Part 10

Blossoming Hearts

The door opens Albert and Dios rush into the room to see what has happened. They both surprised.

Albert- Damn it! I'm too late to save Lore. Just when I finally find her.

Dios calls the guards to put Nash, Sasarai and Lore in rooms for medical care. Albert stays by Lore's side.

Nash- (Finally wakes up and checks on Sasarai) Damn it, someone surprised me with that attack.

Sasarai- You're right Nash. I was surprised to see my brother do such a thing to me and Lore. He stripped me of my powers by taking my True Earth Rune. Lore isn't going to be the same.

Nash- She's still out of it, Sasarai.

Sasarai- Yes. Albert is watching her until she wakes up.

In the Lore's room

Albert- Lore please get up. I'm so worried about you.

Suddenly Lore opens her eyes to the sight Albert standing right by her. Lore sits up in bed right away and is clearly afraid.

Lore- What are you doing here? Are you here to hurt me just like Luc?

Albert- No I am not. I am here to see you.

Lore- But why? You don't have to be here for me.

Albert- Because I want to be, Lore. (he smiles at her)

Lore- (blushes) Oh! T¼ thank you!

Lore gets out of bed and to stand up and immediately feels drained because the True Earth Rune was gone. She stumbles but Albert catches her in his arms.

Albert-You need rest Lore. You mustn't stand up. Save your strength.

Lore- Please, Albert. I have to go.

Albert- I know what happened and I'm so sorry that I wasn't there.

Lore- (in thought) why does he care?

Albert and Lore leave Circle Palace, the pain within Lore becomes so severe that she has to rest by a nearby tree.

Lore- Damn it! I'm not the same! I'm so weak now! Some Protector I turned out to be. (she begins to cry) Father, I've failed you!

Albert- (rushes to Lore then he puts her into his lap) Listen to me, you will get your powers back. I know you will.

Lore- (smiles) Albert I failed I can't protect anybody. I'm a failure.

Albert- Stop that! You have to believe Lore. You can do it. I can't stand it when you cry.

Lore- (in thought) What is this feeling inside my heart? What's happening to me? (To Albert) Albert you such a kind person but aren't you on Luc's side?

Albert- I am, but I don't like his plans. I haven't been with him for awhile because I been looking for you.

Lore- Me? But why?

The two hear footsteps and look to see that Nash is coming.

Nash- Finally I found you. What are you doing out here? It's getting dark. Oh you're helping her out Albert.

Albert- You didn't you have to come out here, Nash. I was about to bring Lore back to her room.

Nash- Yeah, sure! It seems like you two are having a good time out here! (hides a laugh)

.

Lore- (blushing and looking away)

Albert-Shut up, Nash!

Nash- (laughing) Let's get back inside before something else happens.

Albert helps Lore to her feet and the three of them head back to Circle Palace.

* * *

Back in Lore's room.

Albert- I'll be back in a minute Lore I have to talk to Sasarai.

Lore- Ok Albert I'll be waiting for you.

Albert leaves.

Lore- (in thought) I know where Luc is going next and it's pretty close to Circle Palace. I must leave at once. Forgive me, Albert, but I must do this.

Lore gets up and goes to the window the guards didn't notice her outside. As she walked Nash was standing right in front of her.

Nash- Where are you going?

Lore- How did you know that I would be leaving?

Nash- Like I said I'm always watching you.

Lore- I must be going.

Nash- Without telling Albert?

Lore- Yes I don't want to see Albert getting hurt. I got Sasarai hurt and I just don't want to talk to him right now.

Nash- Sasarai isn't mad at you so don't you worry and I wasn't injured as bad as it looked. So I'll be coming with you.

Lore- What? (laughs) Like you know where I'm going!

Nash- Actually maybe I'm going to the woods where Lady Chris is. Isn't that the way you're going?

Lore- (gives Nash an annoyed look) Very well, you can come along.

Nash- Glad to hear it! (has a big smile on his face because he gets to see Chris again)