Here's Chapter 7! Hope you like it, so sorry for posting so late. -.- Gosh it even annoys me when I do that. I mean I had it written out, just not typed... So I guess I just have to blame it on me, not even school I'm just slightly lazy this week. So read and comment!
Disclaimer: Oh and I don't own the characters, or the flashbacks. All that good stuff belongs to Allison Goodman. I only own the plot. (:
(I figured that I should put that there because of the flashbacks, hehe. (:)
Chapter 7
"Eona!" Lady Dela called as she ran towards me and Kyra. I let out a small laugh watching her. Her arms were flailing around a bit as she ran. Just then tears welled up in my eyes. I was so relieved and grateful she was okay. I laughed again as Lady Dela reached us. She was slightly panting, I smiled at her and the smile she wore before was soon replaced with a grimace.
"Eona, what's wrong?" I couldn't help but tilt my head at the concern in her voice. I was fine, Kyra was the one who needed concern.
"What do you mean?" I asked her, but then I realized the tears that threatened to escape before actually had. I was crying. I reached up and touched my cheek lightly. I pulled my hand back and examined the tear on my finger thoughtfully then I wiped away the rest of the tears on my cheeks.
"Are you okay? Are you hurt? Is anything broken?" Lady Dela started frantically speaking, all her words were coming out in a jumble. She asked these same questions multiple times when I didn't answer and she hovered around the horse. I actually think she was making the horse nervous. She suddenly reached up to help me down off the horse but I shook my head.
"Help Kyra."
Lady Dela looked at me, then at Kyra, then me, and she still tried to help me off first.
"Help Kyra." I stated again, and something in my voice, my face— must have changed; because Dela got a thoughtful look on her face and then started to help Kyra off. I gently pried her fingers off my waist, while trying to wake her so she didn't scare.
Once she was awake Dela picked her up and cradled her in her arms. Then she grabbed the reins of the mare I was on and lead the way to where everyone else was hiding. We walked through some woods that seemed somewhat familiar to me actually. Then we passed over some more deserted roads, but now that the sun was rising they didn't seem so eerie as before. But eventually we reached what seemed to be a camp. There were a few tents, a fire, people, their horses, and probably anything they could carry. We passed through the throng of people in a daze. They all seemed like a dream to me. That's when I realized that my eyes were drooping and I was fighting to stay awake.
Dela then set Kyra down next to the small fire gently. Then she bent towards a a gruff looking man sitting near where she set Kyra down, she mumbled something I couldn't make out, the man nodded and got up and left the scene. Then she came over to me and did what she has wanted to do since she saw me. She plucked me off the horse and surprise was clearly evident on her face as she figured out that she had to pluck me off with some effort. This horse has been my lifeline since we left the other camp, I was holding onto the horse with all the strength I had left. Dela started to murmur comforting words, words that said everything was going to be okay, words that a Mother would say to a frightened child. I let out a grunt, I should be so lucky. Dela paused for a moment at my grunt then she started with the sweet words of comfort again, and slowly I let go of the reins. It wasn't what she was saying that mattered to me, and it wasn't that fact that made me let go of the reins. It was the fact that Dela was taking the time to comfort me, when the Gods know she needs it more than I do. Kyra needs it more than I do, and yet she almost brushes Kyra away to the side. Once I let all the way go, Dela didn't waste time, she quickly plucked me off the horse, before I could change my mind. If I had it my way I would have slept on that horse if I could of.
She set me on my feet and steadied me so I didn't fall over. Then she told me something but I yawned and my mind didn't register what she said. Then she walked away with the mysterious mare that I assumed was Ryko's. I just stood where I was, not bothering to sit down next to Kyra, I looked over to her and saw the man that Dela was talking to caring for her. He wore a kind smile now, and donned a wet cloth. He was wiping the blood and dirt off off Kyra. Kyra's wide blue eyes were looking at me, not at the kind man. She looked helpless, and lost. She didn't move at all, and I guessed it was because she couldn't or it was because it hurt her too much. The guilt washed over me me as one thought entered my mind.
I did that, I caused her pain. Emotionally and Physically. I almost cried at the thought.
But instead of crying and wallowing I walked over to her with a large amount of effort. The man that was helping her left, probably to wash the cloth. Her eyes followed me questioningly as I collapsed next to her. I wanted—no I needed to do something for Kyra. So I debated where to put my hand, and I decided to put my hand over the point that Hua was usually the strongest, her heart. I could feel everyone's eyes cutting into my back as I placed my hands over her heart. I took a deep breath and directed my gaze to Kyra. She looked scared, and confused so I decided I should try to comfort her. None of them knew what I was going to try to do, and neither did Kyra but I had to try.
"I'm going to try to make the pain go away."
