《Fusion》


 Disaster

    Hi guys. I have finally gotten off my lazy behind and rewritten chapter one. It is shorter but way more detailed. If you spot any mistakes let me know. Constructive criticism is welcomed. Hate speech is not. And now my friends, enjoy Chapter 1


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    1


    Disaster


    It was morning, in the village of Silveredge. The sleepy morning quiet was just beginning to be broken as the villagers began their day. The noisiest of course was the blacksmith. The repetitive clanging of steel on steel rang through the air, while the furnace roared. However, despite it only being the beginning of the day for some, one particular villager had started her work several hours ago.


    Her shoulder length hair was blonde, beginning to show a few streaks of grey. Her eyes were as green as the forest that she had just withdrew from. She was attractive, but not a great beauty, her face beginning to show a few lines, the testament of the hard work she had put in throughout her forty years. A plain brown leather medicine bag filled with medicinal herbs and bandages was worn over one shoulder and a hooded cloak covered her face. Her medicine bag was her most precious possession, a gift from her master after completing the rigorous healer training. She departed the woods after hours of gathering herbs, striding swiftly towards her hut.


    Entering her hut, she threw back the hood revealing her face. She began sorting all the different herbs she had gathered into their separate groups, labelling each according to usage and potency. She remained extremely focused as she did so. One could never be too careful with their herb stock. Her master had stressed to her ¡°gather as many herbs as you can and label everything precisely according to type and date¡±. Her master had told her numerous stories of deaths due to mislabelled herbs, herbs that had lost their potency and disastrous tales of insufficient medicine in times of war and disease. This instilled a great sense of responsibility in the then apprentice healer. So much so, that she became obsessive in the meticulous labelling of her medicines and gained a reputation for the reliability of her cures.


    She had been the village healer for several years and she was the first person to admit it was hard work, especially as it was a small village. She became a healer through a decade of training at a nearby city, after she lost her husband to Ague. In the city it was the apprentice¡¯s job to gather the herbs while they learnt their effects and the environments they grew in, but here in this remote village she alone knew all of the numerous plants in the surrounding countryside. A few villagers may have known some of the more basic herbs, but her stocks far exceeded theirs, and thus everyday she spent three hours gathering herbs in the early hours of the morning. The only help she had was a few women who had experience as midwives and some knowledge of how to make a basic poultice, but the brunt of the work fell on her, as her experience vastly outweighed theirs.


    She began grinding herbs and as the scents drifted around the room her mind drifted back to her training. Her master¡¯s gentle hands guiding hers on the pestle, showing her how to grind the herbs to different consistencies. Her master was a gentle old woman, who always smelt like peppermint. However, her master was very firm when it came to her work. She remembered with a shudder the time her master forced her to re-break a leg that had begun healing wrong, as the patient¡¯s family had not set the bone properly. This taught her the very hard lesson; sometimes you have to break something before you can heal it. Thus, while she began her training as a woman timid after the death of her husband, her personality now had a hint of steely strength to it.


    A common tradition in the area was that people in certain prestigious positions were called by their title, rather than their name. Such it was with healer. Her name was Sarah. The only other person in the village who was addressed by his title was the village elder; whose name was Gerente Galard. Although some say he¡¯s only called elder as no one can say his name properly.


    Healer continued her work, putting the gathered herbs in various jars and containers, placing them in various shelves around the hut. A shout was heard in the distance, of which she took no notice. Loud shouting was commonplace in the village. However, soon she frowned. The sound of swift footsteps indicated that someone was running in the direction of her hut. Suddenly the door burst open, slamming into the wall. In the doorway stood a young woman called Serala. The woman leant over, putting her hands on her knees, panting as she struggled to regain her breath.


    Healer had a concerned look on her face as she observed the frantic entry of the young dark haired women, ¡°Serala what¡¯s wrong?¡± Serala caught her breath slowly before finally rising. Healer watched as she rose and saw her hazel eyes were wild with fear. Healer swiftly went to her side and put her hand on Serala¡¯s shoulder, seeking to calm her.


