The Path Unknown

31. The Reuinification

Getting back to the cabin they called home, Kai ran in through the front door; disturbed and out of breath. He fell on the door mat and panted, drawing attention from nearby friends. They picked him up and laid him on the nearest couch, getting him some water. Though shocked at what had happened, he fell asleep within a few minutes. He was extremely exhausted. Miya looked at him with deep concern from the side of the couch. If he died on this night, she would never forgive herself...

She looked him over a bit closer and took a mental note of his condition. Sweating, panting hard with a slight wheeze, and pale skin. Something scared him to the point he ran back towards the cabin as quickly as he could, even when he said he was going to stay out there a little while more. This wasn't reassuring as he wasn't outwardly scared of a lot, though she knew he was for many things that not a lot of people saw. Well, at least not the people who were close to him.

"He'll be fine, Miya, you should get some sleep." Liz's voice came from behind her.

"Well, how can I be sure of it unless I stay here?"

"Because he's safe here and you know that."

"But what if it's not his physical but his mental that gives out? You can't just jump to conclusions and say that he'll be fine!" She started to tear.

"I'm sorry..." Liz sighed, "are you two close?"

"Yea... 'close' means what to you?"

She didn't say anything, because Miya did have a right to question her; though she didn't know how to answer that. She defended herself verbally like she was fighting her fears off. That fear had seemed to be her losing him. Liz stepped back and looked on the two with concern, though with a deep understanding of how they felt. She knows how it felt to be in love with someone. She knows the feeling of being in someone else's embrace and she missed it greatly. It was something she longed for, but never thought the same way of any one else here - except maybe, just maybe, Haru.

"Well, when you're finished, you should get to bed. You don't have to wait long until the morning."

And with that, Miya was alone with Kai, who was still fast asleep. She looked him over one last time, soaking in what she had said as well as her answer. A few more tears soaked into Kai's virtual clothing as she took one last look at him. She felt he would be there, but just didn't fully feel comfortable leaving him. The room was barren, no sign of a sleeping bag or mat. After ten minutes of searching, it was apparent she would not find anything to suit her, so she gave him one last kiss and went off to bed.

*2 hours later*

Waking up, Kai looked around. It was the middle of night and everyone was asleep. He sat up on the couch and took a second look around. He was superb in telling time based on the conditions around him, so guessing that it was around 11:53 PM was almost definitely spot on. He checked the world time on his menu, showing that it was, in fact, 11:53 PM and 27 seconds. Close enough. The turned on the nearest lamp for additional light and started to roam the now empty living room. Weapons were spread out in sections of the room, since the next raid was coming very soon. Miya's was the smallest pile of all, she wasn't one to keep souvenirs in this game due to its short lived rewards - like any other video game. He, on the other hand, never hesitates to collect a few things every once in a while.

He still had all his gear on him, ever since that close encounter at the lake. Just as he thought about that odd event, he saw the shadow again at the door. Quickly, he turned off the lights and drew his staff; simultaneously backing into a corner. On his right, Buro came out of his room and headed straight for the front door. Slipping like a thief in the night, he closed the slightly ajar door and started conversing with the man in hushed voices; as to not wake the others. Creeping slowly, Kai made his way towards the window to try and eavesdrop on the conversation; but the unknown player moved back - drawing Buro further as well. If this was Buro's informant, he was very particular as far as his personal space.