I whispered hoping she wouldn't take it the wrong way and think I'm going to kill her. I made sure I had her permission and when I saw that look in her eyes, giving me permission I didn't hesitate. I healed Ido, I healed my hip, and I'll be damned if I can't heal this poor innocent girl. So I pushed my tiredness and my own pain to the side for now, and I eased myself into the energy world. I listened to nature's sounds, allowing myself to be distracted by it's tempting rhythm. When I opened my eyes finally I saw my dragon once again and all was well. The other dragons were gone and I slightly was relieved. But my problems weren't over yet, I knew they would be back, and I still had to heal Kyra. I knew the last thing I needed was another attack, it could be my breaking point. But I didn't want Kyra to feel the pain for to much longer. So I put my worries aside and focused—of course I was scared—but I knew I had to do this for Kyra's sake I owed her this; and if not for her sake, for my own. Because she either dies from the seriousness of her injuries, blood loss, or she lives and heals but becomes crippled. And gets ridiculed for the rest of her life. I shook my head, that is not a possibility. We will heal her, so I focused once again on the task at hand and reached for my dragon's power. She willingly gave me her power I didn't expect anything less.
We need to heal her. I thought, well more like ordered her.
Not healing her, she needed to know, wasn't an option. Then, not even a second after I heard humming. The song was light, and full of energy and I laughed despite myself. I should have realized she would help, my dragon was the one humming, so catching on I hummed with her. The tune wasn't complex, it was actually quite simple. I almost doubted that this would help heal her. But as I watched Kyra's energy I saw her flesh began to stitch itself back together. Tissue was healing itself, and scar tissue that already started forming was replaced with regular healthy tissue. I couldn't replace blood, but I could fight off the infections that had already started to infect her. Then once her skin was done healing her bones started to heal but I stopped humming.
My dragon looked at me oddly, but I just used my free hand to rearrange her limbs, I saw a flash of pain, but I had to move her so she healed the right way. I didn't want her healing a cripple. Then I started to hum again, a little faster this time. I wanted to heal her a little faster, but as quick as I had started the other dragons were giving me fierce looks. Then the Tiger Dragon growled threateningly, so I slowed down my hum. Now, my hum was as fast as when we started. Then the dragon's backed off, and I secretly thanked the gods. As I hummed again, I softly touched her broken bones with my one hand. Her bones weren't healing as fast as as her skin did, but bones were thicker. Her bones healed themselves back together, bone marrow was replaced where it needed to be replaced. When I took my attention away from Kyra, through my humming I could hear whispers around me but I didn't stop. I wasn't going to stop until I physically couldn't go on any more, or until Kyra was all the way healed. The last thing I saw was my dragon as I gave into the darkness that wanted to take me over...
When I woke up I heard voices;
"She healed her! Is that even possible?" A deep but very surprised voice almost yelled. I winced at how high his voice went at the end.
"Well, she did heal her hip when she was reunited with her dragon, so yes it seems it's possible." I recognized that voice, that voice was Lady Dela.
I decided to finally get up and let them know I was awake. I quickly jumped up from where I was laying, then I fell in the process. I exhaled lightly, and got up again, but more slowly. I looked around at where I was and I was in a tent of some sort. I wasn't sure how I got here all I knew was that I was at a camp with Lady Dela, and Kyra. Kyra! I fell asleep before I knew if I healed her all the way or not! This gave me the motivation I needed to run out towards the voices. I noticed I was in a forest of some sort and when I stepped on twigs, I yelled slightly. I looked ay my feet and realized someone took my shoes. My brows furrowed, who would steal someone's shoes? But I could worry about that later, right now only one though permeated my mind:
Is Kyra okay?
I kept walking but it was taking me to long so I started jogging. Which wasn't as good an idea as it sounded because soon after I tripped over a root and low and behold fell through an opening. I landed on the grass with an 'oof' and then heard a throaty laugh. I looked up towards the culprit.
Ryko was laughing at me.
Then before I had any time to register, I was pulled up onto my bare feet. I looked around and saw, Ryko, Dela, and Kygo all standing there nonchalantly trying not to laugh at me. I found myself rolling my eyes, something I never thought I'd do,
"Go ahead and laugh," I said giving them permission to laugh. "The Gods know I deserve it." I added more quietly hoping no one would notice. Kygo let out a quick laugh before realizing what I had said, and Dela's face was masked with worry.
"Don't say that." Dela said quietly as if saying it louder would scare me off. The she asked, "And where are your shoes?"
"I don't' know I was wondering that myself." I answered avoiding her first statement. I looked towards Kygo, and he was also looking at me with seriousness now. I just looked down at my feet, they've become pretty interesting lately.
"Where's Kyra?" I asked barely above a whisper. As if I was afraid of the answer, which in truth I was. I didn't know whether my healing had done her any good, or whether my healing had killed her because I didn't finish.
"I know that's not what you meant."
I kept looking at my feet because I didn't dare look Dela in the eye after that statement. I also didn't deny it because I knew in my heart that she was more than partially correct.
"Where's Kyra?" I asked again louder and a little more forcefully this time.
"Here I'll take you." Ryko said grabbing my shoulder—gently steering me away from Dela.
