FD: Birth of a Wishing Heart

17. Hurt and Healing

The first thing that came to Hansel's mind as he was finishing the basket was pain. So much pain. Why had he done this to himself? He slowed down munching on sweets, his hand slowly rummaging through the basket. It was finally empty. His senses were returning. He laid down slowly, finding there was just enough room. He groaned weakly, he felt like he'd burst. He didn't want to move. To make matters worse it smelled like more food was being cooked.

He heard a small window slide open as light poured in. Hansel closed his eyes tightly. Each time that door opened it felt like he was being blinded. "Hansel you're awake!"

The voice was enough to soothe him. She was fine. "Grazie agli dei... I'm so happy to hear you...Are you okay?" He slowly forced himself up to observe her. She didn't seem bruised or hurt.

Gretel looked at him wide-eyed. He looked sick and in pain, his stomach distended and swollen on his lap. How was she supposed to feed him anymore? She nodded. "I'm okay. She hasn't harmed me. Are you okay?" She asked with emphasis.

Hansel forced a gentle nod. The last thing Gretel needed was to worry about him. "I'm sorry about this... I don't know what happened last night..." Hansel paused for a second trying to regain his senses. He wasn't all there yet-there was something else he needed to remember. The more he woke up the more reality hit. The pain and exhaustion took a greater hold with each breath.

"It's okay..." Gretel spoke softly feeling awful for him. She wanted to see the truth in his eyes. He could hardly move. He was not okay, that much was obvious. She waited for a moment, just listening to his labored breaths. "Adiscordia is gone. She left a while ago but hasn't come back."

Hansel turned to lay against the wall, pushing the basket out of the way through the small door in the bottom. "Who?"

"Maud, Her real name is Adiscordia Hex. She said she's some sort of goddess and she said that she'd let me in on the game." Gretel stopped. She wanted to give him all the information she could before Adiscordia returned but he didn't look like he could fully understand it right now. She took the basket as he remained quiet. "She wants to fatten you up so she can eat you!"

Hansel winced in fear. "No more...I can't eat a single... bite more... Please" He had chosen senses and memory over relief. With the news, he was almost regretting it. Adiscordia's intentions had been clear, but the thought of more food made him nauseous. There was something about Adiscordia. He had heard that name before. Where had he heard it?

"I don't know how much time we have left together to come up with a plan-" Gretel confessed, hoping he'd come back to his normal self. She stretched her hand out through the window to hold his cheek. He was hot. "You're burning up!"

Hansel pushed against her, holding her hand. Gretel was right there, it was comforting. Then there was him, helpless. He should be comforting her! Gretel was his sister but also his redeemer. She had gone through so much suffering that no child should have to. Without her, Hansel had no reason to live. He deserved this. "I'm fine..." He mumbled. "I just need to sleep...but it can wait... Gretel," It hurt to admit this. He hated this. "I'm not myself enough...to think of a plan... I can't do much while I'm stuck...here either. Tell me all you can...hopefully, I'll feel good...enough soon but-" He gripped his lips, if he kept talking he wouldn't be able to keep it down.

Despite the urgency, Gretel could hardly stand to see him like this. He was right, she couldn't keep depending on him. All these years he had given everything for her. Now there wasn't much left to give. "Hansel! Lie down! You're hot, pale, and you look like every inch of you is in pain. You're just waking up from a hex. I'll think of something, I promise!" Hansel didn't hesitate, slowly lying down on the cold floor. It helped the heat slightly. Gretel looked away. It wasn't his fault, he did it for her but she felt so alone and incapable. She was unsure if she could keep her promise. She shifted, ready to leave him to sleep.