Chapter 2 Crystal of Hope

The rain ceased. The black thick clouds drifted, leaving the sky crystal blue, opening up for the sun's mighty rays.

Kurapika slowly opened his eyes. He felt the warm shine of the sun, waking, comforting his senses. His body was in terrible shape, but somehow he felt better. He was able to rest amidst the stormy weather.

"Let me help you." A sweet voice of a lady broke in. She stood in front of him. Her short black hair falling, covering her brown almond-shaped eyes. She looked like in her late twenties, dainty with her purple dress. She bent effortlessly towards him, lending her pale-skinned hand, smiling.

Kurapika tried to reach out. But he was too weak to even move a muscle. He looked at her straight at the eyes, expressing the maddening pain he felt inside.

Slowly, the lady bent closer, almost kneeling at his front. She moved her left hand, carefully removing the bandages. The bandages revealed a small tear-eyed crystal on the middle of her palm, glowing with white light.

She positioned her hand on his cheek, giving-off a feverish sensation against his cold skin. Kurapika was amused, his eyes wide open at the sight.

He couldn't believe it. The crystal was actually curing him. He felt his wounds close, his bruised body recuperating. He felt being soaked in warm water, cleansing his body, rejuvenating his spirit, setting him free from the snares of agony.

He felt like a new person, a new identity. It seemed that the crystal has erased everything and instead, has breathed him with new life, new hope.

"The flesh may heal, but the heart never will." she whispered while taking her hands off his cheek.

"Thank you." Kurapika gazed at her with gratefulness, his lips expressing joy.

"You're welcome. By the way, my name's Aesis and you are..."

"Kurapika."

She stood up, stroking her hair away from her eyes. She got the bandages, wrapped her hand once more, and then slid it inside her pocket.

She was silent, observing him meticulously. She looked as if she was reading his mind, analyzing his very soul, staring blankly through his eyes.

"You're all by yourself. Wanna come with me, then?" She asked in a friendly manner, seemingly concerned about him.

"Yes. But I-"

"Don't worry. I'm alone too. I won't charge you or anything. I just need a companion." She beamed and again offered her hand.

"I thank you very much." Kurapika answered.

He took her hand and stood up. He was still surprised but felt no doubt towards her. He didn't know why he felt that way for her. It seemed that he already met her and was just buried in the past, long forgotten in the past.

She didn't look familiar, neither did she act like one. She was a total stranger, an alien and yet something about her made him feel safe, assured. It felt a whole lot different.

"You're from the Kuruta." She spoke seriously, her brown eyes glancing at him.

Kurapika fell silent. Memories of that fateful day started to churn in his mind. He felt the pain once more, encumbering his heart. He continued walking...

"That's okay." She stopped and turned. She knelt before him, looking at his eyes. She moved closer and wrapped her arms around him.

Kurapika rested upon her bosom, inhaling her sweet scent. He felt safe in her arms. Tears building, escaping, flowing continuously against his cheeks.

"Mother." He moaned with grief. "Hush." Aesis whispered, easing the bitterness he felt inside. It felt like home, like her mother's arms. It was long time since someone had hugged him tight, embraced him with tender, loving care.

"It will be alright, Kurapika." Aesis ensured him.