    ¡°Calm down. Take deep breaths. Look at me.¡± Healer said, in a brisk, competent tone. She waited patiently, as Serala tried to calm down. ¡®Not the first time I¡¯ve had to do this.¡¯ Healer thought to herself, remembering the countless times that people had come to her barely able to get a word out; they were so distressed.


    Healer watched as Serala¡¯s breathing visibly slowed and gave an inward sigh of relief. It was much easier getting information from a calm person, than a hysterical one.


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    ¡°It¡¯s my little girl Liana. She¡¯s been whining about a sore head for weeks. At first we thought it was nothing and just gave her the family remedy, but it didn¡¯t really seem to help. She collapsed a mere ten minutes ago and she hasn¡¯t woken up since. We checked for a fever and she was burning up, her body wont stop shaking and she¡¯s moaning in pain. She¡¯s only five years old, please help us save her.¡± Serala begged. Healer paled after hearing this. ¡°Take me to her immediately, this is serious¡±.


    She quickly grabbed her medicine bag and several herbs, and then turned to Serala. ¡°I¡¯m ready to go.¡± Healer said. Serala nodded and the two of them immediately turned and excited the hut. They broke into a jog, not wanting to use up all their breath getting there, like Serala had done previously. If Serala had looked closely at Healer she would have been even more fearful. Healer¡¯s face was deathly pale and her hands were trembling. These were the exact same symptoms of the disease that had killed her husband. Ague.


    As they rushed Healer remembered her husband. Her husband¡¯s case was similar, but slightly different. He too had had headaches over weeks, and gradually developed a fever. However, Healer¡¯s husband had been bedridden for months, only slipping into unconsciousness in the final stages of the disease and eventually succumbing to death. It was the death of her husband that gave healer a desire to heal people, so that she could save someone who would otherwise be lost forever, their energy returning to the soul stream. Now she was facing the exact same disease that had killed her husband. Only it seemed far worse given the rapid rate at which the disease had spread. After another five minutes of frantic running through the village they arrived.


    When they arrived, healer looked at Serala, wanting to get to Liana as soon as possible. Serala pointed up, indicating that Liana was upstairs. Healer hurried up the stairs with Serala trailing behind. Once they got to the top Serala once again pointed the way, not trusting herself to speak, lest she descend into a full panic.


    Healer paused a brief moment, steeling herself against her own memories. Her hand badly wanted to shake but she didn¡¯t let it as she lifted her hand to the door. She couldn¡¯t let Serala know just how familiar she was with these symptoms, or how much mental turmoil she was in. She opened the door gently, seeing the girl in bed, her older sister tending to her. The two looked very much alike, although one being visibly older.


    Healer was aware of the sister but didn¡¯t know her name. Serala called out to the girl. ¡°Arina, Healer has come. You should do your chores.¡±


    Arina shook her head, her black hair flying across her face. ¡°I¡¯m staying with Liana.¡± She said, her face set in a stubborn frown.


    Healer rushed to the bedside and laid her hand on the sick girl¡¯s forehead, completely ignoring the small fight between mother and daughter. The sick girl was drenched in sweat and extremely hot to the touch. Healer instantly took charge.


    ¡°I need a wet cloth. We have to lower her temperature. With how high her temperature is she could die.¡± Serala nodded and went to get the cloth. Healer continued examining the girl. Her fist clenched as she remembered her husband in the same state, unconscious, shivering, burning fever and moaning in pain. Serala returned with the wet cloth, Healer took it from her and laid it on the child¡¯s brow.


    ¡°Is there anything else I can do?¡± Serala said, wringing her hands together. Healer looked up.


    ¡°Go get me Elder. He should be made aware of this.¡± She said, and turned back to Liana, checking for any other symptoms.


    ¡°Ok.¡± Saying this Serala turned and left. Healer looked at Liana. ¡®I hope for your mother¡¯s sake that you make it Liana.¡¯ She thought. She didn¡¯t voice her thoughts though, as Arina was still in the room. Arina kneeled at her sister¡¯s side, taking her warm hands in her own.


