Legends of the Stars

Chapter 19: Communion

Part III

Revelations

July 21st-July 31th, 2019 AE

"To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering."

-Friedrich Nietzsche

"To see a world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wild flower. Hold infinity in the palm of your hand and eternity in an hour.

-William Blake

"The belief in a supernatural source of evil is not necessary; men alone are quite capable of every wickedness."

-Joseph Conrad

Chapter 19

Communion

July 21st, 2019 AE, 10:01 AM

 The Ark Knight woke up in a haze of white light. His whole body felt so light, yet he could barely move anything below the neck. The faint smell of the ocean was in the air. It smelled like home.

Jaden was lying in a bed, his torso bare and bandaged. Next to his bed, both his sword were leaning against the wall in their sheathes. He turned his head to see Astra sitting by his side, her eyes glittering with tears, and all his memories came rushing back to him. Strangely, all he could think about how much Astra has been there for him. For the past week, Jaden repeatedly faced the risk of falling into the abyss itself. But when he woke up, he always found Astra waiting for him. She was always there.

"I'm sorry...I'm so sorry, I couldn't protect you."

Her voice cracked as she struggled to hold back her sorrow. Looking into tearful eyes, Jaden found his own wretched self-loathing reflected back at him. Unable to bear this sight anymore, Jaden managed to force a single word out of his weary body.

"Astra..."

"This is all my fault...I don't even deserve to be with you."

Jaden desperately lifted himself up from his pillow and grabbed Astra's hand. Her face flushed with surprise, but she didn't shy away from it. Holding Astra's tearful gaze, Jaden cleared his dried throat and spoke.

"I don't care what happens. No matter what, my life is yours, and I'll fight for you until the very end."

Astra held Jaden's hand tighter, softly stroking her thumb across his callused palm. The aching pain weighing his body down faded away as he continued to hold her tight.

"Thank you...and I promise that I'll protect you too."

The Princess shined a smile at the Ark Knight, who couldn't help but smile back. Her beaming expression warmed Jaden's soul so much, he could feel his strength return to him.

"Thank you, Astra."

For the longest time, Jaden thought he was alone against the entire world. Even with his powers alone, there was never a day when he didn't think he would die. But feeling the warmth of Astra's hand, the world felt so much smaller. Like nothing else existed beyond this room. He felt safe with her.

* * *

After Jaden regained his strength, Astra slowly guided him out of the bedroom, where he saw the other Champions waiting for them. Jesse was the first one who rushed over to him, but Kaylah was the only one that gave him a tender hug.

"Jaden! I'm so glad your okay!" he chirped.

"I should say the same to you guys," Jaden responded.