Warrior - Cursed by Birth

Chapter 5 - Death/Rebirth

Chapter Five

Death/Rebirth

When she woke up, she was back in the forest. Still too weak to stand, she chose to remain in her current position, lying down on top of dry leaves and dirt, her vision capturing the beautiful night sky which was filled with bright stars. It was difficult to breathe and she quite enjoyed the soft breeze caressing her skin. The cold air was a relief, she was sweaty and felt too hot, like her body was in an eternal hell. Every movement hurt and her mind ached.

But the stars were beautiful. She should've admired them more often.

It was not a bad place to die.

"You're awake."

She faintly smiled at the sight of him.

"Thank you, Marshall."

"You're welcome." He smiled, gently caressing her burning forehead. "My friend."

"My friend," she repeated, in a tired whisper.

"You should rest."

"I will have plenty of time for that. Marshall, did you-"

"I didn't kill him," he replied, with an angry frown. "Although I should have."

"No."

"He is alive and unharmed, don't worry."

She smiled and sighed with relief. "Thank you. For not hurting him."

"You're incredible. After all you've done for him, he was going to-" He looked away, visibly angry at the thought. "He doesn't deserve you."

"I disobeyed."

"As if that justifies anything."

"It does, in a way."

"Well, it shouldn't!"

"It's a crime."

"I am proud of you. You did the right thing."

"It felt right," she said. "So why does it hurt so much?"

"I don't know," he whispered. "But it's not fair."

There was soothing and comfortable silence for a moment and they both used it to stare at the stars. It was ironic that, in the midst of all her pain and guilt, she felt so at peace.

"I am going to die, Marshall," she said, the realization wasn't shocking or frightening, but it made her sad.

He didn't reply.

"I am glad I met you, though."

He finally looked at her. His eyes were shining, although she couldn't decipher his feelings.

"I am glad I met you too, Alanis."

***

Alanis had fallen asleep again. He got up and headed towards the same place where he had met her. Instead of a ferocious Warrior, fiercely gazing at a burning Kingdom, this time he found Keloni, looking at his Master's tomb.

They stood side by side, silently lost in thought.

"How are you feeling?" Marshall asked, finally breaking the quiet.

"Better. And worse."

"You owe her your life."

"I know."

"And your freedom."

"I wanted neither."

"Liar," Marshall said, smiling with bitterness. Keloni finally looked at him, his expression unreadable, as always, and Marshall continued, "You can't possibly be this weak."