Dust slowly but surely limped through Aurora Village with Fidget hovering next to him and Ahrah following.
"Where do you think we should we rest?" Dust inquired, trying to hold back his grunts.
"Hmm…maybe someone will let us lodge with them. After your heroism, there's no doubt they'll say yes." Fidget replied.
"Well, if that's our only choice then let's do that, but who would we lodge with?" Dust inquired again.
"Let's see…definitely not that snob Gianni…Reed would probably mutter in his sleep and keep us up…" Before Fidget could finish, Dust stopped in front of a house they have passed quite a few times during their journey: it was Ginger's house. Fidget and Ahrah stopped as well.
"You're still thinking about the fact that her brother's soul lives within you aren't you, Dust?" Ahrah asked calmly. Dust silently nodded.
"I just can't believe that those two souls will always be at war within me…never subsiding…" Dust spoke thoughtfully.
"But you know what's right and what's wrong; you're able to keep Cassius's strength out of your heart." Ahrah replied up.
"Yeah-" Dust was interrupted by a quiet voice behind him.
"Dust…" the voice was feminine for sure. All three turned around and saw Ginger standing there with tears welling up in her eyes just like Fidget, and just like with Fidget, Dust and Ginger embraced in a hug and Ginger sobbing overjoyed.
"Dust, you're okay! *sob*…you survived!" Ginger kept hugging tightly, filled to the brim with joy that
"Shhhhh…It's okay, Ginger." Dust rubbed the back of her head. Seeing as how Jin was living within Dust, Dust felt like he was hugging the sister he never had. They both pulled away from the hug and Ginger wiped her eyes of her tears.
"Dust…how is it possible? Is it because you're the Sen-Mithrarin?" Ginger asked, her voice slightly quivering from trying to dry out the tears.
"None of us have any idea, but we think that's the most likely reason." Dust replied. Dust suddenly fell to his knees, grunting in exhaustion.
"Dust!" Everyone exclaimed as they came to his side. Ginger placed his arm around her shoulder.
"Ugh…oh man, looks like I really do need to rest." Dust chuckled then softly groaned.
"Here, come in my house." Ginger replied as she escorted Dust inside with Fidget and Ahrah trailing them. The interior of the house was made of gorgeous lumber and scattered with many decorations. They made their way up to the second story where a normal bed was. At the bedside, Dust took his arm off of Ginger's shoulder and slowly sat down on the edge of the bed and lied down with a long sigh of relief. Fidget flew close to Dust and rubbed his cheek.
"Now you just stay right there. You'll heal up in no time." Fidget reassured with a warm smile and a warm smile from Dust. Dust held his paw up and began stroking Fidget's head.
"Dust, I'll go make you some warm, soothing tea." Ginger lightly smiled and walked out of the room.
"Dust, I'm going to rest as well. If you need me, just let me know." Ahrah spoke up and floated to a corner as the runes on his blade dimmed down. Dust and Fidget turned to each other and couldn't help but stare into each other's eyes.
"Dust…your eyes…" Fidget couldn't finish her sentence.
"My eyes? Are they bloodshot or something?" Dust replied, concerned about why Fidget couldn't finish.
"No, not at all…it's just they're so…deep and…beautiful…oh no, did I say that out loud? Fidget, you idiot!" Fidget punished herself as she turned around and hid her face in pure embarrassment. Dust couldn't help but smile as he turned her around to face him. Just as Fidget removed her paws from her face, Dust pulled her towards his face and pressed his nose against hers, causing Fidget to blush as she did when Dust kissed her on the cheek. They pulled away from the nuzzle as Fidget tried to find the right words to say, but only stuttered repeatedly.
"You know, I feel there might be something more to that kiss you gave me today." Dust smiled in a way that made Fidget's heart melt. Just before Fidget could reply, Ginger walked into the room with a cup of tea with slowly wafting steam floating out of the cup.
"Here you go, Dust. This should help." Ginger warmly offered the cup which Dust grabbed gently and began to slowly sip, savoring the sweet, warm liquid as it rushed down his dry, dry throat. Ginger sat down on the edge of the bed.
"Dust, let's talk more about what's happened so far." Ginger requested. Dust put the cup down on the night stand next to the bed and sat up to begin explaining what has happened.