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This chapter is dedicated to Ada69, who probably had a really crazy day yesterday and is looking forward to this chapter.

JR2

Chapter XXVI: Muerta

Lao Shi rested his hand gently upon the young woman's head, directing her flow of Chi through the tip of her skull. Rose blinked in disbelief as her vision once again restored to its natural state. Her tears came down in torrents once more, elated at the simply joy of sight.

She had been crying non-stop since she had lost her ability to see, an ability that most took for granted, blessed with it still in some capacity.

Lao Shi, however, could do nothing for the pain, nor could the Surgeon Sorcerers or others in the battlefield. The pain was becoming beyond unbearable, it was simply something that ate at her insides, crawling within her skin like a flesh eating disease; ravaging everything in its wake. Her outward appearance was nothing out of the ordinary, sweat dotted her forehead; her skin was ashen and pale as if she was afflicted with a simple fever. But on touching her skin, one could sense the magic that was at work within her. It sparked like static, humming when Chi came into contact with her.

She knew it for sure at this point in time—uncertainty had evaporated—her body was dying.

She started to cry again, not for the pain that was touching her body, but because of all the things she would never get to experience in life. Marrying Jake, having children, growing old and even passing restfully were simply illusions at this point in time.

"Please," said Rose softly, "Tell Jake that I love him, please,"

Lao Shi shook his head, "That, my child, is for you to tell him," he gave her a small smile.

Rose whimpered softly and closed her eyes, "I won't see him again, I just wan-,"

The Dragon Master removed his hand from the crown of her head and sighed, "Young one, my grandson is risking his life to obtain the key ingredients that will save your life," he gave her a wink, "I would appreciate it if you showed a little more confidence in his abilities,"

Rose forced a smile and coughed, "I appreciate it, don't worry,"

Lao Shi nodded.

Commander Fred Nerk entered the tent and glanced at Lao Shi, "How is she?"

Lao Shi nodded, "She can see again,"

Fred grimaced, "I was hoping that Jake would have been back by now,"

The former Chinese Dragon cleared his throat, "I'm sure that he will be here shortly, I have utter confidence in his strength as a wizard, and he has Fu Dog and Sabrina to protect him anyway,"

Lao Shi touched his fingers against the young woman's forehead, allowing his Chi to send her into a like sleep, "You should rest young one, you need it,"

She nodded numbly, drifting into blissful and painless sleep.

The two commanders stepped out of the tent into the warm afternoon light. There was a hush in the camp, as close to twenty five dragons were present, with many from the Magical Army Corp among them. They had a fighting force of over a hundred present. Still not enough in comparison to the Adren Karr's forces.

"Any change with Commander Sun and Lieutenant Gregory?" said Lao Shi.

Fred nodded, "Sun is still under, but Gregory is close to waking, his pulse has started strengthening and he's soon going to wake,"

The Council Member smiled, "That's good news,"

Haley Long landed roughly a few feet away, making a small crater beneath her feet, her breathing was labored, but other than that exertion there seemed nothing wrong with her person, "News from the scouts grampa! The enemy is mobilizing!"

"An afternoon attack?" said Fred in disbelief, glancing at Lao Shi, "we need to be ready,"