Chapter 26 - Overwhelming Guilt

Chatter and soft laughter were heard in the living room as Sharumez and Akirexer planned the wedding with Jenu and Naliya. To Akirexer's delight, a lot of progress was made. They had finalized the guest list and menu. They also agreed that the wedding would take place in the comfort of their land. At that moment, they were discussing about the best way to contact the Council of Elders so that an ordained seer would come and conduct the wedding ceremony.

In the midst of the discussion, Akirexer looked at the wall clock and was surprised to see that it was 7:00 p.m. The girls had still not returned from the market and this forced Akirexer to become wiry. Sharumez took notice of her change of mood and he openly asked her what the matter was. She explained to him that she had sent Sharaina and Emelinia out around 3:30 p.m. but the two hadn't returned yet.

"That is very strange. They should have been back by now." Naliya expressed her concern.

"They should have finished cooking dinner for all of us by now had they been here." Akirexer worriedly remarked and turned to Sharumez. "Sharaina has the habit of taking her time in the woods but even she is never this late." she said to him.

Sharumez opened his mouth to respond to her when a loud knock was heard at the door. It was so loud that it startled Akirexer and Naliya. Sharumez excused himself and went to open the door. Akirexer chose to follow him to the door because her curiosity got the best of her. She was baffled to see two soldiers outside. They took off their hats upon seeing her looking at them bewildered.

Naian had just got back home. He was stunned to see the soldiers at the front door. He stood away from them but close enough to listen in on what they had to say to his parents. Akirexer had a bad feeling about their presence so she held onto Sharumez for support.

"Good evening." one of the soldiers spoke up. "Are you Sharumez and Akirexer?" he inquired.

Sharumez and Akirexer exchanged worried looks.

"Yes, we are. Is there a problem?" Sharumez asked them.

"We regret to inform you that your daughter and daughter in-law, Sharaina and Emelinia were attacked this afternoon by members of the Midnight Crawlers." the very soldier said again.

Akirexer gasped with both her hands covering her mouth. Sharumez and Naian were so astonished that it made them dumbfounded. Jenu and Naliya rushed to the door and became alarmed when they saw Akirexer's state. Naliya wasted no time in holding Akirexer who was struggling to stand due to shock.

"Their intention was to abduct Emelinia but fortunately their plans flopped because Sharaina was able to stop them." he blankly added.

"Are they okay? Where are they?" Sharumez asked while Akirexer just frantically nodded her head with tears in her eyes.

"They are currently at the hospital. While Emelinia is unharmed, Sharaina is severely wounded." he said again with little emotion.

The two soldiers put their hats back on and turned their backs on Akirexer who was weeping in Naliya's arms. Naian prepared the carriage with the help of Jenu. When the horses were fastened in, Sharumez and Akirexer got in. Jenu and Naliya offered to stay behind with Alainara. Naian sat outside the carriage and with one strike of the whip the horses galloped out. As soon as they were on the gravel road, they raced to the hospital.

****

Emelinia sat alone on a bench in the hospital's lobby. She had the look of distraught and fear as she hugged herself in thought. When she saw Akirexer, she sprung off the bench and painfully looked at her. Akirexer hugged her and Emelinia burst out crying.

"I... it's... it's all my fault. I caused all of this to happen." she stammered through her sobs.

"No, the fault was mine for sending you both to the woods." Akirexer cried.

Sharumez gently separated Emelinia from Akirexer. "What has the doctor said?" he asked with eyes full of stress.

"No one has said anything to me so far." Emelinia wiped her tears with a sniffle. "They just took her in there." she pointed and everyone turned to look. "I have been waiting for someone to tell me anything for... hours." she choked and fresh tears fell.

Naian walked over to the registry and spoke to a nurse there. She sternly told him to exercise patience for the doctor was going to inform them about Sharaina's condition. Naian explained what he was told to everyone and they sat down tensed. Akirexer held Emelinia's hand for comfort and Emelinia rested her head on her shoulder.

Two of the soldiers who found Sharaina and Emelinia sat away from the family. They were soon joined by three others.

"Oh man you should have seen her." one of them stated and unintentionally caught the attention of the family. "In all my years in this job, I have never seen a First Class in that state. She was a beast." he continued.

Akirexer felt a sinking feeling inside her heart and looked to Sharumez. It was clear to both of them that they were thinking the same thing. Sharumez slightly shook his head as a way of telling Akirexer to keep calm and she obeyed.