    ¡°Healer¡¯s here now, Liana. You¡¯ll be ok.¡± Arina said, her eyes full of hope.


    A look of desolation and hopelessness crossed Healer¡¯s face. Here was a child with absolute faith in her abilities and yet, she didn¡¯t know that Healer could do nothing about this disease. She quickly wiped the expression from her face, her expression going impassive. She hated that soon the girls faith in her would be shattered. She inwardly prayed for Serala to return quickly, unable to bear the looks of hope from Arina.

 The Slow Descent From Hope to Despair

    Serala hurried through the village, praying that her child would survive. The previous healer before Sarah had warned her after having Liana that she shouldn¡¯t have more children, because if she did then she would die. When she had carried Liana, there had been many problems during the pregnancy. The healer had said that Serala and the child had been lucky to live. Liana had been born too soon and had barely been breathing, while Serala had lost great amounts of blood. Somehow they both managed to survive, but Serala was no longer as energetic and vibrant a person after that. Liana was somewhat a sickly child, but she always was smiling and was very playful when she had energy. Both of her parents considered her their precious treasure, and she had been very carefully protected. Despite their efforts, they couldn¡¯t stop her from falling ill, and they prayed with all their hearts that she would survive.


    ¡°Please, live Liana,¡± she repeated over and over as she hurried towards the village elder. Upon arriving she knocked on the door hard and fast.


    The door opened after a few seconds and a short man with a slim build stepped out. It was the village Elder. He was slightly balding, his hair no longer looking as thick as it had in the past. His brown eyes flickered in recognition as he gazed at her.


    ¡°What is it Serala?¡± Elder asked with a curious expression on his face. It was not often he was called at this time of day. Normally villagers wouldn¡¯t come to him until at least noon, but more often then not they would come after the midday meal. Serala however was calling upon him a full three hours before noon.


    ¡°Liana is sick. The healer told me to come and get you.¡± He took stock of the situation and grabbed his cloak quickly and hurried out with Serala after a hasty goodbye to his wife.


    The two of them hurried back. When they arrived they went straight up to Liana¡¯s room. The healer looked up when they entered, grateful.


    ¡°Elder, thank you for coming. Serala, Arina, I need to talk to Elder, could you give us a moment alone please? You can stay here with Liana, we will just go into the dining room for a few minutes¡± Serala looked surprised but nodded in acquiescence. Elder and Healer slipped quietly from the room.


    When they reached the kitchen Healer looked at Elder with a sombre expression.


    ¡°Elder, I¡¯m very worried for Liana. It¡¯s the ague. At her age it¡¯s lethal. That¡¯s why I asked for them to stay while we have a private talk. I¡¯ll try my hardest but within two days, maybe even by morning... it looks like she¡¯ll die.¡± She said her voice void of emotion.


    Elder, shocked at this statement, he was at a loss for words. He knew of Serala¡¯s inability to have more children. He knew that to lose her child would be a huge blow to them.


    ¡°If she dies it will break Serala and Eritai¡¯s heart. Hopefully she makes it,¡± he said, looking at healer. Hoping to see in her face that Liana had a chance. Healer¡¯s expression was grim.


    ¡°I wish it weren¡¯t so, but unfortunately this is the truth. She¡¯s only five. While some people survive they¡¯re usually middle aged. Most known cases that involve children result in death.¡± Elder sat back, his face growing darker and more sombre by the second.


    ¡°Just what am I going to say to Serala?¡± Elder asked. ¡°You know that she¡¯ll ask me what we talked about in here. If we keep the truth from her she might have some hope for a time. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s worse; leaving her hoping her daughter might recover, or leaving her with no hope. Either way she will have to watch her daughter die.¡±


    Healer sighed. She wished more than anything that she could do more. She had become a healer so that she could help sick people and at times like these she felt helpless. Her heart ached, as she was once again reminded of her husband. A single tear trickled down her cheek. She angrily wiped it away, pushing aside the memories. Elder saw the tear and knew that healer must be hurting inside. He had no idea how deep the hurt ran.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. You make the decision, Elder. I¡¯ll do everything I can but there¡¯s not much I can do. I have no cure for it. All I can do is try to keep her cool and hope for the miracle of her fever breaking,¡± Healer said, her voice weary and filled with sadness. Elder nodded, pondering on what to do.


