss my Charge. Such behavior is frowned upon in the House, and I must keep my feelings to myself unless I want to be Banished.

     Wade laughed. "Oh, am I now?" He gave Mark an overexaggerated wink and began walking towards the security line. Mark sighed and ran a hand through his black hair before looking down to me. A wisp fell forward to rest on his forhead, and I had to stop myself from brushing it away. Caims hair would do the exact same thing. He had always hated it, but I had found it cute. It had been one of the many reasons why I had loved him.

     I sighed as well, feelings of loss and sadness enveloping me. Mark's expression grew worried and I quickly smiled to try and convince him everything was fine. He smiled back, grabbed my hand, and gently lead me in the direction Wade had gone. We passed through security with ease, and boarded the plane with minutes to spare. I felt butterflies in my stomach as I sat next to the window. Mark had insisted I do so, since I had told him I loved the views when your up high. He sat beside me, with Wade in the aisle seat, and gave me a reassuring smile. "If you need to, you can rest your head on my shoulder. It's probably more comfortable than the window."
    
     I laughed. "I'll remember that. Thank you."

     He went to reply, but that was when the attendant told us to fasten our seat belts, and not long after, we took off. The ground became farther and farther away with each passing second, the cars growing to the size of beetles. Clouds soon blocked my view of North Carolina, their white fluffiness beautiful against the clear blue sky. I smiled and turned to Mark, who was staring at me with that childlike happiness again, the kind of joy I used to see in the eyes of Caim, and reached out to intertwine my fingers in his. He grinned, and began talking of his home in L.A., of how much I was going to like it there. He talked about his channel, and even asked if I could do a vlog with him. He explained about how his fans want to meet me so that they, too, could thank me for saving his life.

     I, of course, agreed, and was reminded of the things I had to tell him. He believes he knows me, thinks I have a certain life that I need to be saved from. But he doesn't know me, the real me, and I'm hopeing I'll be able to tell him who I am when the time comes. I'm hopeing I can tell him who he really his, what he means to me and the House and the Almighty. I'm hopeing that I can finally tell him, after twenty-five years of watching and protecting, that I am his Guardian Angel...and that he was one, too.

~Hey, guys! I'm terribly sorry this is so late! My family kept me from writing the rest. Again, I'd like to thank you guys so much for reading my story. I hope you're finding it interesting, and please, leave a comment of what you think or if I need to improve on anything! I think I'm going to be moving my updates to every three or four days, so that it gives me time to write out the story. I'm sorry, I didn't exactly have this all planned out. I will do better with other stories in the future, I promise! I hope your day/night continues to be awesome!
                                                                                                                                                    -Angel-in-Hiding