"Are you sure you aren't over exaggerating?" a doubtful one said to the annoyance of the speaker. "I mean this girl isn't of age." he argued his point.

"You fool, does this mean that you don't know that she is the same one who defeated a kremis not so long ago?" he uttered with disgust.

"I am even more shocked with the gamarax that she had. It is far too much for a not of age warrior. I still have a headache because of standing close to her." one lamented as he held his aching head.

"You are right about that." another held his chin as he nodded his head. His eyes were on the doubtful man. "It took us several minutes before we managed to carry her out of the woods because we were all getting paralyzed when we drew close to her despite her unconscious state."

"That seer girl is amazing. She wasn't afraid to approach her. The poor girl was paralyzed as she held the other girl."

"You know what guys, from what you have told me, there's no denying that this girl is going to be a force to be reckoned with. If she can do this now, what more when she gets trained by the best?" the doubtful one was finally convinced.

"I am glad that she is leaving for the academy soon. She is a serious risk to be around. Imagine her turning into that state and harming her loved ones. That would be awful." one added with a sigh. "I just hope that she doesn't fall into hibernation."

"I don't think she will man." one expressed his optimism. "Where is that seer girl by the way? Aren't we supposed to be guarding this place because of her?"

The men looked around for Emelinia and spotted her with Akirexer, Sharumez and Naian. The realization that the family heard everything they said dawned on them and it prompted them to disperse. Only two remained in the lobby.

Sharumez saw how their words affected Akirexer. He gestured for her to get up and follow him. The both of them stood away from Naian and Emelinia. Akirexer anxiously looked at Sharumez while he maintained his calm.

"Do you think the doctors will find out the truth?" she fearfully asked him.

Sharumez shook his head slowly. "I don't think so. Remember they failed to do so the last time this happened."

"I'm afraid of her finding out the truth from someone else Sharumez." Akirexer worriedly said as she kept her eyes on Naian and Emelinia.

Sharumez held her hand and she looked into his eyes. "That won't happen. We will tell her the truth ourselves."

"When?" Akirexer asked loud enough for Naian and Emelinia to turn their heads to them.

"When the time comes." Sharumez whispered to her.

The doors that Emelinia pointed at earlier opened and Nami walked out with a note book in her hand. Everyone anxiously rushed to her with impatience.

"How is she?" Sharumez got straight to the point.

"Don't worry, she isn't in any danger." Nami warmly assured them and they felt relieved. "She is, however, hibernating but don't worry, it's not severe. She is likely to wake up in a few days." her words didn't lift their spirits.

"She may experience a severe headache as soon as she wakes up so try not to stress her out. I have prescribed level 12 pills to help her wounds heal as soon as she regains consciousness." she handed the note to Sharumez. "You can pick them up at the pharmacy on your way out."

Nami gave him another paper. "That is her discharge permit. We can't send her to the hibernation center because she will only hibernate for a few days so it is best you take her home. I only ask that you are extra careful with her ribs. Be sure to make her lie on her back with her head up. Other than that, there's nothing to worry about. Should any problem occur, don't hesitate to bring her back or come to my house. After all, we are neighbors." Nami smiled at them

"Thank you so much." Akirexer smiled back with misty eyes.

"Please don't thank me. I'm just doing my job." she said and pointed at two nurses. "They will escort you home." she informed them and excused herself.

One nurse led Akirexer and Emelinia into Sharaina's hospital room. Akirexer almost broke down crying when she saw Sharaina lying unconscious in bed with a white cotton cloth wrapped around her head. Her right hand was completely wrapped and her shoulder had a bandage on it. There was a purple bruise on her lip and it spread to her chin.

The nurse told Akirexer and Emelinia to hold the bed and they did. She too held the bed and started to chant underneath her breath. The teleportation circle that was permanently engraved on the wooden floor started to glow purple and it sent off a breeze. In seconds, the bed vanished and all that was left was the circle drawing on the floor.

Outside, the second nurse drew a teleportation circle on the ground with the use of a stick. As soon as she was done, Naian parked the carriage into the circle. The nurse joined Sharumez in the carriage and started to chant the spell. The carriage disappeared in full view of the on lookers.