    After a few moments he came to a decision. ¡°We¡¯ll tell them. It¡¯ll be better than giving them false hope.¡± Healer nodded, agreeing with his decision. They walked back into Liana¡¯s room, Serala looking up with a look that was a mixture of hope and apprehension as she asked ¡°Is Liana going to be ok?¡±


    Healer steeled herself for what she needed to do. She looked at the little girl with pity. The girl had always been sweet. She had the typical features of the farming village. Ebony black hair, brown eyes and tanned skin. She was a small child, with skinny limbs. Her shoulder length hair was in a ponytail, and some loose strands were plastered to her face, which was covered in sweat.


    ¡°Serala, Liana has the ague. I¡¯ll do what I can, but the truth is that there¡¯s little I can do. Its quite likely Liana will die. It could even be tonight given how fast the disease has spread. We¡¯ll know for sure by tomorrow whether she will live or not, but it looks like we could lose her by morning.¡± Serala froze in shock. After it sunk in she buried her face in her hands, weeping bitterly. ¡°Is it alright if I stay here and hold her?¡± She asked, in a voice choking with grief.


    Healer nodded. ¡°Yes, you can do that.¡±


    Arina was listening from behind the door. Her mother had sent her to fetch more water to help cool her sister, but just as she had been entering the passage through the hall way entering the kitchen she saw Healer and Elder heading back to Liana¡¯s room. She was very worried about her smaller sister. Liana had gotten sick often and Arina had often played with her in room trying to cheer her up. The two were very close. She called her younger sister Li Li for short. She had swiftly chased after them hoping to hear news of her little Li Li. When she reached the top of the stairs she saw the door hadn¡¯t closed properly and she had pressed her face against the crack and clearly heard Healer say ¡°¡­ It¡¯s quite likely Liana will die¡±. Healer said more but Arina didn¡¯t hear the words, a look of disbelief covered her face. She sat in shock for a moment. As it sank in, tears started pouring down her cheeks and she let out a howl of wild grief. She rushed into the room, running up to Healer and began banging her fists against Healer¡¯s stomach.


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    ¡°YOU SAVE MY SISTER,¡± she yelled, continuing to pummel her small fists on Healer.


    Healer, whose face had previously shown impassiveness now showed grief. She knelt down, putting her hands over Arina¡¯s fists and gazed into her tear soaked eyes.


    ¡°I can¡¯t save her Arina. This disease has no cure. My own husband died to this disease. I became a healer, thinking that they might have the knowledge to cure what killed him. But I was wrong. They didn¡¯t know how to cure it either.¡± She said, tears spilling down her own cheeks.


    Arina heard Healer¡¯s words and simply looked at her in shock and disbelief. As it slowly sank in, her hope finally completely shattered and she sank to her knees. A look of hopelessness crossed her face and she began sobbing uncontrollably. ¡°Li Li.¡± She wailed.


    Healer rose, struggling to rein in her emotions. She still had to do her best to comfort and console the family. She turned and went over to Serala. She tentatively wrapped an arm around Serala who had picked the child up and was hugging her tight.


    ¡°At times like these I really hate my job. I became a healer to save people and when I can¡¯t, it hurts. But I know that my pain isn¡¯t as much as yours. There is one positive though. When she returns to the soul stream she will be free from pain. I hope you can take comfort from that.¡± She said trying to console her. In reality Healer¡¯s heart was also in turmoil. She hated the ague with all her heart, but despite her years of experience and learning with medicine, there was little she could do.


