The Seed of Hope

Chapter 58: The Last Resort

It's been long hours ever since this cataclysm started. The sky was still dark and restless, but despite the chaos, most civilians had managed to get into cargo ships and evacuate. Only those with the capability to fight stayed behind including the Enforcers with weapons to fend off the mindless zombies Bassilisk called upon.

Rai popped his neck, the bowing position took a toll on his bones and joints. Ivee was with her mom, keeping her company as they watched the fight from the large windows of the skyscraper. Naoko was sitting outside, leaning against a pillar. She dug her face into her sore and bandaged hands.

-"Who knew it'd be this difficult?"- Rai sighed. He was nervous for Kate, he didn't know how she would manage to stop these two fiends from fighting, and then to kill them. They ignored their filthy, bloody, and sweaty bodies. There were so many corpses not too long ago. And now all but bloodstains remain on the once green and lush grass. No one was prepared for such a catastrophe. Ever since Kate was called, the island of Kirya has suffered relentlessly for the longest time. It was certain that the population had decreased significantly. Once a thriving and progressive island with strong roots in nature, it was now just a shell of society with scars of what it could've been. Naoko tightly closed her eyes, wishing for everything to be just a bad dream. She knew that Kate blamed herself for their home's constant suffering and destruction. It wasn't easy to convince her otherwise and calm her down. This time around, Naoko truly believed that Kate would surpass the threshold of the mental toll guilt has on her. Kate will never be the same again.

-"No one ever said it would be easy, Rai. I just wish we had proper training for moments like these."- Naoko sniffed as she still simmered in the feelings that she encountered. Her heart was beating fast and her face was warm with the rush of blood at the thought of her. She glanced at the blonde beside her and how absent his eyes seemed. He has changed from the time he came into their lives till now. They all knew Rai had some internal demons he had to overcome but this entire situation has taken a toll on him too. Naoko tilted her head as Rai sighed and slumped next to her. He scratched his head at the exhaustion that rattled his bones. Everything has been building up to this in the span of who knows how long but it also felt as if it happened all of a sudden. Time was no longer a concept they could grasp due to the constant disorientation, confusion, and tragedy. Naoko lowered her stare as she began to feel the sting of tears in her eyes. It was truly difficult to handle. Rai flicked his eyes to Naoko, how she dug her face in her hand, hiding away her expression. He noticed a combination of new and old wounds and dried-up blood on her. She never had the rest she needed to heal before getting hurt again. Kate too. She shouldn't be going through this either. He wondered how life would have been if Kate was never called to begin with. 

-"I...I saw you fight all of those creatures..."- He began. -"I know I might not be on anyone's good side lately, but I truly admire you and just know that I wish I had your strength. I wish I could've helped you..."-

-"No, Rai...you were the last line of defense if I would've failed...you were brave too. I just wish you stopped having such a negative mindset about yourself. We all know you have made mistakes, you have hurt Kate multiple times, but nothing hurts her more than you hating on yourself. She really cares about you so please, chin up."-

Rai didn't expect these words to escape Naoko's mouth. Usually, she would snap at him and insult him and make him feel like garbage but this time around, she was caring and different. He didn't ask why though, God forbid she changed her mind and attitude towards him.

-"I...I feel weird, Rai..."- Naoko whispered. Her heart was pounding so hard that Rai could almost hear it. -"I've never felt this way before and damn it, this isn't the time to feel this way either, but..."- She paused and took a deep breath.