****

As soon as they arrived home, the nurse got out of the carriage and dashed into the house. She found the other nurse in Sharaina's room and pulled the duvet off the bed. The other nurse then focused her gamarax on Sharaina and she was raised into the air. She then proceeded to gently put her on the bed. Her head was rested on her pillow with her back to the bed. Akirexer chipped in and covered Sharaina with her duvet. The nurses politely bid farewell and left in a portal.

Akirexer and Emelinia heard a knock on the door and Akirexer opened it. She gave way to Sharumez, Naian, Jenu and Naliya. They were all heart broken to see Sharaina unconscious and bandaged up. The look on their faces killed Emelinia with guilt. She felt a sharp lump in her throat as she tried her best to keep her composure.

Alainara wondered what everyone was doing in Sharaina's room. She skipped her way up the stairs and to Sharaina's room with a doll loosely held in her hand. No one noticed her entering the room. Her presence, however, was announced when she screamed suddenly. She dropped her doll and sat beside Sharaina crying.

"What happened to her mama?" she asked, confused.

Akirexer fought back her own tears and said, "She is only sleeping honey. She will be okay."

At that point, Emelinia had enough and she walked out of the room. Only Naian saw her leave. She got into her room and closed the door. Emelinia sat on her bed crying profusely. She felt so guilty for everything that was happening and completely blamed herself.

"From the moment I started living here, I have brought nothing but problems to this family?" she sobbed.

Emelinia looked down at the ring on her finger and angrily took it off. She threw it on the bed and got up. It was time that she did what she was supposed to do the day the mob of women attacked her. Emelinia wiped her tears and left her room. She got to the door downstairs and paused when she got hold of the door knob. She tearfully looked back at the house and sniffed before closing the door shut.

Naian heard the door close and he excused himself. He went straight to Emelinia's room and knocked. When he didn't get any response or hear any sound, he started to worry. He reluctantly opened the door and his eyes immediately fell on the sparkling ring. He slowly picked it up baffled but when he looked through the window and saw Emelinia leaving, he rushed out.

Emelinia hadn't walked far when she heard Naian calling after her. She ignored him and quickened her steps. To her annoyance, however, Naian grabbed hold of her wrist and she pulled it away from him. Naian backed away from her with his hands up in an effort to assure her that he wasn't going to harm her.

"What are you doing Emelinia?" he asked her.

"I am leaving. The life of problems and sorrow is one that I am already used to and I don't want you all to get sucked into it." she angrily replied and turned to walk away but Naian held her back. "You can't stop me from leaving."

"No one is blaming you for anything Emelinia and you shouldn't blame yourself either." Naian tried to reason with her.

Emelinia chuckled sarcastically. "This is what I don't understand about you people. All this is my fault but you choose to act like it isn't!" she aggressively said to Naian but he maintained his calm. "I won't be able to take it if one of you gets hurt again because of me so please just let me go."

"Sharaina knew that she was going to get hurt protecting you and she went through great lengths to keep you safe. Are you going to walk out of her life like this?"

Naian's question caught Emelinia by surprise. The look of defeat and shame darkened her eyes as she dropped her gaze to the ground. Naian saw that he went through her so he took a step closer and lowered his head.

"What will I tell her when she regains consciousness? My parents and Alainara have grown attached to you too so what will I tell them?" he asked her and she slowly faced up to look at him.

"I'm not stopping you from leaving. You can leave if you want but please leave us the right way... not like this." he concluded.

Emelinia sat on the ground and burst out crying again while Naian just looked down at her. She covered her face in her hands as her tears poured out.

"Why do these things keep happening to me? Is it so wrong to be a seer? I'm I not to have even the tiniest bit of happiness?" she bitterly complained as she wept.

Naian squatted down and placed his hand on her shoulder. He listened to her vent out her frustration in silence.

****

A portal appeared in its electric nature and sparkled a bright light before Light stepped out of it. He looked over at Sharaina's house and saw Jenu and Naliya leaving. He slowly turned away and went into the mansion. He immediately caught the attention of Jayniss, who had been waiting for him. Light smiled at her but she shook her head apprehensively. She cautiously looked upstairs before turning back to Light.

"What took you so long?" she aggressively whispered at him.

Light was baffled by her concern. "If had known that you would miss me this much, I would have come a little bit earlier." he rubbed his hand in her hair. "What's the matter?" he asked her.

