Kaskia: A Hero's Awakening

Chapter 14

"Aiden!" Rina yelled, waking from a nightmare drenched in sweat.

"Huh?" Aiden replied groggily.

"Rina? You're awake!"

"What... What happened?" Rina asked, rubbing her head. "My head hurts so much."

"I'm glad you're alright." Aiden replied, hugging his sister with his one good arm.

"Your necklace." Squishy said, pointing to the gem resting in the middle. "It has magic abilities, it must have been enchanted years ago. When it sensed a magical attack on you, it used your magic to defend against it, draining your energy in the process."

"What does that mean?" Rina asked, still confused at what he told her.

"The scroll you opened, it is also enchanted." Squishy replied, showing Rina the scroll in his pouch. "Anyone who opens it is meant to die. It's quite amazing that you had so much power within you that the trinket was able to protect you."

"Really?" Rina asked, holding her necklace up, staring at the shining gem. "This little thing saved me?"

"Yes. It's a good thing you have it." Grape answered. "When we get we're we are going, he should be able to show you how to use that trinket, so you don't pass out every time it protects you."

"Can you tell us who it is we're going to yet?" Aiden asked, curious to know who the mysterious person is.

"Not yet." Squishy replied. "We should be there in two to three days though."

"Where's Arlington and Jr.?" Rina asked, looking around the camp and not seeing the two Kaiine.

"It's early, they're off scouting the rest of the way." Grape answered. "It's better if we get moving now before the sun comes up. It's far cooler when it's dark out."

"If we are where I think we are, we are only a few hours away from ruins just south of the forest. That is our next camp for today." Squishy added. "Once we get there, it's only about a day's journey to our destination."

"Then let's go." Aiden said, eager to be done with the desert, as he tried to pick up his gear, dropping it as pain surged through his body from his wound.

"I'll carry your shield." Grape said, placing it on her back. "Just hang onto your sword."

Sighing, Aiden nodded, too tired and worn out to argue. He hated being unable to carry his gear, feeling like a burden to the group. "Where did you get your shield Squishy?"

"I took it from one of the soldiers." Squishy replied as if it was nothing. "It seemed too big for the man and a good fit for me. Figured I'd take it just in case."

At the thought of seeing Squishy, a giant bear, casually taking an oversized shield from a soldier who was too small to carry it, Aiden burst out laughing, unable to resist the silly image his head pictured.

"What's so funny?" Rina asked.

"Just picturing how Squishy ended up with the shield." Aiden replied. "The situation we're in, it's crazy."

"What do you mean?" Rina asked, confused why her brother was acting the way he was.

"Never mind." Aiden answered, walking away from the temple "Let's go."

"He's feeling overwhelmed." Grape whispered to Rina. "He's been through a lot the past few days and he's exhausted, he just needs a lot of rest."

Squishy caught up with Aiden as they traveled across the desert in the dark of night, a cool breeze filled the air. Squishy wanted to make sure Aiden was alright and not suffering from any side effects from his wound. He gauged Aiden on how he walked and talked, asking Aiden about his family, where he lived, how he grew up, trying to figure out if he knew about their parent's past. Everything Aiden told him brought Squishy to the conclusion that their parents wanted to stay hidden away from the gaze of Cladon, which meant keeping their past from their children.