Broken Worlds

Chapter 9: The Gentle Suki Prt. 2

Time seemed to freeze as Suki stood in the entrance.

"Elena!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with urgency as he reached her side.

Elena winced with each little moment, her body aching from the ordeal she had endured. Suki's touch was firm yet gentle, a lifeline in the storm of her pain. His office became, a sanctuary where he could tend to her wounds.

With his tender touch, Suki helped Elena back onto the couch, his eyes scanning her injuries with a mixture of horror and determination. He grabbed a clean cloth from a nearby shelf and dipped it into a basin of warm water he made, then began to carefully clean the blood and dirt from her skin. His movements were deliberate and precise, each touch conveying his deep concern.

Elena sat in silence, her eyes downcast, as Suki worked. The pain was a dull throb, a constant reminder of her recent failures. She could feel the weight of her shame pressing down on her, but the gentle touch of her friend offered a glimmer of comfort amidst the turmoil.

Once he had cleaned the wounds, Suki reached into a cabinet and retrieved a small, ornate jar. The label read "Healing Balm," a rare and expensive ointment known for its powerful healing properties. With a delicate touch, he applied the balm to each of Elena's cuts and bruises, watching as the magical substance began to work its magic, slowly knitting her skin back together leaving scars.

Next, he turned his attention to her shroom. It hung limply, barely attached, a sad remnant of its former vibrant self. With a deep breath, Suki took a pair of scissors and carefully cut away the damaged parts, leaving only a small stump. He hoped that, with time and care, it would grow back strong and healthy.

Throughout the process, Suki remained silent, his focus entirely on tending to Elena's wounds. It was only after he had finished, when he had wrapped her in a warm blanket and ensured she was as comfortable as possible, that he finally spoke.

"Who did this to you?" he asked, his voice a low growl, filled with a mixture of anger which isn't like Suki and concern.

Elena looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mix of pain and resignation. "It was actually multiple persons that did this," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Suki's expression darkened, his eyes flashing with a protective fury that concerned Elena. He seemed more upset about it than Elena herself, his hands clenching into fists as he processed her words. But he quickly reined in his anger, focusing instead on offering her the comfort and support she desperately needed.

"You can stay here, in the office," he said softly, his voice filled with genuine care. "You don't have to go home like this. Your mom doesn't need to know what happened. I'll take care of you." He read Elena's mind.

Elena nodded grateful that she had someone that knows her so well, tears welling up in her eyes. The thought of facing her mother in this state, of seeing the worry and disappointment in her eyes, was more than she could bear. Here, with Suki, she felt safe—a sanctuary amidst the chaos of her life.

"Thank you, Suki," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I don't know what I would do without you."

Suki reached out, gently squeezing her hand. "You don't have to worry about that. I'll always be here for you, no matter what. We'll get through this together."

As they sat in the quiet of the office, the sounds of the kitchen fading into the background, Elena felt a sense of peace wash over her. She knew that the road ahead would be difficult, that the battles she faced were far from over. But with Suki by her side, she felt a renewed sense of strength and determination. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, and together, they would find a way to heal and grow stronger.

Suki held Elena's gaze, his eyes gleaming with unwavering resolve. "I promise you, Elena, no more hurt will come to you as long as I'm around. I won't let anyone lay a finger on you again," he vowed, his voice a steady pillar of strength.

Their moment of solace was shattered by a sudden, deafening explosion that rocked the building. The windows rattled, and the walls trembled, sending a shiver of dread down their spines. Suki and Elena exchanged a startled glance before rushing out of the office, their hearts pounding with alarm.

The restaurant was in chaos, patrons screaming and scrambling for the exits. The air was thick with tension as everyone's eyes were fixed on the windows, where plumes of smoke rose into the sky, painted with streaks of vivid, magical colors that crackled and zapped through the air.

Suki's brow furrowed as he took in the scene, his voice barely audible over the commotion. "It appears someone is battling out there," he muttered, his grip tightening on Elena's hand.

Elena's eyes widened in horror, her voice barely a whisper. "And right when most of the town's protectors left for the castle," she said, her heart sinking with the realization. She had never felt more weak and useless than she did at that moment, her body battered and her spirit broken.

Suki turned to her, his expression a mix of concern and determination. "Stay here, Elena. I'll go help as many people as I can," he said, already moving towards the supply closet.

Elena's heart leaped into her throat as she grabbed his arm, desperation etched into her features. "Suki, no! You can't go out there! It's too dangerous!" she pleaded, her voice choked with fear.

Suki paused, turning back to her with a smirk that held a hint of confidence. He reached into the closet and pulled out a gleaming sword, its edge sharp and deadly. "Don't tell me you forgot who you're talking to," he said, his eyes gleaming with a fierce determination. "I'm not just a scholar, Elena. And I won't stand by while our town is under attack."

With that, he turned and dashed out of the restaurant, leaving Elena standing alone amidst the chaos. Her heart hammered in her chest as she watched him go, a mix of fear, pride, and desperation swirling within her. She knew she should stay put, that she was in no condition to fight, but the thought of Suki facing danger alone was unbearable.

Elena couldn't even recognize herself from a few days ago. She aspired to be like her father. She swore never to fear battler or give up.

As the sounds of battle grew louder, Elena took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come. She knew she couldn't sit idly by while her friend risked his life. Somehow, she had to find the strength to help, no matter the cost.