As we walked away I looked back towards Dela and Kygo. They were whispering to each other I didn't doubt that she's telling him her suspicions of my problems. Dela knows me better than anyone, except for Rilla, so I'm sure her assumptions are correct. I'm pretty sure I'll hear about it later. I looked at the ground as I walked careful not to trip. Ryko squeezed my shoulder trying to comfort me and I smiled at that. Until I realized that, that was his hurt hand. My head snapped to look at him.
"What happened to your hand?"
He looked at me thoughtfully, "You don't remember?"
I shook my head, so he answered, "You."
"Me?"
He jerked his head slightly, so I reached over and gently lifted his hand and examined it.
"It's healed."
"Yes."
I hesitated before saying it, "And I did that?"
"Yes."
"When?"
"After you healed Kyra."
Which was…" I trailed off.
"Last night."
I exhaled in relief, I'd only slept for a night. "Are you sure?" I asked still slightly doubtful. Which I had no right to be because how else would his hand be healed?
"Yes," He laughed, "I'm sure. When you fainted from healing Kyra I picked you up and my hand healed. I don't know if you meant to but you did."
I nodded, and smiled to myself. I had to of meant to heal his hand. The guilt of it was destroying me ever since it happened because I knew it was my fault.
Ido smiled. "If you surrender now, Eona, you can save your friend a great deal of pain."
I tightened my grip on my swords.
Ido raised his eyebrows. "Or do you have enough steel to let him die in agony?"
"No," I whispered.
He started forwards. I raised the swords and stepped back. If I gave up, he would take my will
forever.
Ido's smile widened. "Bring the islander here," he ordered.
The two remaining guards approached us with Ryko's body slumped between them. I his head
was bowed and a dark spread of blood from under his armor had seeped into the cloth of his
trousers. It clung wetly to his thigh, Ido motioned to the guards to drop their burden at his
feet. Ryko's body landed onto the stone with a slapping thud. His lace was turned towards me,
his dark skin drained into gray hollows. I chanced a look at the guards — both of them were
injured, deep lines of pain and exhaustion on their faces. Ryko had made them work hard for
their victory.
Ido kicked Ryko's injured side, forcing a moan out of the islander. He was barely conscious.
Ido looked over at me. "Well?"
I knew Ryko would not want me to surrender. But I also knew Lord Ido: there was no mercy
in the man. He would make me watch my friend suffer. And he would enjoy both kinds of
pain. I kept my eyes fixed on the Dragoneye although every part of me longed to glance
across at Lady Dela. Was she any closer to the name? But I could not risk bringing her to the
attention of this monster.
"Hold him down."
The older guard settled his knee between Ryko's shoulders and leaned his forearm into the
back of his neck. The islander stirred, but did not rouse.
"Spread his hand and hold it still," Ido ordered the other guard.
The man squatted beside Ryko and pulled his hand from under his body, pressing it flat onto
the stone paving and holding it by the wrist. Ido raised his sword and positioned the tip over
Ryko's knuckles. He licked his lips as though savoring the moment.
"Put your swords down, Eona," he said softly.
May the gods and Ryko forgive me: I did not move.
For a hung moment, Ido stared across at me with an odd smile, then he drove the sword tip
through Ryko's hand.
"I don't blame you for it you know. I would have told you not to give up"
He said breaking me out of my revere. I dodged some roots and rocks as I spoke.
"No, of course you don't. No one does. Everyone is forgiving me and I—I just don't deserve it." Ryko grabbed my arm and jerked me to a stop. His face was hard as he opened his mouth to speak.
But he never got a chance to. And I was almost grateful, almost.
"EONA!" I almost collapsed with relief when I saw her. Kyra came running towards us, her red hair flying wildly in the breeze. I also noticed she was slightly limping and I cocked my head to the side as she ran up to us. She crashed into me with so much force, I fell. It took me a minute to realize what she was doing.
She was hugging me.
"You did it! You did it!" She laughed as she got up pulling me with her. "Thank you" She said quietly and a little more seriously. I smiled at the thanks then asked what I'd been itching to ask,
"But you were limping." I said my brows furrowed.
"Oh, it's only a sprain, it'll heal soon."
"I'm glad."
And truly I was, I had no idea what would have happened if she didn't heal. I have no idea what I would of done if she didn't heal. Now there was only one question that was hanging in the air.
"How'd you do it?"
Alrighty, hope you enjoyed the chapter. I have the next one written somewhat, and it has to be edited but my wrist is hurting from typing so I'll try really hard to post Chapter 8 tomorrow. Actually I'm determined, you deserve two chapter for waiting-what?-Like two to three weeks? For a chapter? Outrageous, ;)) So Same as always COMMENT! Even if it's to say I suck, it's still a comment. (: Gotta love that constructive criticism! Oh and hey! I wanna know if you would think Eona should feel guilty for Kyra or if she should just get over it? Just wondering this debate has been going on in my head. And as a few people pointed out, some people DO read the author's notes. Thanks to those people who answered, and thanks to who ever actually answers my question. ((((((: