Shadow Beings

9. Words from a Past

"What?" I asked, looking at my arm. A deep golden line shone on it, brightening the dark atmosphere around.

"You need to heal this immediately. I'm thankful that a Demon blade didn't cut you, but this one's by a Masada blade. Don't treat it lightly."

"I'll be fine, Galen. It's just a small cut," I reassured him with a smile. To be honest, it was rather nasty. I probably didn't notice it because of the height of the entire situation.

"Don't treat it lightly," he repeated firmly and forced me to follow him into the medical room. Galen peered straight ahead as he pulled me gently by the arm, everything other than him blurring from my vision until we came to a stop. 

The large room contained numerous beds and I was grateful to see them all empty, so grateful. Galen sat me down on one and went to the cabinet in a corner by the entrance to gather the necessary things.

He picked a large green leaf, put a few drops of a white liquid on the surface and gently wrapped it around my arm. His eyes were marked with concern, but the calm demeanour never faded away, only a little frown disturbing his face.

"Relax, Galen, it's not that serious. Isn't that what you told me to do, anyway?"

"I don't remember asking you to not take care of yourself."

I smiled bleakly. I forgot how his worries could shoot up. Always looking out for me. Always looking out for everyone.

Everyone except himself.

"Alright, Galen. But don't be so tense because of all this. We need to keep a free mind because anything can happen. We need to be prepared for anything now. This is just a small cut. What if I die?"

He stopped suddenly, and his frown turned sharper. I wish I didn't say that, I thought. I realised how oddly direct I had been. I just didn't wish to burden him so much.

He took a deep breath and continued attending to my wound.

"Please don't, Audrey," he said in a calm tone, sending a tinge of guilt through me.

That regret just grew with our awkward silence, something that came after so many years. I understood the importance of words - why did I say that? - and I couldn't throw such facts after the losses he faced.

Especially since he shows how much he cares.

"I'm sorry," I whispered softly.

"You have nothing to apologise for." His expression softened as he continued to press the wound.

I looked at his focused and kind expression. I never understood how someone could be so empathetic and mentally strong. It was as if he could hide anything and everything from his face. Always the calm person, always chose his words carefully, always understood everyone. 

A smile came on my face as I pictured my old man's slender frame as he stood loosely with his hands in his pockets, a casual smile accompanying his gentle aura. He was very similar to Galen. The two of them even got along very well; Galen was often a victim of his spiritual speeches and he'd actually listen to him eagerly. I thought I was my father's only audience until he came along.

He worried me. Every time I really looked deep into the tone of his mind - which was hard because his emotions were enveloped in a protective blanket deep inside - there was such compassion and yet... trauma. Perhaps the former grew from the latter? I didn't understand it. I knew his mother's death was very hard on him but it couldn't have brought such suffering. It just couldn't.

Still, I dared not think about that day.

Was it okay to analyse him in that manner? Was I looking at his surface aura, as if reading his facial expressions, or was I invading his privacy? Using my ability makes it hard to tell. Jay wouldn't have any trouble. She wouldn't have had any trouble.