The Void Duelist

Chapter 22 - Promises

Aria's POV

I woke up to see a white ceiling,  quickly recognising it as the infirmary. I tried to sit up but even lifting my neck sent jolts of agony throughout my whole body. I couldn't move without being absorbed in pain, so I just laid there, still. Staring off into my imagination. That when I realised.

I felt so much lighter. As of a huge weight had been lifted off of me. I felt...so much. I felt the joy of being alive and the smell of nature coming from the outside window, even though it was night. The pain of my body. The slight frustration of being stuck in here unable to move. 

I felt all these emotions and more. I could feel again. I used to be scared of all these emotions. But my walls had been completely ground into dust and blown away. As if they never existed in the first place. It felt so nice, cool. It felt like I was standing in the middle of a field in the middle of summer. A warm glow from the sun and yet a chill on my skin from the wind.

I felt so calm, peaceful, tranquil. It felt like I was bathing in pure heaven. The only way I could describe it well enough was the colour of a light pale-ish blue aqua. Almost like the sky, but bolder, brighter and more full of emotion.

(See image, best I could fine. Yes this is really the most perfect way I can describe it.)

I closed my eyes and enjoyed this feeling. I opened my eyes again when I noticed slight breathing, that was not my own, coming from close by. I moved my head, wincing at the pain, to see Jaden on a bed next to mine. It was close enough for me to be able to reach his arm while still laying down.

I noticed all his cuts, bruises and scars. It was horrible. I had no idea what happened to him. There seemed to be more than there was the time I beat up Chaz, and I had no idea what caused these new ones.

Why can't I remember what happened? Last thing I remembered was Chaz being rude, me beating his ass to hell again. Then it's all a blur from there.

I heard Jaden's breathes. They were dry, and wheezy. Like you would if you had a bad cough. His Kuriboh-like hair was a mess and his clothes looked all tattered up. His jacket was hanging on a coat rack, across the room, so he was just wearing his trousers and dark grey t-shirt. His shoes were also by the coat each, his socks inside. Mine were also there.

There was also a chair that sat between mine and Jaden's beds, although it only just fitted. Ignoring the pain I sat up in one swift move, and plopped my butt into the chair. It hurt like hell, but I wanted to see him better.

I stared at his face taking in every feature. His half brown, half honey coloured hair. His lightly tanned skin. All of it. Now I thought about it, he looked quite...cute? Good looking basically. I just didn't like the words 'hot' or anything like that so my compliment dictionary wasn't the best.

I gently moved some strands of hair from his eye. His hair was soft.

Since when did I start taking such an interest? Probably way back when he looked after me that night when I had that nightmare.

Then I just...distanced myself. But I never stopped taking an interest, did I? Just...got scared and ran away like I always do... But running and locking things up doesn't mean they go away permanently.

I heard foot steps coming towards the door, so I quickly got back into my own bed and faced the ceiling. The nurse came in and noticed I was awake.

"I see you've finally woken up." She smiled. "Been asleep a good 12 hours I'd say."

"12 hours?! That a long time." I exclaimed.

"Well after what happened I'm not surprised."

"What happened? All I remember is beating Chaz up again...but not as much as before. Just him sitting on the floor."

"I see. Well I would tell you, but I think it would be best not to. I don't want to worry or upset you, but what I can say is that you won't be beating anyone else up anytime soon." She smiled again. "Let's just say all that darkness you had in your heart is gone now."

"That would explain why I feel so light."

"Good to hear. Now I've gotta go pick up some food from the cafeteria. Keep an eye Jaden for me would ya. He's always rushing around, even when he's in a poor condition like now."

"Sure."

She left as quickly as she arrived. I sat up and looked at Jaden. He really was in a bad state. I felt like I was responsible for all of it. I hated that I couldn't remember...but going by what the nurse had too me, I started to think it was a good thing.

I'm so sorry Jaden. I probably don't deserve it...but I do hope you can forgive me.

Guilt and hope. More emotions that were new.

I watched as Jaden's face scrunch up and his eyes press together tightly. He started to mumble in his slumber.

"Ar..." He whispered. "Ari...a. Aria."

He was saying my name. Was he awake? No. He was dreaming about...me.

I felt my face heat up.

"Aria." He called again. "Don't go! Don't leave!"

He held out his hand as if to stop dream me from leaving to wherever she was going. I stretched mine out and laced my fingers with his. A small smile spread across his face.

"I won't leave you. I promise." I whispered back.

He smiled wider. "Thank you Aria. I..."

His voice trailed off, and his face relaxed, but his hand was still tightly grasping mine. In fear if he let go I would leave. I let him have his way and let our arms rest across the chair arms so it was more comfortable than letting them hang in midair.

I soon fell back to sleep again, back and head against my pillow. It was like laying on a cloud made of velvet. I woke up to a slight tingling sensation in my hand a few hours later. I cracked my eyes open to see Jaden's hand still gripping my own. As if scared. I sat up, with much less pain than before, and placed my other hand on top.

"Aria..." He croaked.

His eyes were cracked open slightly, so I guessed he was awake this time. But, considering the state he was in I assumed he would still think he was dreaming.

"What is it?"

"Why? Why did you leave?"

"I didn't leave. I've been sat here-."

"Why did you leave before? Why did you leave me alone?"

I was speechless. It was like a child begging for their mother. Or a dog for more treats. I guessed he was referring to me ignoring him and when I stopped being his friend.

"I'm sorry Jaden. I just...needed time alone to think things through. That's all."

"You're not alone. I could've helped."

"I know that now." I smiled. "And I am very grateful for that."

The corners of his lips turned up in a tiny smile. His hold on my hand never removed itself, nor did it loosen. He was holding onto me as if I was his entire life, and he would go crashing down without it.

"Promise you won't leave again?" He asked, still croaky.

I smiled at is question, he really did want me to stay with him.

Idiot. What kinda question is that.

"I promise."

His eyes closed again as one last smile made it's way across his face. Returning deep into slumber.

Word Count: 1340