Light listened to Jayniss with shock as she explained to him what had happened to Sharaina and Emelinia. He turned for the door in a haste when she held him back. Nami suddenly walking by with a cup of tea made Light realize why Jayniss stopped him. Nami saw how distraught her children looked and she got concerned.

"Is anything wrong?" she asked.

"No mama, I just said something mean to Light and he is upset with me." Jayniss thought fast.

"You need to control that tongue of yours Jayniss or you will be sorry one day." Nami coldly told Jayniss and then flashed a sweet smile to Light. "Forgive your sister." she requested.

"Of course." Light commented with half a smile and went up to his room.

****

Naian and Emelinia arrived at the door step. Before going in, Naian gave the ring back to Emelinia and she looked at him surprised. Naian expected her to feel that way so he pulled her away from the door.

"My parents will get concerned if they see you not wearing the ring. They are already stressed enough as it is. When Sharaina gets better, you can tell them of your decision to leave. Until then, this ring must remain on your finger." he quietly explained to her.

Emelinia put on the ring without another word. Naian opened the door and she walked in first. Sharumez looked at the both of them with questioning eyes.

"Where were you two?" he asked them.

"She needed some air." Naian quickly answered and it was enough to convince Sharumez.

Emelinia went to Akirexer and knelt down at her feet. "May I spend the night in Sharaina's room so that I can be able to help her in case she wakes up in the middle of the night?" she humbly requested.

"Of course you can Emelinia. I was actually going to do that but it's okay if you do." Akirexer agreed much to Emelinia's delight.

Emelinia quietly went up the stairs and closed the door of Sharaina's room. She sat on the carpet and looked painfully at Sharaina. She got pulled out of her thoughts when she felt a sudden surge of energy. She looked at Light who had his eyes fixed on Sharaina as his portal closed behind him. Emelinia stood up in order to alert him of her presence.

Light slowly walked to Sharaina's bed and sat beside her. He was completely shattered to see her like that. He reached out for her cheek but withdrew his fingers the moment he was about to touch her. Sharaina gave a soft moan and Emelinia rushed to her side. To her disappointment, she didn't wake up.

"She will wake up tomorrow." Light said to Emelinia with sadness and she kept her silence. "I know that I am not supposed to be here this time of the night but would you mind if I stay with her a little longer before I leave?"

Emelinia got up. "I will return in half an hour." she said.

"Thank you." Light replied with a faint smile.

Emelinia left Light looking at Sharaina lovingly. He regretted spending his day in Lano. He felt that things weren't going to get that bad had he been there. He smiled a little at Sharaina for her bravery. His love and respect for her grew even more.

His eyes flashed purple as he scanned Sharaina's injuries with his x-ray vision. Her injuries only made his heartache. Light placed his hand on Sharaina's forehead and there was a bright purple light underneath his palm. Sharaina moaned softly and fidgeted slightly as his gamarax flowed into her healing her head injury completely.

Light shifted his hand to her ribs and they got healed as well. He got hold of her hand with both of his hands and healed it completely. As he worked on her shoulder, his gamarax levels dropped. He frowned at having failed to completely heal the wound.

The technique he used was rarely used by gamarax manipulators because it drained them in their bid to heal someone. Often times, gamarax replenishing pills were administered instead so that the gamarax manipulator could assist other people. But Sharaina's case was different. Light didn't mind draining himself for her sake. He leaned closer to her forehead and kissed it. Light slowly got up and looked at the palm of his hand.

'I hope I still have enough for just one portal.'

He waved his hand in the air and to his luck, there was enough to get him back home. He took one last look at Sharaina and smiled when he heard her snore softly. Emelinia felt another surge of energy and got back into the room. She looked at the portal closing as she closed the door. Emelinia sat back down on the carpet.

****

Jemi apologized with great embarrassment to Lord Diavinx for his failure to capture Emelinia. Lord Diavinx listened in amazement as Boo explained everything to him in detail. Their wounds convinced him that they were telling the truth. He chuckled softly when Jemi scolded Boo for teleporting them away.

"Shut up, Jemi. You should be grateful because you would have died if she landed that blow on you. Don't forget that you are a none pure." Boo snapped at him.

"Master, I will capture that seer for you, I promise." Jemi declared, ignoring Boo's words.

Diavinx held his hand up. "Just let her be. It's enough now." he declined to Jemi's dismay and Boo's relief.

Thank you for reading! I'll see you on Monday with 5 updates! Have a good weekend! Rechiana