Luke’s viewpoint
He awoke in the infirmary in quite a bit of pain. He couldn’t believe he failed in protecting her from only one monster. He was disappointed with himself to his very core. He had to train much more. Luckily, he heard from the doctor that she was okay. He kept pleading for him to answer until he finally caved in. “She’s fine. Not a scratch on her. She most likely is shaken up with what happened.” “Of course. I wasn’t able to protect her.” The doctor gave him an annoyed expression in return. “Then practice more, and don’t feel sorry for yourself.” With that the doctor went on to see other injured knights. He should’ve been able to protect her. At least from one creature. There weren't even two of them. He tried to sit up, but his head throbbed. He wouldn’t blame her if she found someone else to protect her. He was such a failure. “There’s someone to see you.” One of the medic staff told him. It was probably Caldrith coming to scold him for his failure.
He was surprised to see Alice and her cat Lucky come in to see him. The first thing he could do was make things right. “I’m so sorry for what I did.” He was clearly devastated. She looked at him puzzled. “What did you do?” She asked him. He thought that she must’ve been disgusted with him. “I know. I didn’t do enough to protect you. I should’ve been there for you. I’m so sorry. I truly am.” Before he could go on, she stopped him. “You did nothing wrong. You protected me. I don’t know what would’ve happened if you weren’t there.” She wasn’t mad at him? “I don’t understand. I failed.” “I’m still here, aren’t I? You didn’t fail. I’m alive in the end.” He knew she was right, he just wished he had done a better job. “Don’t feel bad. At least for my sake.” He looked up at her. Her face was filled with worry. “That head wound doesn’t look too good. Are you going to be alright?” He touched his head lightly and it began to ache. “It will be. I won’t be able to wield a sword for a while.” “I just want you to get better. Once you’re back to your old self you can watch over me again.” He was clearly taken back by what she just said. She wanted him to still guard her.
“Are you sure?” “Of course. I’ve never been surer in my life.” He smiled at her. She was something else. Her kind nature would make her a great leader one day. With her magic and her education, she would be unstoppable in the future. He just knew it. “Thank you for being there for me.” He appreciated her kind gesture to come see him. “There’s nothing to thank me for. I’m just glad you’re okay.” This is the person he wanted to protect. The kind of individual that would give their all for you. “I’ll get back to my station as soon as I am better. For now, I will follow your orders and rest.” “Good. I have to meet with Caldrith, but I’ll be back later on to see how you’re doing. “Thank you.” “I’ll see you later.” She waved goodbye and headed out the door.
Earlier in the morning: Lucky and Alice
She had a nightmare while she was asleep. There were creatures that seemed to follow her orders. The same creatures that almost killed Luke and herself yesterday. It was strange to have a dream like that. Alice felt a sticky sweat on her forehead. She quickly calmed herself and saw Lucky looking at her. “It’s late afternoon. I told them not to wake you since it was such a tough day yesterday.” I told them not to wake you since it was such a tough day yesterday.” “Thanks.” She sat up and rubbed her eyes. “When you wake up fully, I’ll tell you what was going on with you yesterday.” “Okay. I’m awake now.” She yawned. What perfect timing to yawn. She wanted to scream. It's been on her mind since yesterday. The only reason she could sleep was because she was so drained from yesterday.
The memories started to come back to her faster than she could handle. She tried to pretend the outing she had was all a dream. Unfortunately, the chaos from yesterday was much too vivid for Alice to fool herself. “I’ll tell you now. I know it’s important for you to know. Just be ready when I tell you.” She readied herself for what she would hear next. “You’re the only one who can stop this massacre. Since you are the only person who can absorb the crystals.” “I am?” Alice couldn’t believe what she had just heard. She was the only one who could save the kingdom from tragedy. “Yes. When you absorb this power filled crystals you become stronger. You’re going to need to acquire as many as you possibly can. That will stop him from destroying the kingdom.” “Who?” Was all she could think of. Her mind was spinning. Was she like the chosen one or something? How did that even happen, and why her? “Just know he’s evil. That’s all that needs to be known.” That was cryptic. But in the end, he would have to be destroyed. She couldn’t wrap her head around it all. “I knew this would be hard for you to take in. That’s why I waited till the morning. Maybe I should have waited longer.” His tail swished back and forth. And then he did something he hadn’t done for a while. He meowed and rolled around. “What was that?” She stifled a laugh. “I thought it would help clear your thoughts. “It did.” She smiled warmly at him.
He was always trying to make her smile. “I think that’s why you need me to stay alive so badly.” She stopped talking. He cared for her. He looked at her intensely. “I want you alive just as much as you need to stay alive.” “I know. I’m sorry. I worded that wrong. I meant the world would need me to stay alive and everything…” He stopped her mid-sentence. “I know you didn’t mean that. You know I would do anything for you.” Tears that were bottled up from last night started to drip down the side of her face. “It’s okay. You will be okay. I know you have it in you to be okay.” “How do you know?” She sniffled. “Because you are stronger than you’ve ever been.” It was a relief that he believed in her. It was now just up to her to believe in herself. “I think I want to stay in my room today.” “Alright. I’ll let them know to bring the food to your room.” “Thank you for everything. I mean it.” He looked back at her and walked down to Cal’s study. She was so lucky to have all these people that care for her. Some tears came again, yet it felt good to let it out. She would be the one responsible for saving the lives of everyone. Well, she just had to. She had to realize that.
Lucky’s viewpoint
He sat on the end of the bed. Alice was in a deep sleep after she had her breakfast. That must have been the most traumatizing event in this life. He couldn’t help but feel guilty for not telling her the whole truth. He knew it would do no good to give all the facts, but it was so hard not to. He wanted her to remember him. It was a pain that ached his entire core. But he just had to be grateful that she was alive. Lucky worried that she wouldn't be able to defeat him. It struck a chord in him. One he never thought was possible to feel. The feeling of hopelessness.
He had to accept that Alice was what she was now. A human. Hopefully she will be able to go back to who she once was. It would be a difficult journey, but they would have to make it together. It helped that she was skilled in magic. It was also something to note that she had a powerful ally on her side. That was Cal and his men. He was no longer the powerful being he was before. He felt he lacked in protecting her. She basically saved herself from the creature. Luke helped a little. He had to admit he was there in a pinch. Luke was a good knight.
Thankfully she escaped physically unharmed. He didn’t want to know what this had done to her mental wellbeing. But he meant it when he said she was stronger than she was before. Alice showed great determination in saving those around here. She was kind, no longer melancholic as she was before. He hoped that would be enough to save not just the world, but Alice.
Comments (0)
See all