"I'm going to die here."
"I'm going to die alone."
"Rena is gone…"
"I feel no pain…but no joy."
"Just neutral nothingness."
"I just need to die."
"I'm dead already…"
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Celine sat next to Chris on the bed. She told him about the events of the day; about the girl, about Pad, everything she could think of. Chris listened intently, but seemed to show more of an interest whenever she mentioned the girl. It was a noticeable interest, and it was confirmed after she'd finished, as he stood up and walked over to the Heraldry cage.
"She looks hurt", he started.
"She's a killer, Chris. I dunno what to do with her."
Chris tapped the glowing edges, jumping back as the Heraldry shot through his fingers. He let out a small yelp, and Celine rushed to his side.
"Heraldry…strong, too…she's contained by that energy?"…he asked, trailing off and wincing from the pain.
Celine was curious. He'd never thought much of Heraldry, and she didn't know he could tell the difference between a tiny zap of electricity and a force field prison that would kill you if you withheld the pain long enough.
"How would you know, Chris? You hate Heraldry."
He paused for a moment. "I've learned a lot over the last few days."
She suddenly remembered. "Where have you been!? I had to deal with that brat, with Pad, all by myself, while you were out wondering about somewhere?! Tell me!"
He sat silently. "Celine, I can show you. But not now, in the morning. I'll show you."
She looked at him with worry. He never called her "Celine" anymore, he always called her 'Line…but there was something comforting in his voice, something she could trust. "Promise?"
Chris smiled widely. "Promise. Now let's go to sleep."
The comfort was gone, the smile was unsettling. The image stayed into her mind for nearly an hour, until her fatigue overcame her worry.
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Rena only waited a moment as the boat pulled out of the dock. They'd had a quick breakfast, then had said their goodbyes...now, she was watching them wave from the boat. Once they'd gotten a distance away, she turned and ran to the Herlie gate. She whistled and waiting impatiently, putting her hands in her pocket. She stopped and pulled out a note. She was certain it hadn't been there before. She unfolded it slowly and it read…
"Dear Rena,
It's been a while, hasn't it? Since Lassguss. It's true what I said tonight, you know. Well, last night to you, I mean…never mind. Anyways, I've never really hated you, Rena! Truthfully, I've always just been frustrated and I've wondered why. Why were you so afraid for him? Why did you think I would hurt him? I love Ashton; I wouldn't harm a hair on his head, or his dragons.
I don't want you to hate me, Rena, for what happened. Yes, it was an accident on our part, but I shouldn't have told you like that, and I shouldn't have told it in front of everyone. I'm not saying what you did was right either, but I'm willing to forgive you. I hope you can do the same for me.
We'll try as hard and as fast as we can to get help for Claude. Ash and I talked a lot last night, and Claude needs our help. After all he's done for us, he deserves it. We'll just take our honeymoon after he's feeling better. Think nothing of it, little Rena. Have a safe trip back to Cross.
Your friend (Soon to be?),
Chisato
P.s. If you're wondering how the note got in your pocket, you obviously underestimate my skill. Oops, gotta go!"
Rena smiled as she tucked the note back into her pocket. Sooner then you think, Chis… The sounds of a galloping rabbit awoke her from her thoughts. She hopped on its back, and yelled for it to return to cross.
Claude…I'm coming!
~