    Serala just continued cradling her child¡¯s head to her shoulder and weeping. It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t hear the healer. The words seemed hollow to her. Her world was falling apart and no amount of words could console her. Healer looked at Serala¡¯s face and realised that Serala was inconsolable. She decided to leave the room and give Serala some time to grieve. She turned to Elder. ¡°You¡¯d better go tell Eritai and have him come home.¡± Elder took the hint and left hurriedly ¡°Make sure you change the cloth every hour. She needs more herbs in three hours, but I¡¯ll be back in another two hours to check her condition.¡± With that the healer left.


    Eritai was working in the fields. He was a medium sized man with a stocky build. It was coming to the end of the harvest, and he had spent the morning picking vegetables and now was baling hay for the horses for winter. It was starting to get hot and it was nearly noon when he heard his name being called. Looking up he saw Elder coming towards him fast. He stopped working, using his sleeve to wipe the sweat from his brow. He gave his head a quick shake, sending a few drops of sweat flying from his short brown hair. He rose and started walking towards Elder.


    ¡°Ho Elder. Do you need anything?¡± Elder got to where Eritai was and stopped, breathing heavily. When he recovered his breath he related the situation to Eritai.


    By the end Eritai was weeping, his face contorted in a look of anguish. Seeing this. Elder put his arm around his shoulder and took him home to be with his daughter, all the while trying to comfort him.


    ¡°Come, Eritai. I¡¯ll take you to your daughter.¡± Eritai barely heard Elder, but allowed him to lead him home.


    Upon reaching home he rushed to Liana¡¯s room to see her cradled in his wife¡¯s arms. He wrapped his arms around his sobbing wife and wept with her. Every hour they changed the cloth and checked her temperature. Every time there was no change. Around midnight a brief ray of hope came.


    ¡°Mummy, daddy, why are you crying?¡± Liana¡¯s frail voice came, temporarily stopping their tears. Looks of hope entered their eyes until they looked at Liana. Her eyes were glazed over.


    ¡°Liana, are you alright?¡± The couple asked. Their hope was shattered as her eyes rolled back into her head, falling limply onto the pillow as she re-entered unconsciousness.


    This time the grieving had a bitter tone to it. To be offered a faint glimmer of hope then to have it snuffed out was almost too much for them to bear. Healer came every two hours to monitor Liana¡¯s progress and every time the atmosphere became thicker and thicker with grief and despair.


    By morning all hope was gone. All they could do was wait, as their daughter slowly approached deaths door, cradled in their arms.


    Arina had fallen asleep long before. She slowly woke and saw her sister still moaning and shaking. Her lips started trembling as she struggled to hold back the tears. She then remembered her lucky charm. She ran up to her room where she grabbed it. It was a plain necklace with a wooden figure of the Goddess Saol attached to it.


    ¡°Saol, I¡¯ll give my lucky charm to Liana, so please save my sister.¡± She whispered her short prayer to the Goddess of life. She then went to her sister and slipped her lucky charm around Liana¡¯s neck. She slipped from the room, silently returning to her own room.

 Soul-Stream Connections

    *Author''s Note. Hi peeps, back in the game for writing. I added a poll to the top of this chapter cause I wanna know your thoughts on whether you guys like the title of the story. I''m thinking it''s a bit long and wonky. Depending on the outcome of the poll, I''ll change the name of the story if that''s possible. Also, please point out any grammar or spelling mistakes you might notice. I''m a bit of a perfectionist so I like it when there''s no errors. Thanks guys and gals, you''re the best. :)


    Three weeks prior in the elemental kingdom of Elem


    Deep in a mountain, if one was connected to the mind weave they would hear the chants and hymns of the Elementals. What would be eerily silent to any human observing was filled with beautiful music for the mysterious race.


    A high priestess to the God of harmony floated through the earthen halls, her heart stirred by the music. She continued to the meditation room to harmonize herself with nature and to soothe her soul. As she sank into her meditation pose however, she noticed something. A sound of inharmonic nature that was very disturbing to her meditation efforts. She decided to find the disturbance.


    In one of the more private rooms reserved for royalty was the sound of raised telepathic voices.


    "Father, I''m sure you''ve sensed the disturbance in the soul-streams energy flow. Why are you doing nothing?" An annoyed voice telepathically spoke through the mind weave.


