Night Rock Cave

Chapter 4

When Aner woke, hunger gnawed at him fiercely, yet he felt normal again. The heightened awareness was gone, and the physical boost had vanished replaced by an ache that filled his body. As he opened his eyes to an unfamiliar sight of the hospital bed, he noticed the gentle rumble of wheels. Just in time, he glimpsed Ezsara slipping out of the room, her presence like a shadow. His muscle ache disappeared as his new awareness blossomed once more.  He looked over at Lanar and could once again feel his life force, the energy at his core. An energy everyone seemed to have, but it was different from the physical energy and ousia he had learned to feel inside himself.

He didn’t understand how he had done what he had, but was grateful Lanar still lived.  He took a deep breath, the fatigue he had felt when he woke had lessened.  Folding his hands together, Aner rested his forehead on them.  Supporting his arms on his knees.  Lanar was alright, he would be fine. He began repeating to himself.

Normal sensations began to return when the door opened again as he looked up the extra sensations returning in a rush.  The nurse had a clipboard in her hands, “so I understand you are the patient's only family.  Are you able to fill in the paperwork for your brother?”

Aner nodded and took the clipboard from her, ready to fill out the necessary forms. Ezsara inquired about the tube in Lanar's mouth, prompting the nurse to explain its purpose of providing nutrition directly to his stomach. Aner quickly finished the paperwork while the nurse was still speaking. He remained sitting at the desk, pretending to write down more information even after the nurse had left. Not long afterward, a person entered with a tray of food and placed it on a nearby counter before exiting.

“You can stop pretending and eat the food,” Ezsara remarked as she settled into a chair beside him

“I don't know what you mean,” Aner said trying to sound innocent ignorance.  She tapped the completed papers he was holding, he let out a sigh. “Why did you tell me to eat?”

“Because I was informed by the healer it was for you.” Her tone was gentle yet firm as she touched his arm lightly, concern etched on her face.  “I've also been recruited to be your minder until you can control what you're doing.”

“I'm just sitting here,” he mumbled nervously, unconsciously picking up a sandwich from the tray and biting into it.
“No you're not. I know your ousia is being used as we speak.” Her words were soft but direct.  “Aner, you can talk to me.”

He looked down at the half-eaten sandwich. Was he hungry? Strange, he didn't feel it. Closing his eyes, he tried to gauge his own energy levels but was overwhelmed by an acute awareness of everything around him. Every object in the room he could ‘see’, even Ezsara. Every fold of her clothes, each limb, and even individual strands of her hair. Stood out in vivid detail through a perception that defied explanation. This heightened sensitivity extended beyond the room’s boundaries to nearby spaces and hallways, resonating with the energies he could also ‘see’ of people there. Escape seemed impossible; every attempt to shut it all down felt futile.

As he ate the last few bites of his sandwich, a sense of familiarity washed over him. The taste was bland but comforting, providing some solace amidst the turmoil inside of him. He continued to eat mechanically, lost in memories that flooded his mind. It had been different when Lanar's safety was threatened, instinct had guided him. Now, with things changed, the heightened awareness still lingered but felt overwhelming.  He couldn't help but recall how he effortlessly merged with the car before, as if it were just another part of himself. Confusion clouded his thoughts as he tried to make sense of what was happening.

Ezsara picked up the tray and settled next to him with it balanced on her lap. Without opening his eyes, he reached for more food. "Once you're done eating," she said softly, "I'll take you to my place. After we rest up, we can get our gear from the campsite." Her tone was gentle.