The broken gear

Cooperation

Thomas couldn't understand what to do, or even why to continue. He fell to his knees. He was supposed to protect a gear in another country and failed, he was supposed to just arrive and stand guard and failed, he was supposed to just be there and failed. He couldn't think of anything but how he failed.

He started releasing a few tears, he never wanted this, but now, now he had to face the changes to his life alone. Or maybe not.

He no longer felt like crying. He could feel something else. He though of Nelle and how they faced multiple enemies together. He could feel her presence.

His vision returned from an empty void and he could see Nelle dissipating the mist. There were less strings than when he got hit.

While he wanted to help and end this fight peacefully, he couldn't help but think of his mistakes. Even though it wasn't his fault the train broke, it was his fault that he had to fight Jorrah, but that ended somewhat peacefully, so why couldn't this. And it was partially his fault on fighting the plant. but that was resolved as well. It would be more difficult but possibly manageable.

"I knew there was something off about you," said the visitor, "I just didn't think you would be this, powerful." A few hair strands were lightly levitating.

"I am going to make you pay," Nelle said as she sounded distraught and hateful.

"Nelle, don't!" yelled out Thomas.

Nelle was shocked, "Why, she tormented you."

"Please, we can all come to an agreement."

"I thought you would've been more of a fighter, but it seems I was wrong again," said the visitor. Her necklace was glowing brightly. "I'm sorry about this, but I have to protect my people. I wish you could've been more understanding." she said as she raised her arm towards Thomas once again. "Dark heart," she whispered.

Thomas fell again. This time there were no distractions from what was happening. He could feel any and all pain he had ever felt in his life, physical and psychological. He tried to grasp any source of comfort but couldn't.  He knew Nelle would help him.

He hoped Nelle would help him.

He slowly started to have his head filled with negative thoughts. The physical pain started to gradually get worse. He started to have trouble thinking.

He started to ask for help. Luckily, it came.

"Hopeful heart."