    "What would you have me do? Go and cooperate with the humans? Grow up boy. Nothing good comes from trying to cooperate with humanity. You should know as well as I. After all, it was them that killed your mother. I will hear no more of this." Another voice coldly said, telepathically.


    "She''s not dead, why are you not trying to rescue her?" The first voice desperately tried to plead.


    Prince Enid cursed as his father, King Ultionem severed their telepathic link. His hands balled into fists as he vividly remembers that day. The day his mother was captured and subjected to a fate worse than death in the eyes of Elementals.


    If anyone looked at Enid right now they''d see a far off look in his eyes as he remembered almost involuntarily. The memories flooded him and his eyes began to water. He angrily brought an arm up to wipe the tears away, then stalked out of the room only to walk into someone accidentally. His hands went up to the person''s shoulders as he steadied them. He then noticed that it was one of the priestesses.


    "M-my apologies miss. I wasn''t looking. Please forgive me." He said, flustered. He gave a short bow hoping that he hadn''t offended her.


    The priestess let out a brief laugh at that. The magical pulses running through her body turned yellow, indicating her amusement.


    "No harm done. My name is Miren, high priestess of the God of harmony. Nice to meet you, Prince Enid."


    The prince blinked, just a tad annoyed that she knew who he was. More than one girl had tried to stalk him.


    "Did you need something from me, Miren?" He asked, his telepathic voice showing no sign of his annoyance.


    "Yes, actually. Come with me. Your emotions right now are not harmonic at all. Meditate with me so that we may return harmony to this place." She said, gently.


    He sighed, but didn''t argue. He knew it would be pointless. He followed her to the meditation room and entered his pose, crossing his legs in a seating position while in mid air. He then brought his arms up to chest height and had his hands facing each other palms down. As he slowly harmonized with the soul-stream he emptied his mind of his troubles, his hands slowly lowering from his chest down to his lap, symbolic of purging oneself of any negativity.


    Miren also started meditating, feeling the wondrous joy of connecting to the soul-stream. But she could tell that Enid was struggling. She let out a brief sigh herself, knowing of the troubles that the royal family was going through. As she continued meditating, she began to ponder on how she could help the young prince. Then a joyous feeling filled her as she felt the will of the soul-stream connect with her.


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    She heard softly these words. "Compassionate one, send the prince to the outside world. He is needed there. We will show him the path that he must take when he has reached the right place. He will know that he has reached it when he finds a sick child in a village."


    The wondrous feeling slowly left her, as she ceased meditating. She was extremely puzzled at her instructions but nonetheless, would carry them out. She tapped his shoulder, seeking to gain his attention.


    Enid felt himself being jolted out of his meditation. He looked at the high priestess, raising a pulsing eyebrow.


    Miren placed her left palm on his forehead, symbolizing the transference of knowledge gained.


    "I have received instruction to send you to the outside world. There you must find a sick child. Once you have found the child, your path will be revealed unto you." She said in a formal voice.


    His energy pulses flared, showing his surprise at her when she placed her hand in the formal gesture of knowledge bestowal. He was even more surprised at the message.


    "A sick child? Human or elemental child?" He asked softly.


    Miren shook her head. "You know the soul-stream doesn''t differentiate between human and elemental. It treats them as one and the same which is why the messages we receive can be confusing at times." She said apologetically.


    "Hmmm, guess I''ll have to leave for now then. Ugh, Miren can I ask a favour of you?" He asked tentatively.


    "What is it?" she raised her brow at him.


    "I should let father know that I am going, but him and I are not on the best of terms right now. Could I ask that you tell him I''m going to the outside world?" Enid asked, gently bowing his head in respect to the high priestess.


    "Yes, I can tell him that. I hope you travel safely Enid. Farewell." She said, bowing.


    "Farewell Miren. Thank you for your guidance." He said formally, returning her bow. He then swiftly left.


    He took his journey, occasionally eating the life essence of small creatures along the way.


    Three weeks later, as he was traveling he found the twentieth village of humans. He had floated above nineteen other villages during the night and felt nothing. But with this one, he felt a clear distinct pull. Apparently this was the place.


    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


    Serala and Eritai gently held Liana in their arms, almost begging silently for her to open her eyes. And yet, nothing happened. Suddenly, Eritai shivered as he felt.... He didn''t know what it was that he felt but he knew something was coming.


    He turned towards their open window and saw a strange sight. It was humanoid in shape. It had legs but no feet and it floated a few inches off the ground. It was six feet tall. Parts of it were rock, but the parts that weren¡¯t rock seemed to pulse with colour; red, blue, brown, yellow and grey. The colours were woven in intricate patterns throughout its body. One might say that its body looked to be more like coloured energy with rocky veins flowing through it. It had arms and hands with opposable thumbs but only three fingers. It didn¡¯t have a neck and its head was oval shaped. The eyes were triangular in shape and seemed to flash with pale blue energy. Strangely enough it didn¡¯t have a mouth either.


    Everyone in the room was quite shocked. They had all heard of elementals, but this was their first time seeing one. Eritai was the first to recover from the shock.


    ¡°Stay away creature¡± shouted Eritai as he stood protectively in front of Serala and Liana.


    The elemental ignored him, drifting closer to the girl that had drawn him. Eritai seeing the elemental was moving towards Liana, struck out with his fist. As his fist connected, electricity arced throughout his body and he was thrown violently across the room. Serala and healer drew back in fear and shock, and watched with horror as the elemental floated towards Liana.

 Visions and Healing

    *Author''s Note. Hey peeps, you get a second chapter today. It''s 1am for me now, so please forgive any grammer/spelling errors. Comment below if there''s any errors you see that need to be fixed. Also, enjoy the story :)


    Enid followed the pull of the place, being guided along. Eventually he was guided to a house with an open window. He floated inside and saw a room full of human people. One man, two women and two children. One of the children was lying on the bed and Enid knew that she was the sick child. All of a sudden the man told him to stay away and tried to attack him. He sent the man away by sending some of his energy at the attacking human. He then continued, still not sure what he needed to do, or what would happen.


    As Enid approached, the people around the bed slowly withdrew, leaving an open path to the girl. He slowly raised his hand and touched Liana''s brow. He then sought to touch his soul to hers, hoping that his path would be revealed. To his surprise, a jolt of recognition and kinship flooded him as his soul connected to hers. There was such a familiarity. He  felt as if he knew this girl somehow, which was impossible as he had never seen her before. Suddenly energy coursed through Enid¡¯s head. The soul-stream connected to him and he was caught up in a vision. At first it was like a birds-eye view of what was going on. He saw destruction across all the land and the only one standing against the tide of darkness was the girl. She was alone.


    Then the view changed and he was looking in front of him. He tried moving his head, only to find that he couldn''t. In front of him was a man. Behind that man, he could see a vast multitude of elementals and humans all unconscious. Stormy winds blew, buffeting him. He looked down and to his surprise, he saw a human hand. "Wha-" He thought to himself, completely confused. His thoughts were interrupted as the man spoke to him.


    "You have failed. My revenge is complete. Now you must die." the man spoke, ominously. To Enid''s complete and utter surprise the man drew out a sword and approached him. He tried moving, not wanting to be killed. He than faintly heard the wind howl, and he inwardly gaped at the man. The body of the man pulsed red with colourful energy covering him in familiar runic-like patterns.


    "Elemental energy. How?" Enid exclaimed within his mind. This person''s sword had a distinct grey aura surrounding it. The sword tip was pointed at Enid and slowly edging closer.


    An agonized cry came from Enid''s lips and he felt terror. Just what was going on? Another familiar feeling pulsed through him. His view all of a sudden turned downwards and he saw human arms, pulsing with elemental power. His power, he realized. His hands grasped a wooden stick that he couldn''t fathom the purpose of, until it was swinging at the man with the sword. Pain pierced his mind as he saw the sword strike him. Then for a few moments he knew no more.


    The vision ended, and he was abruptly back in the room, his hand still on the girl''s head. Before he could think the energy pulsed again and he was helplessly drawn back into another vision. Blinking, he tried to move but once again was unable to. The sword man that had just killed him was once more before him, but lying on the ground groaning in agony. Enid''s body moved forward, tearing off the man''s shirt. He once again felt the familiar presence of his power being activated but he was flabbergasted as it was far stronger than what he was capable of. The wooden stick was swung at the man, and Enid felt the energy severing something but was unsure what. Than he received the shock of his life when he saw his mother, right before his eyes. He heard a faint whisper, "Thank you," before her body dissipated into thin air.


    Than he was once again in the room with the family. He looked around, completely bewildered. Than he realized, he''d seen his mother in the vision. He spun in a full circle, hoping that he''d see his mother once more. He was saddened when he didn''t see her. He withdrew his hand from the child''s brow and floated above her into the meditation pose, hoping for the meaning of his first visions to be revealed unto him by the soul-stream. As he did so, he felt the world around him. The soul-stream, the lifeblood of the world, pulsed once in his mind, sending thoughts and impressions.


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    "You and the girl are connected. Your fates are forever intertwined. Save her. You know how." The faint voice than faded into nothingness and the feeling of being one with the world dissipated.


    The runic pulses on his body flickered, revealing his unease. Yes, he knew how to save this child. But it wasn''t an easy thing to ask of him. He sighed tiredly. He didn''t fully understand the visions but that was to be expected. Nevertheless, he now knew what he must do. No more hesitation.


    He reached his hand out to touch Liana¡¯s chest. As his hand made contact it seemed like his hand was being absorbed into her body. Eventually his whole hand had vanished and you could see pulses of colour racing through her arms and legs. As the rest of his arm was absorbed into her the runic pulses spread. Soon his entire arm had been absorbed and the pulses were throughout her entire body. After that it seemed like her body had become accustomed to absorbing him and the rest of the elemental energy swiftly absorbed into the girl whose skin sparkled with energy.


    Liana¡¯s spirit was in a state of confusion. She didn¡¯t know what was happening all she knew was pain. Just as she felt her spirit beginning to fade, she saw a light. She reached her hand towards the light and she felt a presence that was comforting.


    A voice whispered, ¡° Little girl, we have never met, yet we are connected. It is fate we now meet and I will become your guardian.¡± The light merged with her spirit and she was filled with warmth.


    After a few moments Enid was gone from sight and Liana was pulsing with energy. The same intricate patterns that had covered Enid¡¯s body now covered hers.


    Healer stared at the scene wide-eyed.


    ¡°What on earth just happened?¡± whispered Serala.


    ¡°I have no idea¡± Healer responded. Serala looked torn for a moment, uncertain whether to run to Liana or her unconscious husband. Healer swiftly stepped over to Eritai and checked his pulse,


    ¡°He¡¯s alive, just unconscious. Come look after your husband while I examine Liana¡±. Healer strode towards Liana, while Serala wiped small traces of blood from her husbands face. Healer observed Liana for a moment before attempting to touch her as she was still glowing with unnatural energy.


    After a few minutes the pulses started to slowly fade away and Healer swiftly examined the girl. ¡°Is she ok?¡± Serala called from across the room, Healer turned to Serala, revealing a complicated stunned expression on her face.


    ¡°She appears to be perfectly fine, there is no trace of a fever, her pulse is normal and her skin looks healthy too. In fact I¡¯ve never seen a child look this healthy¡±. Serala¡¯s mouth gaped in surprise before tears of joy sprung in her eyes, and she wept with happiness. And in her happiness, turned and went by her unconscious husband¡¯s side, a little fearful for him yet hopeful that he would be able to wake and share the joy.

 Status Update

    Sorry for the long wait guys. I''ve had some irl stuff I''ve had to take care of, and also been struggling to motivate myself to write. I''d like to ask you if you want me to continue writing this story, and also I''ve come to the conclusion that the name and synopsis of my story is terrible. If you have any suggestions that would help, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks guys, you''re all awesome :D